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District No. 1 Commissioner: Kate Dean
District No. 2 Commissioner: David W. Sullivan
District No. 3 Commissioner: Kathleen Kier
County Administrator: Philip Morley
Clerk of the Board: Erin Lundgren
MINUTES
Week of December 4, 2017
Madam Chair Kathleen Kler called the meeting to order at the appointed time in the
presence of Commissioner David Sullivan and Commissioner Kate Dean.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: The following is a summary of comments made by
individuals in attendance at the meeting and reflect their personal opinions:
• Three individuals commented on the Republican Party's proposed tax cuts;
• An individual commented on: 1) The Jefferson County's Comprehensive Plan Amendment process;
and 2) Economic development suggestions in this county;
• An individual thanked the Commissioners for holding Community Outreach meetings;
• Two individuals commented on the Jefferson County Sportsmans' Association (JCSA) Gun Range and
their activities;
• An individual commented on the usage of the JCSA Range;
• Four individuals commented on the proposed gun range in the Tarboo Valley;
• An individual gave suggestions on housing development in Jefferson County;
• An individual stated he appreciates the County taking action to broadcast the Commissioner meetings
online;
• An individual commented on the Growth Management Act and suggested concentrating growth for the
Port Townsend area; and
• One individual stated he represents the owner of Fort Discovery and Security Services Northwest and
addressed concerns raised by the public.
APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Dean
moved to approve all the items on the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner Sullivan seconded
the motion which carried by a unanimous vote.
1. RESOLUTION NO. 54-17 re: HEARING NOTICE: Fourth Quarter 2017 Budget
Appropriations/Extensions; Various County Departments; Hearing scheduled for Monday,
December 18, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in the Commissioners Chambers
2. AGREEMENT, Subrecipient re: 2017/18 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public
Services Grant; In the Amount of $97,101; Jefferson County Administrator; Olympic Community
Action Programs (OlyCAP)
3. AGREEMENT re: Court Recording System; In the Amount of $3,065; Jefferson County District
Court; Justice AV Solutions (JAVS)
4. AGREEMENT, Interlocal re: Provide Municipal Court Services to the City of Port Townsend;
Estimated Revenue of $158,988, Jefferson County District Court; City of Port Townsend
Page 1
Commissioners Meeting Minutes of December 4, 2017
5. AGREEMENT, Amendment No. 2 re: Functional Family Therapy per State Evidence Based
Expansion Program; In the Amount of $77,208; Jefferson County Juvenile Services; Craig
Isenberg
6. AGREEMENT, Interlocal, Amendment No. 1 re: Community Health Improvement Plan
Program (CHIP); In the Amount of $87,500 (County's Portion) for a Total of $218,750; Jefferson
County Public Health; City of Port Townsend and Jefferson Healthcare
7. AGREEMENT re: Nurse Family Partnership; In the Amount of $89,500; Jefferson County Public
Health; Kitsap Public Health District
8. AGREEMENT, Amendment No. 1 re: Local Source Control (LSC) for calculation of labor cost;
Additional Amount of $4,358.66 for a Total of $173,707.49; Jefferson County Public Health;
Washington State Department of Ecology
9. CANCELLATION NOTICE re: County Commissioner Regular Meeting; Scheduled for
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
10. Advisory Board Resignation re: Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board; Patrick Kane
11. Advisory Board Reappointment re: Olympic Area Agency on Aging (03A); Three (3) Year
Term to Expire December 1, 2020; Jefferson County Representative Patricia Smith
12. Payment of Jefferson County Vouchers/Warrants Dated November 19, 2017 Totaling
$1,331.88
COMMISSIONERS BRIEFING SESSION: The Commissioners reported on their
meeting schedules.
The meeting was recessed at 9:57 a.m. and reconvened at 10:03 a.m. with all three
Commissioners present.
HEARING re: Jefferson County 2018 Budget. County Administrator Philip Morley and
Central Services Director Mark McCauley gave a presentation on the proposed budget for 2018 and
explained that the proposed budget is maintaining the status quo from the previous year, with a few
strategic enhancements.
The total 2018 recommended Jefferson County budget is $55,782,838, with $19,313,187 proposed for
the General Fund and $36,469,651 proposed for the 49 Other Funds.
County Administrator Morley reviewed the 5 -Year Budget Projection. 2017 revenues have out-
performed the original budget for the current year. This included upward trends in some on-going
revenues, such as sales tax, as well as one-time revenues, such as a federal PILT allocation. These
improved the General Fund's fund balance going into 2018 and compared to last year's forecast,
improves the County's revenue forecast for 2018 and beyond.
Page 2
Commissioners Meeting Minutes of December 4, 2017
He explained the 2017 original budget with the 2017 projected year-end figures which are shown below:
**Up to an additional $140,000 of on-going expenditures could be appropriated by the
Commissioners mid -year 2018 to address urgent priorities including $40,000 for pay equity
adjustments. Were that to be the case, the unencumbered fund balance would be reduced to
$1,103,666 a reduction of 9.4% from 2017 projected.
ALL OTHER FUNDS
2017 Budget 2018 Budget i % Change
Revenues $ 31,392,264_ $ 30,265,534 -3.6%
Expenditures $ 36,606,286 $ 36,469,651 -0.4%
Central Services Director McCauley reviewed the General Fund history and projection for 2018-2022,
and the impact the one percent cap has on the County.
After further review of the proposed budget, Madam Chair Kler opened the hearing for public
testimony.
Michael Haas, Jefferson County Prosecutor: He thanked the Board for the opportunity to speak. He
stated that there are ten chicks in the nest and only nine worms. He is requesting funding for a clerk hire
or part-time Deputy Prosecutor position within the Prosecutor's Office to assist with civil matters. A
clerk hire is extremely inexpensive at $45 per hour compared to outside council rates upwards of $450
per hour. The total request is for approximately $40,000. Revenue stream for funding this position can
come from several sources, but this would be one-time funding. Last year, the County spent
approximately $140,000 on outside council fees, this year will be approximately $60,000 and next year
there is $40,000 budgeted for outside council fees. He noted that funding for this position could come
from the savings of the courthouse security screening costs. He stated that funding could also come from
the County's three months of reserves it carries, which the state recommendation on reserves is two
months, which we could tap into a portion of those reserves for the $40,000. He stated the County is
anticipating spending funding on extraordinary expenses for outside council, and if the County did run
into those costs, they can always scale back on the proposed clerk hire position. He stated that a clerk
hire position works less than 69 hours per month. He prefers a full half-time, but if it is not in the
budget, it is not in the budget. He wishes to use Cheryl Potebnya who is a 15 -year attorney with
experience in Jefferson County as a Deputy Prosecutor. Ms. Potebnya currently covers Mental Health
Court, which reduces recidivism, helping people, protecting the community from a long-term
perspective. It would also free up the District Court Deputy Prosecutor to prepare for trials and the
Page 3
2017 Original
Budget
2017
Projected Year
end
2018
Recommended
Budget
% Change
From 2017
Projected
General Fund Revenues
$18,041,838
$19,106,896
$18,605,358
-2.6%
General Fund Expenditures
$18,631,837
$19,354,887
$19,313,187
-0.2%
Estimated Ending Fund Balance $ 3,803,023 $ 4,395,109 $ 4,025,261 -8.4%
Unencumbered Fund Balance $ 1,212,839 $ 1,217,611 ** $ 1,263,927 3.8%
**Up to an additional $140,000 of on-going expenditures could be appropriated by the
Commissioners mid -year 2018 to address urgent priorities including $40,000 for pay equity
adjustments. Were that to be the case, the unencumbered fund balance would be reduced to
$1,103,666 a reduction of 9.4% from 2017 projected.
ALL OTHER FUNDS
2017 Budget 2018 Budget i % Change
Revenues $ 31,392,264_ $ 30,265,534 -3.6%
Expenditures $ 36,606,286 $ 36,469,651 -0.4%
Central Services Director McCauley reviewed the General Fund history and projection for 2018-2022,
and the impact the one percent cap has on the County.
After further review of the proposed budget, Madam Chair Kler opened the hearing for public
testimony.
Michael Haas, Jefferson County Prosecutor: He thanked the Board for the opportunity to speak. He
stated that there are ten chicks in the nest and only nine worms. He is requesting funding for a clerk hire
or part-time Deputy Prosecutor position within the Prosecutor's Office to assist with civil matters. A
clerk hire is extremely inexpensive at $45 per hour compared to outside council rates upwards of $450
per hour. The total request is for approximately $40,000. Revenue stream for funding this position can
come from several sources, but this would be one-time funding. Last year, the County spent
approximately $140,000 on outside council fees, this year will be approximately $60,000 and next year
there is $40,000 budgeted for outside council fees. He noted that funding for this position could come
from the savings of the courthouse security screening costs. He stated that funding could also come from
the County's three months of reserves it carries, which the state recommendation on reserves is two
months, which we could tap into a portion of those reserves for the $40,000. He stated the County is
anticipating spending funding on extraordinary expenses for outside council, and if the County did run
into those costs, they can always scale back on the proposed clerk hire position. He stated that a clerk
hire position works less than 69 hours per month. He prefers a full half-time, but if it is not in the
budget, it is not in the budget. He wishes to use Cheryl Potebnya who is a 15 -year attorney with
experience in Jefferson County as a Deputy Prosecutor. Ms. Potebnya currently covers Mental Health
Court, which reduces recidivism, helping people, protecting the community from a long-term
perspective. It would also free up the District Court Deputy Prosecutor to prepare for trials and the
Page 3
Commissioners Meeting Minutes of December 4, 2017
inevitable paperwork from 50 cases per month. He stated that if approved, the clerk hire position would
be dedicated to three hours per week for Mental Health Court, but would primarily be used to assist
Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (DPA) Philip Hunsucker who is burning the candles at both
ends. He believes that Chief Civil DPA Hunsucker works no less than 60 hours per week, and yesterday
he spent his entire day on the Jefferson County Jail contract. The proposed clerk hire position would free
up him up to do an Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA), which will take four hours of his time today. The
position could also work on less complex code enforcement issues, Quiet Title action, restoration of
firearms rights, all which are time sucks for Chief Civil DPA Hunsucker's main goal which is to provide
assistance to the Board of County Commissioners.
Tom Thiersch, Jefferson County: He stated the number of subjects covered are extensive and difficult to
cover in three minutes. Regarding the number of Full Time Employees (FTEs), he is happy the counts
have remained constant for the County. He stated that is to be expected because the County has
continued to pour millions every year into productivity, spending $2 Million in technical improvements,
such as the Commissioners' laptops. He does not think that is something to complain about, it is
something to be expected. Productivity is what every industry is doing, leveraging technology to
improve staff productivity, that is normal. He has not seen a break -down of the sales tax revenue in the
County Budget. What are the sources of those taxes? Does it come from grocery stores? What kinds of
activities produce that sales tax? That would be interesting to know because it could give us direction on
what sorts of things we can increase sales on. He suggested adding sales tax revenue information to a
future presentation. Other possible future revenues could include fines, which currently are one percent
of the County's revenue. We continually hear the fact that the County does not want to do strict
enforcement, it would rather talk to people and get them to cooperate. There are a lot of fines in the
County's Fine Schedule, but they don't seem to be enforced, because there's no enforcement officer. He
believes that a more strict enforcement of the existing fines would more than pay for an enforcement
officer and add to that percentage of County revenue. Other sources of revenue can include the Lodging
Tax. There are Air Bed and Breakfast (AirBNBs) and other short-term rentals which are currently not
being taxed. That is a big potential for revenue, and also to address the shortage of available housing.
Short-term rentals tend to decrease the availability of long-term rentals. If you make it less desirable for
people to rent their place out night by night, and make it more attractive to do it longer term, that may
improve the whole housing situation. The only way to increase the Property Tax, is growth. The County
needs to focus a lot more energy on pro -growth policies, stop resisting growth and encourage it every
step of the way. It is the only way that you will get property and sales tax increasing.
Tom Brotherton, Quilcene: He read from a statement he provided. (See Hearing record)
Bruce Cowan, Port Townsend: He quoted County Administrator Philip Morley who stated "Regulations
and re -zoning won't do it," when it comes to housing. Having been thoroughly immersed on that issue
regarding Prop 1 over the past year, he knows that we cannot continue to just muddle through on
housing as we've done before. He thanked the Commissioners for taking the bold step and placing Prop
1 on the ballot, but it failed and we do not have $1.8 or $1.9 Million per year to address this outstanding
problem that continues today. An idea that has come up recently and has a lot of merit, is to create a
County position that can provide leadership on housing. We are back where we were with a lot of
organizations and three County entities, going off in their own direction to solve this problem. We need
to come together, find out where the community is. He does not believe Prop 1 failed for a lack of
Page 4
Commissioners Meeting Minutes of December 4, 2017
interest on the issue. There was a sense that we need to do something. We need to come together and
educate the public on truly affordable housing, the construction of which is subsidized through grants,
and slightly more attainable housing that could be created through market processes and perhaps through
re -zoning and regulations. We need to make progress on both fronts. We need to listen to the
community, educate them and work together to come up with some plans for the future and how we will
tackle our biggest needs. He believes there is a constraint on growth and well-being of people in the
County who are still paying far too much for the housing they have. There are 100 children that are still
unhoused, people living in cars and campers, and people living off -grid in tiny houses they just went
ahead and built. Let's do something about that. He hopes we can come together and work on this, and
that there is an appetite for this collaboration among other organizations. If we can pull together dribs
and drabs of funding, he hopes they can create a leadership position to address the challenges we have
County -wide.
Jon Cook, Quilcene: He stated we are seeing how much is being spent on the budget, but not seeing the
little things. He remembers if we still had seven storage units to hold the County's extra supply of desks.
That costs around $800 per month, which is peanuts, but in a year that is approximately $8,000. He
remembers his previous supervisor asking the County if he could build a maintenance shop with storage.
Over the course of 10 years of storage unit fees, that would be $80,000, when a nice shop could've been
put up for the same amount. It is stuff like that. Whether you had another advisory group that would go
around and keep these projects accountable to the people. He thinks there is a lot of things that could be
done. He stated he spoke to County Administrator Philip Morley about the Bellevue School District that
would randomly visit the schools to make sure all the computers were shut down, lights off, which led
them to save around $1 Million dollars per year doing that. It cost the School District the price of donuts
which they rewarded staff with. Things like that could be addressed, maybe it wouldn't solve the $7
Million we are short, but it could help.
Cynthia Koan, Port Townsend: She stated she is the Chair of the Jefferson County Planning Commission
for District 1. She stated that the Commissioners' job is impossible, but we all stand before the Board
with our own perspectives and our own piece of the pie. Watching what happens at the Department of
Community Development (DCD) is her perspective right now. She stated she has been on the Planning
Commission for three years and she has been a member of this community her entire life. The Planning
Commission has been going around to different communities, in the form of a Road Show about a year
and half ago to talk to different communities about the upcoming Comprehensive Plan process. They
hear a lot of public comment both at their meetings and as citizens in the world. DCD had 25 FTEs
before the recession hit and they currently have 15 now. The community wants government to do a lot
of things that government cannot do. One of the things government can do, is create the path way to
build things and to start businesses through the Health Department and DCD. DCD gets a lot of heat for
not moving through things along quickly and for making things difficult, and some comments they do
not deserve. She knows how much DCD does with very little, they work very hard. The new DCD
Director Patty Charnas does a lot with very little. Adding the job of the Comprehensive Plan to what
DCD does, is a miracle that they are able to do the amazing job they are doing. Anything the
Commissioners can do to help that department in terms of FTEs and other support, she believes will pay
off in terms of a fair and efficient process in which to conduct economic development and housing,
which the community wants to see.
Page 5
Commissioners Meeting Minutes of December 4, 2017
Hearing no further testimony, Madam Chair Kler closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Sullivan asked if Mr. Brotherton was referencing the diversion from the Road Fund when
he was speaking about infrastructure funding? Mr. Brotherton replied that he was.
Commissioner Sullivan noted that the proposed 2018 County Budget is a plan, which gets adjusted
quarterly with supplementals when incidents arise. Listening to concerns regarding budgetary issues is
something the County is open to year-round. Madam Chair Kler added that on December 18, 2017, there
will be a hearing on the County's 4th Quarter Supplementals. Commissioner Sullivan stated that it is
important to have a point in time where we stop, have staff develop the final budget, followed by
adoption of the budget.
Commissioner Sullivan stated he is disappointed that Planning Manager David Greetham will be leaving
his role at the Department of Community Development (DCD), and is in favor of approving one-time
funds to help DCD.
Madam Chair Kler stated that Mr. Thiersch mentioned AirBNBs and noted that the Tourism
Coordinating Council is working on this issue, but it is more complicated to discover and regulate short-
term rentals as Port Townsend has discovered. She added that this is a country -wide issue.
County Administrator Morley noted that the Comprehensive Plan Update is a high priority for the
County, not finishing the update is not an option for the County.
The Commissioners agreed to table the deliberations until the afternoon session.
The meeting was recessed at 11:36 a.m. and reconvened at 1:33 p.m. with all three
Commissioners present.
COUNTY ADMINISTRA TOR BRIEFING SESSION: County Administrator Philip
Morley reviewed the following with the Board:
Miscellaneous Items:
• Courthouse Security; contract approval pending
DELIBERATIONS re: HEARING re: 2018 Jefferson County Budget- Continued:
County Administrator Morley explained that issues arose during public/written testimony regarding the
budget. He re -capped the specific department funding requests.
The Commissioners deliberated on the requests and agreed to table the discussion to allow for a recess
The meeting was recessed at 2:30 p.m. and reconvened at 2:38 p.m. with all three
Commissioners present.
Page 6
Commissioners Meeting Minutes of December 4, 2017
DELIBERATIONS re: HEARING re: 2018 Jefferson County Budget- Continued:
County Administrator Morley explained that issues arose during public/written testimony regarding the
budget.
Madam Chair Kler moved to continue with the $22,000 request for Emergency Management support
staff as proposed. Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote.
Commissioner Sullivan moved to direct staff to explore options for financial support for the Department
of Community Development to finalize the Comprehensive Plan Update in a timely manner including
the potential to look for an outside contractor and using funds from an unfilled position with the
understanding there could be a contingency to come back for a supplemental one-time appropriation in
2018. Madam Chair Kler seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote.
Commissioner Dean moved to delay the Prosecuting Attorney's Office request for a $40,000 clerk hire
attorney and reconsider the request in 2018 as a supplemental budget request depending on workload
and financial capability. Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous
vote.
Commissioner Sullivan moved to direct staff to prepare the 2018 Jefferson County Budget, with
technical corrections as discussed. Commissioner Dean seconded the motion which carried by a
unanimous vote.
Potential adoption of the 2018 budget will be scheduled for December 11, 2017.
LETTER re: National Park Fees: Madam Chair Kler moved to send a letter to the
United States Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke regarding concern over the newly proposed National
Park fees. Commissioner Dean seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote.
CO UNTY ADMINISTRA TOR BRIEFING SESSION- Continued: County
Administrator Philip Morley reviewed the following with the Board:
Miscellaneous Items:
• Community Outreach Meeting; logistics
Calendar Coordination:
• The Commissioners reviewed their meeting schedules
Page 7
Commissioners Meeting Minutes of December 4, 2017
NOTICE OFADJOURNMENT. Commissioner Dean moved to adjourn the meeting at
3:21 p.m. until the next regular meeting or special meeting as properly noticed. Commissioner Sullivan
seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote.
SEAL
o,
ATTEST:
a�M
Carolyn Gallaway, CMC
Deputy Clerk of the Board
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Kathlee4Kr, Chair
Davi S, ember
0��'
Kate Dean, Member
Page 8
C I C� , a- 4 11
Julie Shannon
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Kathleen Kler
Monday, December 04, 2017 8:03 AM
Julie Shannon
FW: 2018 budget
From: David Stanko
Sent: Monday, December 4, 2017 8:03:26 AM (UTC -08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
To: Kathleen Kler; David Sullivan; Kate Dean; Philip Morley; Carolyn Gallaway
Cc: Art Frank
Subject: 2018 budget
Commissioners,
My input for public comment:
As a resident of Cape George, Jefferson County, and as County Sheriff, I encourage you to consider the
following;
I agree Emergency Management is important to keep our citizens informed and organized in case of a disaster.
However, when the unforeseen disaster occurs, whether now or in the future, it will be first responders on the
ground who will do the work.
I encourage you to consider not to fund an Assistant Director of Emergency Management, but to use those
funds to fund a deputy , a vital first responder.
As our staffing study shows, we have an immediate need for 4 more Deputies to keep our Community and
Deputies safe. Your Sheriff's Office will always assist our Community immediately in the case of a major
disaster .
Dave Stanko
Sheriff, Jefferson County
Sent from my Whone
Budget comments
REARING R;COR10,
12/4/17
1. Thanks for the opportunity to comment
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2. My main concern is the continuing use of infrastructure funds to pay
for current needs and the resulting depletion of available maintenance and
repair funds. If and when a need arises for repair, we may not have the funds
available to pay for them.
a. I know you're well aware of the problem and have been struggling
with it for 9 years. I'm also aware you are working with the legislature and
regional government to find a workable solution. Thank you for that. Your
efforts are appreciated.
b. The legislature may not be able to save us. Certainly they are mired
in finance issues now. Where is Plan B? Since your stopgap is going to run
out of funds in a few years, what are you going to do if that occurs? Plan B
should be in the works now and open to review. Citizens need deserve to
know so they can decide how they will cope.
c. Have you motivated your staff to explore alternatives. Example:
Fund 135. The drug fund. Its there to provide funds for investigation and
prosecution of drug crimes. Only the prosecutor has taken funds from it in
the past and in this budget. The Sheriff should use these and any other
earmarked funds before tapping other departments.
3. Your budget provides much data, but not very much pertinent
information. There are hundreds of pages of fine grain data on where the
county will spend the money.
a. The citizens hired you to manage our government.
b. Some people have specific concerns like the one I just
addressed, but most people just want to be reassured you're
doing a good job.
C. With limited resources, every decision is a tradeoff.
d. How did you decide what to drop and what to fund?
e. The budget will be more meaningful to your employers if you
include some words to describe your intentions, your goals.
Thank you,
Tom Brotherton: 255 Cascara Dr, Quilcene, WA 360-531-3498