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HomeMy WebLinkAboutM112601District No. 1 Commissioner: Dan Titterness District No. 2 Commissioner: Glen Huntingford District No. 3 Commissioner: Richard Wojt County Administrator: Charles Saddler Deputy County Administrator: David Goldsmith Deputy County Administrator: Gary Rowe Clerk of the Board: Lorna Delaney MINUTES Week of November 26, 2001 Chairman Glen Huntingford called the meeting to order at the appointed time. Commissioners Dan Titterness and Richard Wojt were both present. Approval of Minutes: Commissioner Titterness moved to approve the minutes from the November 5, 2001 meeting as presented. Commissioner Wojt seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Setting Property Tax Levy Increases; County, Roads, Conservation Futures: County Administrator Charles Saddler reported that the Board needs to set the percentage of increase in the property tax levy for the 2002 Current Expense, County Road and Conservation Futures budgets. The preliminary 2002 budget for Current Expense includes a 1% increase, but the County has 10% in banked capacity. The Board can set the levy increase at 1% under 1-747 and .89% from banked capacity without holding a special hearing. The preliminary 2002 Road budget currently uses a 1% levy increase and takes .89% from banked capacity. The Conservation Futures budget can be increased by 1%. Commissioner Titterness noted that if the $75,000 grant for updating the Comprehensive Plan is not included in the 2002 budget, adding that amount to the budget would be approximately a 1.89% increase. Assessor Jack Westerman reported that 1.89% is $88,700. Commissioner Wojt asked what a 1% increase in the Road Fund would be? Jack Westerman answered that it would be about $26,000. Chairman Huntingford noted that the 1% increase is allowed under 1-747 and the .89% is allowed by 1-601 and the IPD. Jack Westerman advised that 1-747 allows the County to go over 1% by using banked capacity. The .89% is being pulled from banked capacity. The County Road levy increase amount is different than the amount for Current Expense this year and usually these are set at the same rate although they don't have to be the same. 1-601 allows the County to use IPD. Page 1 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of November 26, 2001 Commissioner Wojt pointed out that the concern with the Road budget is maintaining what we have and being able to respond to emergencies. Chairman Huntingford said that if the Board is truly worried about the Road Fund, then the diversion of $262,000 that goes to Current Expense should be reduced or eliminated. The General Fund should pay its own way. Jack Westerman noted this action would have many ramifications and he suggested that the Board direct the County Administrator to review this option for the next year. The reason the Legislature gave counties authority for this diversion was because some counties have Federal Forest funds that can only be used for roads. This creates a balancing act between Law and Justice needs and road needs. The Board made the following motions: CONSERVATION FUTURES: Commissioner Wojt moved to set the Conservation Futures levy increase at 1%. Chairman Huntingford asked what the justification would be for this increase? Currently the County doesn't have a mechanism in place to spend what has already been budgeted. Commissioner Wojt stated that the levy increase can be set at 1% and then during the final budget hearings the actual rate could be set lower. The motion died for lack of a second. Commissioner Titterness moved to set the Conservation Futures levy increase at 0%. Chairman Huntingford seconded the motion and called for the vote. Chairman Huntingford and Commissioner Titterness voted for motion. Commissioner Wojt abstained from voting. The motion carried. Jack Westerman asked if the Board wants to include new construction for the 2002 budget? If new construction isn't included, that amount would become banked capacity. Commissioner Titterness noted that he doesn't want to include new construction. He would like the amount to stay the same as the 2001 budget. Commissioner Wojt explained that he recognizes that property acquisitions are important and he moved to include new construction. Commissioner Titterness pointed out that the County won't lose the banked capacity and he doesn't feel the County should be increasing taxes when there isn't a plan in place. Commissioner Wojt disagreed, stating that there should be money available to purchase important properties to protect fish or habitat lands being lost to development. Chairman Huntingford did not second motion. The motion died for lack of a second. ROAD FUND: Charles Saddler reported that the 2002 preliminary budget was built on a 1% increase in the levy which amounts to approximately $45,000. With the concerns about diversion from the Road Fund he suggested that the Board may want to set a maximum tax levy increase of 1.89%. The additional $43,000 could be used to offset a portion of the amount of the diversion. Page 2 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of November 26, 2001 Commissioner Titterness moved to increase the Road Fund levy by 1.89% plus new construction. Commissioner Wojt seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Jack Westerman pointed out that the 2002 preliminary budget has a diversion of $262,650 and asked if the Board wants to include that amount until the final budget hearings are complete? The Board agreed that they can reduce the diversion amount after the hearings. COUNTY CURRENT EXPENSE: Commissioner Wojt moved to set the levy increase at 1.89% plus new construction. The motion died for lack of a second. Commissioner Titterness moved for a .039% increase in the levy, plus new construction. He explained that last year the County took a 2.61% increase even though 1-722, a voter approved initiative, had limited the amount to 2%. Charles Saddler pointed out that this initiative was found to be unconstitutional. The motion died for lack of a second. Commissioner Wojt reiterated that adopting the1.89% at this point would still allow the Board to reduce that amount at the final budget hearings. Using this amount would enable the Board to look at more options in their deliberations. Chairman Huntingford noted that the Board's budget goal for 2002 was to keep the property levy increase to 0%. Commissioner Wojt moved to set the levy a 1% plus new construction. Commissioner Titterness seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. VETERANS' RELIEF FUND: Jack Westerman noted that the Veterans' Service Officers Association requested an increase in millage for the Veterans' Relief Fund which is now at $2,400. He explained that this fund currently has a good fund balance. Commissioner Titterness moved not to levy or increase the amount in the budget at this time. Commissioner Wojt seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. MENTAL HEALTH FUND and DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: Jack Westerman explained that in the preliminary budget Mental Health is at $34,000 and Developmental Disabilities is a $27,399. The limitations on these to funds are exactly the same. $30,500 is the levy rate maximum. Commissioner Titterness moved to set both the Mental Health Fund and Developmental Disabilities at $30,500 which is the same as last year. Commissioner Wojt seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. CO UNTYADMINISTRA TOR BRIEFING SESSION: Charles Saddler introduced Larry Fay, Environmental Health Director who presented and reviewed the quarterly performance indicators for the Environmental Health programs. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: The following comments were made: Why does Environmental Health "stop the clock" on incomplete applications; the proposed Private Property Access Page 3 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of November 26, 2001 Policy still needs work to clarify the definition of a complaint, public disclosure issues, and the rights the County has or doesn't have to go on private property; the County needs a policy that requires departments to respond to correspondence from citizens; responses from the Treasurer's, Assessor's, Commissioners', and Auditor's Office staff is very good, but the response and follow up from Community Development and the Health Department is not as good; the County should not make "across the board" budget cuts because it penalizes the departments that are doing their jobs; A1 Scalf at the Department of Community Development does a good job responding to requests; the Public Works crew was working on Chimacum Road this morning with 2 trucks, a sweeper and a road grader to clean a road that wasn't a problem and this isn't a good use of County resources; and a West End business owner expressed frustration about dealing with the Health Department because they have not returned his calls about his water system and their approval is required in order for him to upgrade his business. APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Titterness moved to approve all of the items on the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner Wojt seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. 1. HEARING NOTICE re: Proposed Ordinance Amending the Unified Development Code (UDC) Relating to Major Industrial Developments (MIDs); Hearing Scheduled for Tuesday, December 11, 2001 at 1:00 p.m. in the County Commissioners' Chambers 2. HEARING NOTICE re: Redistricting the County Commissioner District Boundaries; Hearing Scheduled for Thursday, December 6, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. in the Superior Court Courtroom 3. AGREEMENT, #N10613 re: Provide Data Sharing; Jefferson County Health and Human Services; Washington State Department of Health 4. AGREEMENT, Intergovernmental re: Education/Outreach for WRIA 16 Planning Unit; Jefferson County Health and Human Services; Mason County 5. AGREEMENT re: South Discovery Road/Railroad Bridge Overcrossing Replacement Quality Control, Project #CS 1176; Jefferson County Public Works; General Testing Laboratories, Inc. 6. FINAL PLAT APPROVAL #SUB00-0006; Second Amendment to Ludlow Point Village, Division 4, Involving lots 10, 11 and 12; Lander Custom Homes Representing John H. Powell, Applicant 7. Letters of Appreciation for Donation of Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC) Scholarship Auction Item; Port Ludlow Associates; Waterstreet Hotel and Maxwell's Brewery & Pub; and Chimacum Cafe Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Charlie Cortelyou re: Quarterly Revenue Update: Charlie Cortelyou, new Regional Manager for the State Department of Natural Resources, introduced Al Vaugh from the Olympic Region. Mr. Courtelyou presented copies of the quarterly report. He then reported that the revenue projection for 2001 is $432,200 which is a significant shift downward from the original projection of $800,000. There has been a flat market for the timber industry. The Douglas Fir and Alder markets are good, but other areas are not moving at all. Their goal is to focus on the types of sale that Page 4 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of November 26, 2001 will bring at least $300 per thousand for this region and they are also looking at sales that have fewer associated road costs. DNR attempted 11 sales and only sold 6 in 2001. This is indicative of the trend around the State. He then reviewed what is going on in the timber industry. The Board thanked Mr. Cortelyou and agreed that the format for the information presented is good and they appreciate the quarterly updates. Discussion with Elected Officials re: 2002 Budget: District Court Judge Mark Huth explained that the Elected Officials realize that the budget process is problematic because of the current economy and the voter initiatives to decrease taxes. They were discouraged by the memo from County Administrator Charles Saddler in October that pointed out 5 departments to shoulder the burden of the budget shortfall. He felt that making that announcement to the public before seeking input from the Elected Officials was arbitrary. As a result, some offices did not provide the information they were asked to provide. There was no teamwork or collaboration. For years the Elected Officials have operated as a team to face and solve the problems that have come up. They want to work with the Board, but they can't in an atmosphere where word is being filtered down to them. They feel this type of communication is irresponsible and distrustful. They are asking today that they be included up front in discussions and that these issues are faced as a group. Working together to solve a problem as a team is a much better approach. Judy Morris, Treasurer, explained that when she became Treasurer and started going to conferences she found that other counties marvel that Jefferson County's Elected Officials work together to solve problems. She feels fortunate that the Jefferson County Elected Officials haven't worked in a vacuum. This last budget process has been divisive. She urged the Board to go back to the path used in the past and to work together. When information is made available, all the Elected Officials need a chance to talk about it and be able to question what is presented. She questioned if it is appropriate to cut the budget "across the board" when there are mandated services. Juelie Dalzell, Prosecuting Attorney, reported that it is her opinion that when services are mandated they must be provided and that the non-mandated services have to be cut before the mandated services. Each Elected Official can work to eliminate non-mandated services in their departments for the 2003 budget cycle. Donna Eldridge, Auditor, stated that she was concerned when she received the first memo because she questioned the accuracy of the information. She hasn't had the time to do a complete review. She asked why the Health and Human Services Department isn't being reviewed for cuts? This fund continues to grow and from 1994 to 2001 it has increased by 60%. Page 5 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of November 26, 2001 Donna Eldridge noted that the preliminary budget has been balanced and is available. There was very little impact to the departments compared to the severity of the cuts that they were led to believe would occur. She requested that when the Board makes decisions, they make sure these decisions are based on correct information. Sue Carlson, District Court Administrator, asked what is happening with the District Court budget as it relates to the Sheriffs budget? The possibility of moving the Adult Probation Offices back to the Courthouse is moving forward, but last week she heard that the Sheriff's Office is not going to fill an open position until all the issues regarding this move are resolved. In the past, the Law and Justice Departments have set budget goals at their annual retreat and made a recommendation to the Board. She questioned why they were told not to make any recommendations for budget this year. Chairman Huntingford said that he has appreciated the work of the Law and Justice Departments at their retreat and being able to use their recommendations for budget increases and cuts. He feels the Board needs to look at that again. Jack Westerman added that there is no easy way to go through the budget process. This County is somewhat unique. The relationship between the Elected Officials and the Commissioners isn't equaled anywhere else across the State. The preliminary budget doesn't appear to gut the 5 departments who were identified in the October memo. The lesson to be learned from this experience is that the County needs to start looking at the budget earlier in the year so that everyone can help decide how to deal with flat or declining revenues. He hears the Elected Officials saying that they are willing to be part of that process. It is in the Board's best interest to do this. Information needs to be accurate and complete when it is released to the public. The departments that are targeted need to be told the situation in advance. He stated that he hasn't had a chance to look at the balanced preliminary budget to see the results. He wants to see everyone work together. Marianne Walters, Court Clerk, asked Chairman Huntingford if he thinks that there needs to be more cuts this year to begin to adjust for greater cuts that will have to be made next year? Chairman Huntingford answered that no one knows what the State Legislature will do to county funding in January and he wants the flexibility to lessen the blow next year. Just maintaining current programs may be difficult. The County needs to start positioning to cover future cuts. Commissioner Titterness said that he was responsible for the October memo. He advised that he asked the County Administrator to look at the departments with the greatest increases and ask them to take the greatest cuts. The memo asked every department to look at places to cut. Perhaps that process needed to begin at a Department Head meeting. No matter the approach, there was serious resistance to cutting. One of the things they have discussed is putting the 0.1% Law and Justice Tax on the ballot. That will require everyone's support and work to get the public to understand the need. Page 6 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of November 26, 2001 The synergy of everyone working together to provide the best service has been one of the hallmarks of the budget process over the past 8-10 years, Commissioner Wojt added. Getting together and trying to figure out how to maintain in tough times is going to take effort on everyone's part. Everyone can't be treated the same because of the requirements for each office. He hopes to keep the discussion going. Pete Piccini, Sheriff, pointed out that with a budget of $2.6 million, any reductions are going to involve people. The current budget cuts are going to cut back 4 people in the Sheriff's Office. Initially, everyone gets excited and concerned and then as the process is refined everyone works together to do what is necessary. The bottom line is that the County doesn't have the money and providing services will cost more in the future. In order to lessen the impact in the future, the Elected Officials need to start working together now. Work on the budget needs to be done earlier in the year. Labor Agreement; Sheriff's Office Deputies; Teamsters Local 589: Commissioner Titterness moved to approve the economic provisions of the Teamsters Labor Agreement for the Sheriff' s Office Deputies, contingent on the contract language changes being approved by the Union. Commissioner Wojt seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Letter re: OCD Comments on the Draft Brinnon Sub-Area Plan; State Office of Community Development: After reviewing the draft letter, Commissioner Titterness moved to approve and sign this response to OCD about their Brinnon Sub-Area Plan comments as presented. Commissioner Wojt seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. The Board recessed at the end of business on Monday and reconvened on Tuesday. All 3 Commissioners were present. Claim #C-29-01 Miles SosMn: Risk Manager David Goldsmith, explained that Miles Soskin had a problem with some trees that were located on County right-of- way. He asked the Public Works Department to remove the trees and they advised him that this right-of-way was statutorily vacated. At the time, there was a statutory vacation process in the County ordinance that required the petitioner to go through a process that would indicate that the County no longer had an interest in the right-of- way. Mr. Soskin made the necessary application to start that process. Since Mr. Soskin needed to establish the boundary of his property, and the location of the right-of-way centerline, he had the property surveyed. After the survey was completed, it was found that Mr. Soskin didn't need to go through the statutory vacation process. This process has been eliminated by the County since that time. Mr. Soskin filed a claim against the County for $739 to recover a portion of the survey costs and the application fee for the statutory vacation. The Risk Management Committee reviewed this claim and decided to offer Mr. Soskin $200 to settle it. Mr. Page 7 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of November 26, 2001 The Risk Management Committee reviewed this claim and decided to offer Mr. Soskin $200 to settle it. Mr. Soskin did not agree to this amount and is appealing that decision to the Board. David Goldsmith reviewed the information again. He recommends that the County pay Mike Soskin $739 because he initiated the statutory vacation process as the result of information he received from the Public Works Department. Commissioner Tittemess moved to approve the recommendation and pay Mike Soskin $739.00 on this claim. Commissioner Wojt seconded the motion. The Chair called for a vote on the motion. Commissioner Titterness and Commissioner Huntingford voted for the motion Commissioner Wojt abstained from voting. The motion carried. MEETING ADJOURNED JEFFERSON COUNTY '} '...~-~." '. BOARD OF COMMISSIOI¥1ERS SEAL:/" ATTEST: ' Clerk of the Bo~d Page 8