HomeMy WebLinkAbout060214_ra01JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners ?
FROM: Philip Morley, County Administrator
DATE: June 2, 2014
RE: Appointment of Chief Deputy Treasurer Janet Holbrook as Acting County
Treasurer
STATEMENT OF ISSUE: County Treasurer Judi Morris is retiring on June 30, 2014. The
County Commissioners are asked to appoint Chief Deputy Treasurer Janet Holbrook as Acting
County Treasurer to serve starting July 1 until a new County Treasurer is appointed or elected.
ANALYSIS: After 17 '/2 years ably serving the citizens of Jefferson County as County
Treasurer, Judi Morris has notified the County Commissioners she will retire, on June 30, 2014,
leaving the Treasurer's seat vacant, effective July 1. Consistent with Article II Section 15 of the
Washington State Constitution, the Jefferson County Republican Party Central Committee
nominated three individuals for the County Commissioners to choose from to appoint a
Treasurer to fill out the rest of Judi Morris' current term. All three nominees subsequently
declined to be considered for appointment. The Republican Party Central Committee notified
the County Commissioners it will make no further nominations.
RCW 36.16.115 authorizes the County Commissioners to appoint an existing employee from the
Treasurer's Office as an Acting County Treasurer to perform all necessary duties to continue
normal office operations when the Treasurer's position is vacant. Under that statute, the Acting
County Treasurer would serve until a successor is either appointed or elected.
Chief Deputy Treasurer Janet Holbrook has worked in the Treasurer's Office for 32 years,
including the most recent 20 years as Chief Deputy Treasurer, who is second only to the elected
Treasurer. Ms. Holbrook has extensive knowledge and experience in the operations of the
Treasurer's Office. She already fills in for Treasurer Morris whenever Ms. Morris is away from
the office for conferences or personal time off. Treasurer Morris supports Ms. Holbrook's
appointment as Acting Treasurer.
If appointed Acting Treasurer by the County Commissioners, Ms. Holbrook would continue in
her current regular staff position, but also be designated as Acting Treasurer to discharge the
authorities and obligations of that office for the remainder of Judi Morris' current term. The
added designation as Acting Treasurer would begin July 1 of this year, and continue through the
certification of the General Election results, presently scheduled for November 25. The newly
elected Treasurer would assume office the very next day.
FISCAL IMPACT: While Acting Treasurer, Ms. Holbrook will receive the Treasurer's
monthly salary rate. Upon Ms. Morris' departure, and before a newly elected Treasurer assumes
office, the Treasurer's Office will have one less FTE, saving approximately $28,000 in wages
during that time, and also saving monthly benefit costs.
RECOMMENDATION: Pass a motion to appoint Chief Deputy Treasurer Janet Holbrook as
Acting County Treasurer effective July 1 until a new County Treasurer is elected upon
certification of the 2014 General Election results.
REVIEWS /D BY:�
Philip M6rlW, County Adrninistrator
Date