HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 2nd Qtr Finance Committee Minutes_2026-04-27_Draft
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MINUTES
Jefferson County Finance Committee
Regular Meeting – April 27, 2026, 3:00 p.m.
Courthouse, Commissioners’ Chambers 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA (HYBRID) CALL TO ORDER: Treasurer Stacie Prada called the meeting to order at 3:01 pm in the presence of BOCC Chair Greg Brotherton, Auditor Brenda Huntingford, Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour and
Commissioner Heather Dudley-Nollette, County Administrator Josh Peters, Sheriff Andy Pernsteiner, Executive Director Jeffcom 911 Matt Stewart. This meeting allows the Commissioners to meet with the Finance Committee, and provide comments when necessary. All action taken at the meeting is done by Finance Committee (FC) members.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: FC Chair Prada opened the floor for public comments, and no
comments were received. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA: Commissioner Brotherton moved to approve the Agenda, Auditor Huntingford seconded. Approved unanimously APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Auditor Huntingford moved to approve the February 2, 2026 minutes.
Commissioner Brotherton seconded, motion carried.
DISCUSSION re: Treasurer’s Report 1st Quarter 2026 covering County and District debt & investments: FC Chair Prada reviewed the Treasurer’s report with the Committee which provided an overview of County investments, noting that most funds are invested in the State investment pool with a current rate of about 3.71%, and that nearly all available cash is invested except what is needed for daily operations. The County currently holds about $183 million in investments, with $178 million in the state
pool, and is evaluating future strategies such as longer-term investments or separately managed funds.
DISCUSSION re: County Debt, Capital Planning and JeffCom expansion funding options: FC Chair Prada reviewed the report with the Committee and discussed potential financing options for expanding the JeffCom communications facility. Since Jeffcom cannot independently issue bonds, the
County could sponsor debt backed by its property tax authority. Preliminary estimates suggest a smaller
expansion could cost $1.5–2 million, with the state’s local government bond program identified as a cost-effective financing option, while larger facility plans may require broader coordination and inclusion in the County’s Capital Improvement Plan. The discussion also explored aligning JeffCom needs with a potential future law and justice facility to maximize funding opportunities, though no
decisions were made and further planning and analysis are needed.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Not discussed.
NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT: Chair Prada adjourned the Finance Meeting and posted the Notice of
Adjournment at Commissioners at 3:54 p.m. until the next regular meeting or special meeting as properly noticed. 2026 Meeting Schedule - Hybrid: Virtual and In-Person 3:00pm
• July 27, and October 26, 2026, Board of County Commissioner's Chambers Approved:
_________________________________________________ Stacie Prada, Jefferson County Treasurer
_________________________________________________
Brenda Huntingford, Jefferson County Auditor