HomeMy WebLinkAbout062626 - WAcounties Weekly _ June 26_ 2026ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
June 26, 2026 STATE NEWS Record $500M Lawsuit Payouts Bleed Washington State
June 26, 2026
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STATE NEWS
Record $500M Lawsuit Payouts Bleed Washington State Budgets
It’s a major strain on state and local budgets—called "tort liability." That’s when the government gets sued—and must pay a settlement or jury award. Just last year, the state paid out
a record-breaking $500 million, which is five times the amount in 2021. As of now, lawmakers are struggling to find a solution.
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COUNTY CONNECTION PODCAST
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Unlocking MRSC: A Powerful Tool for Local Government
What if one of the most powerful resources for local government was hiding in plain sight? In this episode, Paul sits down with MRSC Executive Director Melanie Harding to unpack how
the Municipal Research and Services Center helps counties navigate everything from policy and legal guidance to training and real-world solutions. From free expert support to a massive
library of ready-to-use documents, MRSC is a game-changer for both elected officials and staff. Tune in to learn how this under-the-radar resource can save you time, money, and headaches,
and why more counties should be tapping into it.
LISTEN NOW <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/6678eb45-83d1-4d02-86cb-ca0fe89ce5b4/3>
WSAC NEWS
WSAC Welcomes Mike Hoover as Senior Policy Director & General Counsel
The Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC) is pleased to announce that Mike Hoover will join the organization as its new Senior Policy Director and General Counsel, beginning
July 1, 2026.
Hoover brings a wealth of experience in government affairs, public policy development and advocacy, legal affairs, parliamentary procedures, and has worked closely with and advocated
for county governments, and most recently served as the Senior Strategic Advisor to the Commissioner of Public Lands at the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. He also
previously worked as a contract lobbyist with the Washington State Association of Counties, making his return to the organization both meaningful and impactful.
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WSAC NEWS
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Submit Your Session Proposal by July 10, 2026
You're invited to submit a session presentation proposal to be offered in-person at this year's County Leaders Conference, November 17-19, 2026. These sessions will provide opportunities
for skill development, the exchange of knowledge, and a collaborative learning atmosphere related to county government. We encourage you to be creative, innovative, and interactive
with your session ideas! We do anticipate more proposals than session time slots available, so we may combine some proposals with others, and not every proposal can be included in the
conference agenda. The deadline for submitting proposals is July 10, 2026. WSAC will discuss the proposals received and notify you of your proposal status in August.
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PARTNER NEWS
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WSAC’s Gold Partner Celebrates Nearly a Century of Serving Whatcom County
Sanitary Service Company, Inc. (SSC) is a family-owned company serving much of Whatcom County since 1929. SSC provides full-service recycling and solid waste collection for residential
and commercial customers.
SSC works closely with Whatcom County on solid waste and recycling issues and provides services consistent with the County’s Comprehensive Solid Waste Plan.
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NACo NEWS
Partnerships Drive Better Community Health
Thurston County worked with its public health department to create its Street Vendor Program, which allows operators to sell food without a traditional food truck, while still prioritizing
health and safety standards, according to Thurston County Commissioner Carolina Mejia.
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STATE NEWS
SEPA Addendum Published
The Interstate Bridge Program (IBR) has provided an update on the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) addendum the IBR Program has prepared, including why it was needed and how the
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) will use it.
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COUNTY NEWS
Multiple Burn Bans in Effect for Western Washington Amid Heat Advisory
If you operate a recreational fire, safety officials state you must keep it small and watch it at all times. You must use dry firewood inside a metal or concrete pit, clear all plants
and vegetation at least 10 feet around the area, and keep the flames at least 25 feet away from homes and buildings. Additionally, do not light any fires if local winds pass 15 mph,
and ensure the coals are completely out before leaving.
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WSAC NEWS
Did You Miss the WSAC Fleet & Equipment Lunch & Learn?
In case you missed Wednesday's Lunch & Learn, the recording is now available. Get an overview of the Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC) Fleet & Equipment program, highlighting
a comprehensive, end‑to‑end approach to fleet leasing and lifecycle management tailored specifically for counties. You'll learn how WSAC Fleet & Equipment helps control costs and reduce
the administrative burden through its “Four Points” model: Procurement, Financing, Service, and Liquidation, while offering flexible lease-purchase options that preserve capital, stabilize
budgets, and eliminate hidden fees or prepayment penalties.
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WSAC NEWS
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Represent Counties on a Statewide Board or Commission!
Apply today to represent counties in these important arenas! For full details and links to board websites, please visit the application link below. Before applying, please ensure that
you are able to accommodate the meeting schedule of the board or commission.
* State Council on Aging
* Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board (Elected) - Seat 5
* Forensic Investigations Council (FIC) -7
* Citizens Advisory Committee on Pipeline Safety
* Public Works Board - West (Elected)
* Transportation Improvement Board (Elected) - Pop 125K or less
APPLY NOW <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/6678eb45-83d1-4d02-86cb-ca0fe89ce5b4/15>
<https://unlayer-hqpnbzmtervc8.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/%2F1705611441075-425944.png> Upcoming Events
TUE
30
JUNE 30
Building Resilient Local Governments (BRLG) Graduate Program Q&A <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/6678eb45-83d1-4d02-86cb-ca0fe89ce5b4/16>
Webinar | FREE
WED
15
JULY 15
2026 NACo PPI Lunch & Learn <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/6678eb45-83d1-4d02-86cb-ca0fe89ce5b4/17>
Webinar | FREE
VIEW ALL UPCOMING EVENTS <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/6678eb45-83d1-4d02-86cb-ca0fe89ce5b4/18>
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NEW WSAC MEMBER?
Sign into The Hub for county resources & more ways to connect!
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<https://wsac.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/WSAC_Legislative_Icons_2021-Social.png> LATEST Job Openings
WSAC, THURSTON COUNTY
Local Public Health System Workforce Manager <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/6678eb45-83d1-4d02-86cb-ca0fe89ce5b4/20>
$85,000 - $105,000/Yr
THURSTON COUNTY
Senior Management Analyst <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/6678eb45-83d1-4d02-86cb-ca0fe89ce5b4/21>
$8,015 – $10,542/Mo
VIEW ALL COUNTY JOBS <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/6678eb45-83d1-4d02-86cb-ca0fe89ce5b4/22>
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Sanitary Service Company was established in 1929 by three visionaries as Bellingham's first garbage collection company. The company quickly grew to serve 500 customers, with five employees
who collected garbage by horse and wagon.
Almost a century later, SSC’s 90+ employees serve over 50,000 customers in Bellingham, Ferndale, Birch Bay, Blaine, and the majority of unincorporated Whatcom County.
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