Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutM121399JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS District No. I Commissioner: Daniel Harpole, Chair District No. 2 Commissioner: Glen Huntingford, Member District No. 3 Commissioner: Richard Wojt, Member , Clerk of the Board: Director of Public Services: Deputy Director of Public Services: Lorna L. Delaney Gary A. Rowe David Goldsmith MINUTES Week of December 13, 1999 Chairman Dan Harpole called the meeting to order at the appointed time. Commission- ers Richard Wojt and Glen Huntingford were both present. Line of Credit Letter re: Jefferson County Housing Authority: Deputy Director of Public Services David Goldsmith, reported that he checked with the State Auditor and the County may run a line of credit for the Housing Authority because it is a quasi County agency. Kitsap County does some of the administration work for the Jefferson County Housing Authority. The State Auditor suggested that the line of credit come from a bank with the County as a "co-signor" for the line of credit. He will ask for a copy of the budget of the Housing Authority, review it and make a recommen- dation back to the Board. Application for Assistance from the Veterans Relief Fund: Commissioner Wojt moved to approve the application for assistance from the Veterans Relief Fund as submitted in the amount of $300.00. Commissioner Huntingford seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. PUBLIC SER VICES BRIEFING SESSION: Gary Rowe reported that he was working on the 2000 budget last week and has nothing else to report at this time. Natural Resource Policy Analyst Caryn Woodhouse reported: · Last week she met with the Discovery Bay Watershed planning group. · The Marine Resources Committee is submitting a grant application for developing a process to establish volunteer marine protective areas in the County. · The WRIA 17 grant work is moving forward under the administration of Clallam County. They Page 1 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of December 13, 1999 will be hiring a coordinator for this work. The interagency agreement for WRIA 16 is being reviewed by the Water Team. They will then brief the Board on the status of this work and make some recommendations for changes. Commissioner Huntingford asked that the Board be updated on the work of the Water Resource Council and the Planning Unit. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Huntingford moved to approve the minutes of November 15 and 22, 1999 as submitted. Commissioner Wojt seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: The following comments were made: A comment about a letter from the State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development regarding the MPR at Port Ludlow; and a recent change by the Health Department in the way septic permits are handled. APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT A GENDA: Commissioner Huntingford moved to delete Item 4 and to adopt and approve the balance of the items as presented. Commissioner Wojt seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. 1. RESOLUTION NO. 103-99 re: The Statutory Vacation of a Portion of Elm Street, George Street and Maple Street, all Located in the Plat of Tibbals Lake Park; Neil Cavette, Petitioner 2. RESOLUTION NO. 104-99 re: The Statutory Vacation of a Portion of Kennedy Street in the Plat of Port Hadlock; Keith D. Jackson, Petitioner 3. AGREEMENT re: Breast & Cervical Health Program; Jefferson County Health and Human Services; Seattle King County Department of Public Health 4. DELETE: Agreement GCA#2003 1999-2001 Coordinated Transportation Planning Grant for Persons with Special Needs; Jefferson County Health and Human Services; Washington State Department of Transportation (See item later in Minutes) 5. STATUTORY WARRANTY DEED re: Conveyance of the Jefferson County Multi Service Building (Building 29) to the Jefferson County Public Health Care Service District #2 for the Purpose of Constructing a Public Hospital Campus Facility; Jefferson County Public Works 6. Correction to Notice to Title; Tri Area Community Center Reserve Septic System; Jefferson County Public Works 7. Notice of Cancellation; Jefferson County Board of Commissioners Meeting Scheduled for Monday, December 27, 1999 8. Request for Four (4) Month Extension of Preliminary Plat Approval; Marsh and Meadows Short Plat; Located Off of Beaver Valley Road, Port Ludlow; Expires 4/13/00; Applicant, Bruce Porter 9. Application for Community Litter Cleanup Program Funds; Solid Waste and Financial Assis- tance Program; Jefferson County Juvenile Services; Washington State Department of Ecology 10. Accept Resignation from Member of the Jefferson County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services Advisory Board; Ray Ketcham Page 2 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of December 13, 1999 , COUNTY DEPARTMENT BRIEFINGS/BUSINESS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Director's Update: Director of Community Development A1 Scalf reported that the Planning Commission will be deliberating on the Comprehensive Plan amendments again at their January meeting. The discussion then turned to the work of the Planning Commission on the Compre- hensive Plan amendments and how that work will be transmitted to the Board. Discussion re: Onsite Septic Regulations (WAC 246-272-17501) Pertaining to Requirements for Designating a Reserve Drain Field Area Upon Building Permit Application: A1 Scalf reported that the County's policy is to require the identification of an area for a reserve drain field even if the building permit application submitted is for a garage which doesn't add anything to the existing septic system. The discussion then turned to a specific case of a property owner who owns 33 acres. There is a single family residence on the property with a septic system that was installed before the County permitted septic systems. The property owner submitted a building permit application for a garage. Linda Atkins of the Health Department reported that an evaluation of an existing system was done, as required by the County's ordinance adopted in 1988. This evaluation includes the requirement for a reserve drain field area to be identified. Even though there should be no problem finding a reserve drain field area on this site, there needs to be an area identified so that the property owner doesn't ruin that area through some other activity on the property. Linda Atkins noted that the tank would not need to be uncovered in this instance unless there is evidence of some failure of the system. If it appears that the proposed structure may impose on the drainfield. The Department may ask that a portion of the system be uncovered, but they never ask for the large components of the system to be uncovered because there could damage the system. The Board asked that a discussion of this WAC be put on the Board of Health agenda for January. Commissioner Huntingford noted that there are a number of issues with septic permits and procedures. He feels the Board of Health may need to schedule a special meeting to discuss all the issues. Discussion re: Draft Memo Regarding Designation of Urban Growth Areas in Tri- Area and Glen Cove: Commissioner Huntingford noted that the first page of the memo regarding the UGAs doesn't mention the residential issues in the Tri Area and feels this needs to be addressed in the letter. On Page 3 there are statements about urban growth without mentioning that commercial, as well as, residential areas are included. Commissioner Wojt noted that the letter doesn't explain what "urban" growth is or means and how that will impact what is happening in the Tri Area. He noted that this letter should be put in language that people understand and can debate. Chairman Harpole observed that these are complex issues and they need to be conveyed clearly and Page 3 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of December 13, 1999 ~**~ concisely. The Board felt, in their deliberations, that the best way to address the pressures of growth was to pro-actively designate the provisional UGAs. The discussion continued regarding the problems due to growth that must be addressed in the Tri Area in the future. Jim Pearson asked if there is anything in the letter that the Board feels can be removed? He suggested leaving out the sections on public outreach, the 9 principles of the Board, and the information from the Planning Commission. Commissioner Huntingford stated that pages 3 through 5 contain the information that the Board asked for last week. He has a problem with the first two pages because they don't give the information to the public about why the County is where it is and why it is choosing that direction. The issues that need to be in the fact sheet are transportation and public safety, septic, and water issues. The basic information needs to be in the fact sheet. Chairman Harpole agreed that pages 3, 4 and 5 are fine as long as the residential component is addressed. He feels that pages 1 and 2 need to be re-crafted. Commissioner Huntingford noted that he feels what the Board asked for is included in pages 3 through 5 because it includes the outline of what the Board did at their meeting and the reasons why. He suggested that these pages be separated from the rest of the letter. Chairman Harpole asked who this letter will be sent to? Planning Manager Warren Hart reported that the document isn't going to be sent to anyone. It was just to detail the record of the action the Board took. David Alvarez, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, suggested that this document could be adopted (by resolution) as a statement of what the Board did in October regarding the provisional UGAs. A1 Scalf reported that a fact sheet is currently being drafted to discuss what impact a UGA would have on the community. Commissioner Huntingford moved to direct staff to prepare a resolution to adopt the last 3 pages of this document as revised and that it be ready for the Board's agenda next Monday. Commissioner Wojt seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. PUBLIC WORKS Director's Update: Frank Gifford, Interim Public Works Director, reported: The administrative needs of the City to be included in the plans for a new Administrative Building are being developed. The Brinnon Senior Organization is not interested in operating the Bayshore Motel. The RFP is being developed for the operation of this building. The Department will install signs along the bank where the para-gliders cross County property near the Port Townsend Paper Mill. The language for the signs is being developed. The Board asked that the Public Works Department respond to an August letter from the County Noxious Weed Control Board. Removing the wall between the two small rooms at the Tri Area Community Center is included in the 2000 budget. Commissioner Huntingford noted that there are a number of members of the Page 4 25 .. Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of December 13, 1999 Rotary Club who are willing to volunteer to do some of this work or help with donations. Commissioner Huntingford asked that culvert replacement costs be reviewed by the Department. Frank Gifford reported that culvert size is the biggest cost for these projects. If the culvert is located in deep fill, which requires a lot of construction, the cost is usually high. HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES AGREEMENT GCA#2003 1999-2001 Coordinated Transportation Planning Grant for Persons with Special Needs; Jefferson County Health and Human Services; Washington State Department of Transportation: (See also Item 4 on the Consent Agenda) Chairman Harpole noted that O3A has done this type of planning project and Transit talked about doing this planning also. How did this project move from Transit to the Health Department? Mary Anne Preece reported that the Department met with all the possible stakeholders, including Transit, and the Lead Agency for this grant application was determined to be the Health Department by the people at that meeting. The stake- holders will be called together to form a coalition to do this work. Commissioner Wojt moved to approve this contract as submitted. Commissioner Huntingford seconded the motion which carded by a unanimous vote. Department Update: Director of Nursing, Jean Baldwin, reported: The Hospital Board of Commissioners is calling an emergency meeting and inviting the Board of Health on December 21, 1999 at the Hospital. The meeting is to look at the collapse of KPS and the resulting impacts. The County and the Hospital have jointly funded a position in the Health Department. The Hospital Commissioners voted last week to discontinue funding for this position. The Commissioners need to appoint someone to David Specter's vacant position on the Jefferson Community Network. The Health Department is to have a representative on this Board also as the Fiscal Agent. The advertising is being done for the Substance Abuse Coordinator position. There was a food borne outbreak at the Christmas Party put on by two Fire Districts. Three people were hospitalized and 60 to 70 people were sick. The virus that made the people sick at this potluck dinner is one that can easily re-infect family members and so there are still people getting sick. HEARING re: Proposed Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 5-83 to Increase the Real Estate Excise Tax by 1/4 ofl%: Chairman Harpole opened the public heating. Interim Public Works Director Frank Gifford reported that this excise tax increase will help fund the Capital Facilities element of the Comprehensive Plan that was adopted by the Board in August of 1998. The Comprehensive Plan element includes level of service standards and inventories of all County facilities. Funding sources for these facilities indicated that the County would need to adopt the second quarter of Page 5 VOL Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of December 13, 1999 a percent Real Estate Excise Tax. The County has adopted the first quarter of a percent Real Estate Excise Tax. This nets about $200,000 to $225,000 per year. It is spent on the HJ Carroll Park restrooms, and work on the community centers. Without any other funding sources, the proposal in the Comprehensive Plan was to adopt the second quarter of a percent Real Estate Excise Tax. This would be used to fund the debt service on 10 year correction facility bonds. The tax would generate approxi- mately $148,000 every year for 6 of the 10 years to pay back these bonds for a total of $888,000. The projects that this funding would be used for are: water for the Lake Leland Campground, and improve- ments to the restroom facilities at the Chimacum and Oak Bay Parks. Level of service standards would have to be seriously reduced if this tax increase is not approved. Gary Rowe reported that the Capital Facilities element was reviewed and adopted last year and it was found that the second quarter of a percent real estate excise tax was needed to fund the projects identified in that plan. Frank Gifford added that the bond funds will be used to fund additional beds at the jail. Jerry. Yonke, Shine Road, Port Ludlow, stated that he understands the expense side of the equation. He asked if it is correct that the quarter of a percent will be equal to $225,000? Frank Gifford reported that they used $230,000 as a base for their figures. Mr. Yonke asked how much of this tax going to come from retired persons? Frank Gifford said there is no way to know how much of the real estate excise tax will come from retired people. Mr. Yonke stated that he feels this is a backlash from the passage of 1- 695. There was a message from the taxpayers who were saying that they want to see is a reduction in expenses of State and local government. He feels that it's important that the County realize where (what segment of the population) this money is coming from and if that is disproportionate or proportionate. Bob Reed, 320 Jones Street, Port Ludlow, stated that this tax will come from the sale of his house. He feels that the Commissioners haven't done very good for this County since 1990. He then commented on the problems he sees with the zoning in the County and stated that it doesn't makes sense that the County went into the GMA. He feels the County should try to get out of the GMA. He suggested that if the County is strapped for money they should pass more taxes on to the City of Port Townsend. He is halfway retired and can't make ends meet. His property taxes jump up every year. He has had a piece of property for sale for 3 years and can't sell it. He is voting against any new taxes. John Fagey, Shine Road, asked if the first quarter of a percent goes predominately for parks and recreation facilities? Frank Gilford noted that in 2000 the money will be spent to pay back loans, Courthouse office improvement work, upgrading the waterline and resurfacing the parking area at the Courthouse, providing grants to the Community Centers for improvements, and improvements to the jail. Next year's expenditures will be made for improvements to the HJ Carroll Park, as well as ADA improvements to County facilities and Memorial Field. Mr. Fagey asked what the stated purpose is for this tax? Frank Gifford noted that expenditures are allowed for capital projects listed in the Capital Facilities Plan. RCW 82.46.010 provides the reference for the type of projects that this excise tax can be used for. Capital projects are defined as "Public Works projects of the local government for planning, acquisition, construction, re-construction, repair, Page 6 ¥0_ Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of December 13, 1999 replacement, rehabilitation or improvement of streets, roads, highways, sidewalks, streets and road lighting systems, traffic signals, bridges, domestic water systems, storm and sanitary sewer systems, parks, recreational facilities, law enforcement facilities, fire protection facilities, trails, libraries, administrative facilities, and judicial facilities." Mr. Fagey asked what the plan was for funding improvements to the jail and other administrative facilities up until this year? Were those improvements budgeted in another place, or has it always been the plan to use the second quarter of a percent excise tax? Chairman Harpole explained that in the Comprehensive Plan adopted in August of 1998, the stated financial resource for the Capital Facilities Plan included an additional one quarter of one percent Real Estate Excise tax to meet the need as determined in the 20 year Capital Facilities Plan. Mr. Fagey stated that this is a strange tax because it taxes people who are leaving the community for improvements in the community after they leave. Usually a tax is paid for services received. Commissioner Wojt noted that you could look at it as a tax on people who were moving into the area. Mr. Fagey disagreed because it is a tax paid by the seller in a real estate transaction. George Hansbury, Quilcene, said that he feels that the Commissioners aren't listening to the voters. Bob Moser, Coyle, said that he originally stated that he wouldn't vote for 1-695 because he is a volunteer fireman and knows the limitations of the Fire District budget. Then he heard that the County would cut the road services by 10% if 1-695 passed. That would leave 90% of the services intact, but 90% of nothing is nothing. He stated that he is very upset with the state of the roads in the County, especially the roads in the Coyle area. 1-695 passed because the voters said they have had enough charges and taxes. He feels the Commissioners are not listening, and that the taxpayers may need to do something more drastic like roll the real estate taxes back to the levels in 1980. The County is imposing new taxes before 1-695 goes into effect. The County is irritating the taxpayers and the construction people on their permits. He suggested that the Commissioners take a strong stand and cut waste in the County. Mr. Moser then continued his comments about the County's budget and stated that the Commissioners better start listening to the people. He feels it's time the taxpayers got some bang for their buck. Bob Reed added that he drives around the County quite a bit and the County employees take 2 hours here and 2 hours there and if he drives by and then comes back 2 hours later, they are still sitting in the truck and it isn't raining. He doesn't feel the taxpayers are getting the bang for their buck from the County Road crew. George Hansbury, asked if this tax could go for fire and police? Frank Gifford reported that the tax will be used for items listed in the adopted Comprehensive Plan. The tax can be used for roads, fire protection, law enforcement, etc. The County has chosen to allocate it through a detailed process of evaluating County needs and funding sources, to capital improvements for law enforcement and administration facilities and improvements to campgrounds. There will be a surplus at the end of 6 years of $252,000. Hearing no further comments for or against the proposed ordinance, the Chair closed the public hearing. Commissioner Huntingford stated that he understands the need for this tax, but he feels the voters have Page 7 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of December 13, 1999 ,~0~ ,. spoken and they want to have a say in raising taxes. This tax could have been increased anytime dunng the past year and a half and he feels it can wait until the County has a chance to put it on the ballot. He moved to not adopt the additional quarter of a percent excise tax and that the County put it on the ballot next year when the rest of the budget is considered. The motion died for lack of a second. Commissioner Wojt moved to approve ORDINANCE NO. 12-1213-99 imposing the 1/4 of 1% Real Estate Excise Tax because it is prudent government and not being done to thwart the message of 1-695. Chairman Harpole seconded the motion and noted that the Capital Facilities Plan was reviewed and debated in 1998 and the Real Estate Excise Tax was identified at that time as a funding source for these capital projects. The difference on a quarter of a million dollar property is $625. While this is a significant amount of money the community benefit is more significant. It was noted a year ago that the County needed to do this and it is not something being slipped in because of 1-695. The Chair called for a vote on the motion. Commissioner Wojt and Chairman Harpole voted for the motion. Commissioner Huntingford voted against the motion. The motion carried. HEARING re: Proposed Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 12-1209-96; Fee Schedule for the Permit Center-- Building Division and Public Works -- Facilities, Parks and Recreation Division: A1 Scalf, Director of Director of Community Development, reported that this ordinance reflects new fees for land use permits required by the Land Use Applications Procedures Ordinance that had not previously been added to the fee schedule including hearing notices, notice of application, revisions for many items, and fees for items such as temporary uses, accessory dwelling units, and cell towers. This proposed ordinance doesn't include any of the previously established fees that are being indexed. Warren Steurer reported that there are also new'facility use fees added to the Parks and Recreation section of the indexed ordinance. These fees were recommended through the Parks Advisory Board. He then reviewed some of the fees for Memorial Field and explained that HJ Carroll Park is being added to the fee schedule. A1 Scalf added that all of the new fees reflect true cost of staff for these services or are less than actual cost. Commissioner Huntingford asked if adding HJ Carroll Park to this ordinance means that all of the fees are applicable? Warren Steurer answered that is correct. The Chair opened the public hearing. Bob Mosher, asked if fees are charged for Little League and youth soccer, and such programs? Warren Steurer reported that is what is being proposed. Mr. Moser stated that he finds it insulting that the County would charge the youth for using the parks that the taxpayers built. The events like Little League soccer, and football keep the youth off the streets. The parks should be free to the youth of our nation and our County. Law enforcement is having a hard time keeping children off narcotics and here we are going to "fine" them by charging a fee to use parks that taxpayers have already paid for. He Pa~e 8 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of December 13, 1999 noted that he understands charging for the lights, but can't agree with charging youth programs. Bob Reed stated that he is against this extraordinary fee schedule proposed by the Department of Community Development. He reviewed how the costs have increased for a septic permit since he came to this County years ago. He doesn't feel it is right to keep raising these fees. He then commented on the wages of County employees and that he doesn't feel that the County needs an Administrator. He can't keep track of the new departments and employees in the County. George Hansbur~, asked why the cost of a septic permit has gone up so much? Commissioner Huntingford stated that right or wrong, the County has tried to make the people that are applying for the permits (people building homes) pay the cost of those permits and have very little or nothing come out of the General Fund. The septic permit fees are paying for about 95% of the cost of administering those permits with 5% coming from the County General Fund. Mr. Hansbury asked about the qualifications of the people reviewing permits. A1 Scalfreviewed the qualifications needed by the Building Inspectors and the staff that inspects septic systems. Mr. Hansbury then asked how to interrupt the Building Permit fees from the Uniform Building Code? He added that he is against this proposed ordinance. Hearing no further comments for or against the proposed ordinance, the Chair closed the public hearing. Warren Steurer reported that the intent of the fees for the parks is not to penalize children. The minimal fee for defined events is passed on to the youth organizations that charge participation fees. The Parks and Recreation staff are required to do some maintenance of the facilities as a result of the event. That organization can work off the fee for that event by picking up trash, etc. The County programs build that fee into the cost of the program. He then explained how fees are charged to youth sports organiza- tions. Bob Moser stated he can understand charging fees to groups that make a profit, but he can't agree with charging the youth to use facilities that taxpayers paid for in the first place. The discussion turned to the needs of children and families and fees for youth sports programs. Bob Reed asked if the property tax goes to parks? Chairman Harpole stated that the General Fund of the County helps pay for operating and maintenance costs of running County Parks. Bob Reed noted that citizens used to be able to use parks for free. Commissioner Huntingford asked if the vote on these fees could be split? Chairman Harpole noted that could be done and any required changes could be made to that part of the proposed ordinance. Commissioner Huntingford stated that he feels it is a good idea to have some kind of fee for County parks and he doesn't feel these fees are excessive. He moved to approve the Public Works -- Facilities, Parks and Recreation portion of the ordinance as proposed. Commissioner Wojt seconded the motion Page 9 7_5 :.31 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of December 13, 1999 which carried by a unanimous vote. Commissioner Wojt moved to approve the portion of the ordinance listing fees for the Permit Center Building Division. Chairman Harpole seconded the motion. Commissioner Huntingford said that he can't support the increase in the fees or new fees until there is a thorough review of the permitting in Jefferson County and we find a way to change the process to make it more efficient and user friendly for the people of the County. He knows the employees in the department are dedicated to serving the public the best they can. He noted that he will not support the fee increases. Commissioner Wojt asked if there would be impacts to the Department of Community Development staff until a review and changes could be made? A1 Scalf reported that he would have to find another source for the $15,000 in revenue anticipated from these fee increases. Commissioner Wojt asked how long it would take to review the ordinances and processes? Al Scalfreported that he is reviewing the zoning code and expects to have that done sometime in the first quarter of 2000. Some of these fees may not be applicable if changes are made. The Chair called for a vote on the motion. Commissioner Wojt and Chairman Harpole voted for the motion. Commissioner Huntingford voted against the motion. The motion carried. ORDINANCE NO. 13-1213-99 was passed detailing the new additional fees or raised fees for the Permit Center -- Building Division and Public Works -- Facilities, Parks and Recreation Division. HEARING re: Proposed Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 3-83 Jefferson County Camping and Park Lands Ordinance; Fees: Facilities, Parks and Recreation Director Warren Steurer reported that this proposed ordinance will extend the camping season an extra month through the end of October. Currently County campgrounds are opened April 1 through September 30 of each year. The proposal is to keep them open through October 30 and collect camping fees during that time. The Lower Oak Bay Parks is open all year and the recommendation is to have the fee schedule extend throughout the year. The camping fee would be lowered to $6.00 per night during the winter months. Commissioner Huntingford asked if fees have been collected during the winter months in the past? Warren Steurer reported that people are using the Lower Oak Bay campground all year around. He asked who wrote the wording for this ordinance? The Chair opened the public hearing. Hearing no comments for or against the proposed ordinance, the Chair closed the public hearing. Commissioner Wojt moved to approve ORDINANCE NO. 14-1213-99 amending Ordinance No. 3-83 as recommended, and to amend the ordinance wording to be more straight forward. Commissioner Huntingford seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. HEARING re: Proposed Resolution Setting the 2000 Ad Valorem Tax Levies: Public Page 10 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of December 13, 1999 ,~**P~ % Services Director Gary Rowe reported that the subject of this hearing is the property tax ~ncrease for l}ie 2000 budget. The 1999 base was based on a 4% increase over the 1998 base. State law under Referendum 47 provides that taxes be increased at the Implicit Price Deflator (IPD) which is t.042%. He also reviewed option A at 2%, Option B of 4%, and the legal maximum limit which is 6% (plus the 2% not taken in 1999.) There is a new construction and utility amount that is added to the rates when the new construction comes on board. The average levy rate would increase by about 2.6 for the General Fund IPD; and about 1.9 for the Road fund. On a $150,000 home the IPD would be $3.88 for the General Fund; $2.86 for Roads. Option B (the 4% figure) was initially chosen by the Board and has been used as the basis for balancing the budget in preliminary discussions and as the advertisement for this public hearing. The Board cannot increase that amount, but they can reduce it. Assessor Jack Westerman reported that the Board could have taken $340,000 more because the tax rate was 104% last year. This Board chose to taken 3% instead of 6% in 1995, in 1997 they took 4% instead of 6% and in 1999 they took 4% instead of 6%. There isn't another major taxing district in this County that has taken less than 6% in 4 of the last 6 years. The taxpayers have been well served that the Board has not taken the maximum in the majority of the years over the last 6 years. Chairman Harpole noted that there is a policy for a 10% General Fund reserve, and in past deliberations the Board determined to take $25,000 out of the Health Benefits Reserve. There is another $20,000 or $25,000 of items that the Board asked to be put back into the budget which would mean that approxi- mately $50,000 would be taken out of the Health Benefits Reserve fund which is just under $400,000. He asked if Roads has a reserve fund that's above 10%? Gary Rowe answered that reserves for Roads is used primarily for matching funds for projects. So they have more than 10% at a time in reserve. The 6 year road program presented to the Board in September indicated how the available dollars would be spent over the 6 year period. Frank Gifford reported that Roads has a reserve equal to about a year of maintenance costs. Using the 4% rate would mean a reserve of $1.3 million at the end of 6 years. Maintenance operations are running $3.3 million this year. If a 2% rate is used at the end of 6 years there would be about a $580,000 reserve. As the reserves diminish, cash flow becomes a problem and the County may have to borrow money to be able to complete projects in the most cost efficient manner. Gary Rowe noted that to balance the budget with a 104% increase in property taxes for 2000 will require the use of about $125,000 from reserves. This would mean $100,000 from reserves with $25,000 from the Health Benefits Reserve Fund. This amount includes the extra items to be added back into the budget. Commissioner Wojt asked if the road levy has to be the same as the General Fund levy? Gary Rowe answered that these two levies can be different. The Chair opened the public hearing. Bob Mosher said that he doesn't believe that the County understands that the Quilcene/Coyle/Brinnon area has more people on public assistance, percentage wise, than any other area in the County. If this property tax is raised then the people who rent will have to pay more rent and the poor get poorer. Page '.VOL Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of December 13, 1999 There is also more retired people in this area. These people are living on Social Security. If things ~6]0 going as they are, he will be taxed out of his house. The people who voted for 1-695 where trying to tell the politicians that enough is enough. 1-695 was asking that the taxpayers be given a say when taxes are raised. Roads are not yet fixed from the flooding last year. He feels if he was cut 10% on his road service, that would leave 90%. But 90% of nothing is nothing because they aren't getting the service. The taxpayers are telling the County they've had enough. They want a decision on their own destiny. Do not pass 2% or 4%. Take it over and let the voters name their own destiny. Dan Thompson, Quilcene, stated that he is surprised and appalled that so few people turned out for a meeting about raising taxes. It has become common place for government to talk yearly about increasing taxes. There's no talk about staying the same or cutting taxes or becoming more efficient. If you think about a 2% increase yearly, in 50 years you would have doubled the taxes. At 6% it would take less than 17 years. The people have very loudly and clearly stated that enough is enough through the passage ofi-695. For the Board to try to add more taxes is to thwart the wish of the electorate. It was a resounding vote. He noted that he can remember when the Courthouse housed all of the government around here, now it's scattered all over. Thomas Jefferson said that when the government ceases to serve the people and the people are serving the government that it is time to overthrow it and start over. We can't keep paying more and more and more. He urged the Board to economize rather than increase taxes. John Fagev, Shine Road, stated that he isn't here to argue for or against this proposal. He is concerned about perception. He appreciates what the Commissioners do and recognizes that it isn't easy. He objects to the comments from the Assessor when he used the terms "you choose to take" or "you might choose to take." He feels it's not the Commissioner's prerogative to choose to take. He feels it's the people's prerogative to choose to give. He urged the Board to consider that when they make their decision. Sue Heston, Shine Road, stated that she sat through the hearing on the increase in excise taxes and heard that the increase in that was discussed originally in 1998. She asked if that is the same for this tax? Chairman Harpole explained that every year the Commissioners go through this exercise to set the budget goal. The goal when the Board met on the preliminary budget was 104% which means that the property tax would be an additional 4% above what was taxed in the last calendar year. This is an annual exercise. The Real Estate Excise Tax was taken up as a strategy to finance the capital facilities program in the Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Heston asked what efforts the County has made to streamline the budget since the passage of 1-6957 Chairman Harpole answered that some of the changes that have been made will be highlighted after the public comment is taken. Ms. Heston recommended that the Board educate the taxpayers about what has been done to cut the budget and identify where the County needs more money. Bob Reed, Port Ludlow, stated that he agrees with all of the people that spoke. Everyone gets into office and then they have their own agenda and money to play with and they put in new rules and more taxes. He doesn't know where it will end. He heard that Jefferson County is the second highest County in the State for taxes. He disagrees with all of the tax increases. Page 1,2 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of December 13, 1999 Bob Mosher noted that the Board is considering hiring a manager or administrator and he suggest~ the Board manage the government the way they were voted in to manage. Chairman Harpole asked what the estimated inflation rate is for this area? Gary Rowe noted that the County has historically used a Cost of Living indicator for Union cost increases. The September to September figure for all cities is 2.8%. Chairman Harpole asked if it is true that there is a proposed reduction of approximately 4 full time employees in the 2000 budget from the General Fund because of positions that aren't being filled? Gary Rowe said that is correct. Chairman Harpole stated that he feels the Commissioners are listening to the voters. Sue Heston asked if that is people who are working and will no longer be on the payroll or if those are vacant positions that will not be filled? Chairman Harpole answered that they are vacant positions that will not be filled. Commissioner Wojt added that the major growth in the budget is meeting the Law and Justice demands that have been passed on to counties. The greatest increase in employees has occurred in two departments: the Sheriff's office and the Health Department. The growth in the Health Department is due to grants that have been provided by the State. The growth in the other departments of the County is minimal. Dan Thompson stated that we have a huge number of Deputies in this County to try and catch people for minor traffic infractions and find pot patches. He feels this is victimless crime. The government doesn't belong in the health business. Sue Heston asked if the positions in the Health Department are unfunded? Commissioner Wojt explained that most of the growth in the Health Department has been because of grants. Gary Rowe added that about 25% of the Health Department budget is funded from the General Fund. The rest of the funding comes from grants and fees. Auditor Donna Eldridge stated that the Commissioners advertised the budget hearings in the paper for two weeks and no one came. If people would have come to those hearings, they would have seen the dilemma the Commissioners are in. Every Department Head tells the Board what they need and what they are mandated to provide. The Commissioners have asked all along for input. They have a very tough decision to make. She stated that she supports whatever decision the Commissioners make. Bob Reed agreed that the Commissioners do a good job, but sometimes they go overboard in passing a lot of rules that don't need to be passed. The government gets involved and gets carried away with itself. Hearing no further comments for or against the proposed tax levies, the Chair closed the hearing. Commissioner Huntingford stated that as the budget process was started there was a lot of discussion and the Board settled on a 4% increase. He was in favor of the IPD, Richard wanted 6% plus picking up the 2% from last year, and Dan suggested 4% which is what was settled on. There are a number of departments that are smaller than they were 10 or more years ago. Well over 60% of the budget is spent Page 13 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of December 13, 1999 +-'°~ ~ on Law and Justice departments and the court system. There were discussions about taking less of ~n increase in property taxes and spending some of the Health Benefits Reserve fund. Commissioner Huntingford noted that he has some concerns that the public needs to be aware of. Next year there will be more of a problem than ever. He was willing to cut more positions now and then if there is money from the State these positions could be added back. The County is losing about $400,000 in revenue from the State for the BECCA bill and other State mandated programs. Next year the Commissioners job will be to put a package together to show the taxpayers what they think are the most important core functions that the County provides, and over and above that do citizens agree that they should be funded with additional revenue and taxes? The County will need people to participate in the budget process. If the reserves are spent to keep the County budget whole this year, next year the hole will be even bigger and the budget will be even harder to balance. Next year the reserve money will be spent and we won't have that to fall back on. It looks like there will be a loss of another 5 to 8 employees if no other funding is received. The problem is prioritizing the services the County provides the public; and the Commissioners need help in doing that. He is concerned about spending the reserves to keep the budget whole. He doesn't feel the County will get money from the State next year. He feels the County should take the conservative hard line now. We need to take care of our own problems and not wait for the State to bail us out. He appreciates the work the other 2 Commissioners have done to look at reducing the property tax. He has mixed emotions about what the results will be in the long term. He feels the voters want the opportunity to vote on taxes. Commissioner Wojt said that he proposed keeping the options open because the cuts that would be possible weren't known. He feels that Option A (2%) makes the most sense because it leaves some reserve for next year. This year will be a year to sort out what will have to happen in the future. A special election costs $27,000 and a lot of care will have to be taken on what issues go to the voters. Commissioner Wojt moved to approve Option A (2%) for the General Fund and Option B (4%) for the Road Fund. Chairman Harpole seconded the motion. Chairman Harpole noted that he feels the 2% strategy will work for this year but there is concern about the future years. He feels that 2% is roughly in the middle of the IPD (1.42) and the current rate of inflation (2.8%.) One of the voices of 1-695 is for government to spend down the reserves. At 2% the General Fund would still have the 10% reserve plus the additional $288,000 that isn't earmarked for any one thing in reserve which means the General Fund reserve (with the Health Benefits Reserve fund) is 12 ½ to 13%. He would like to see Option A for the General Fund and County Roads. He is trying to interpret what the 1-695 message was from the voters. While 1-695 passed statewide by a large margin, it passed in this County by 135 votes. He feels there are concerns in the public. It wasn't a landslide vote in this County in his opinion. Commissioner Huntingford stated that in his district it passed by 57% or 58% and in Commissioner Wojt's district it passed by the same amount. Commissioner Huntingford stated that he could support the IPD (1.42%) and using more reserves, but he doesn't feel he can support the 2% and 4% at this time. The Chair called for a vote on the motion. Commissioner Wojt voted for the motion. Chairman Page 14 ~ Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of December 13, 1999 Harpole and Commissioner Huntingford voted against the motion. The motion failed. The Board~''"'~° continued the hearing until Friday at 9:30 a.m. The meeting was recessed at the end of the scheduled interviews with candidates for the County Administrator position. The meeting was reconvened on Friday morning with all three Commissioners present. Provisional Offer of Employment: County Administrator: Commissioner Huntingford thanked the Review Committee for the hours of work. He noted that the Review Committee's recommendation is to offer the position to Charles Saddler. He is confident that the Committee recommended his choice. Commissioner Wojt noted that the Committee's recommendation was to offer the position to Charles Saddler first, and to Melinda Carlton if the contract negotiations with Mr. Saddler don't work out. Commissioner Wojt moved that the offer of employment be made as the Committee recommended. Commissioner Huntingford seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. HEARING (Continued) re: Proposed Resolution Setting the 2000 Ad Valorem Tax Levies: Budget Manager Gary Rowe presented the following information regarding the various options: Property Tax Options % Increase General Fund Road Fund 1.42 % $ 60,400 $33,472 2% 85,126 47,144 4% 170,253 94,288 Health Benefits Reserve $398,000 24,000 (45 scenario) - 171,000 (1.42% scenario) $203,000 Chairman Harpole stated that he feels the revenue and expenditures related to the 104% property tax is appropriate for this year. The Road Fund revenue base needs to be kept up or matching funds on grants and road projects are put in jeopardy. There are long and short term concerns for the Road Fund. The Health Benefits Reserve fund is above the 10% reserve policy. This is an unallocated additional reserve that the Commissioners can look at using this year. If the IPD is used for the General Fund and the Road Fund and the difference between that and 4% is taken out of the Health Benefits Reserve for the Page 15 VOL Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of December 13, 1999 ~' · % Road Fund ($61,000) and the General Fund ($110,000) that would mean an additional $171,000 coui~ be taken leaving a balance in that unallocated reserve fund of approximately $203,000. There is an additional $1 million in the 10% reserve that is policy to keep. He is very concerned about the long term implications and the challenge that the County will have to find ways to engage the general public in what are County government priorities, what should be asked for in terms of a property tax. He feels that the Road Fund needs to be kept healthy. Gary Rowe advised that it would be correct to reduce the diversion from the Road Fund to the General Fund rather than to make up the difference from the Health Benefits Reserve Fund. Commissioner Wojt asked if the increase in employee health insurance premiums is reflected in the proposed budget? Gary Rowe answered that it is reflected in the preliminary budget. The amount of the diversion from County Roads to the General Fund is stated in a letter the Board sends to the Assessor when the budget is adopted. Commissioner Huntingford asked how big an increase this year's budget is over last year's? Gary Rowe answered that it is less than 2% higher than last year's budget. Commissioner Wojt stated that his concern is that the Road Fund be kept whole. He moved to adopt the IPD (1.042%) for the General Fund and the Road Fund and that the diversion be reduced and the Health Benefits Reserve Fund be used to make up the difference between the IPD and the 4%. Commissioner Huntingford seconded the motion. Commissioner Huntingford said that this would clearly fill the hole caused by the passage of 1-695 with some cuts. The Commissioners need to start an education process about what services the County provides. How will the County get the word out to the public? The discussion turned to the possibility of the State providing some funding relief for County programs, the possibility of another initiative from the people on tax increases, and the amount of the property increase and how the public will view any amount of increase. Gary Rowe reported as far as help from the State, the Governor and the local State Legislators have said that they are primarily focused on restoring the Health funding and partial funding for Law and Justice programs. It doesn't appear that there will be other sources of funding beyond those two items. Commissioner Huntingford questioned that if additional funds are received, will they be used to expand Health and Law and Justice programs, or will they be used to fill the gap that has been filled this year with reserves? He feels that the Commissioners need to be very clear with the Department Heads about what will happen if additional funding is received. Gary Rowe pointed out that the priority of the public may be different than the priority of the Departments. Commissioner Huntingford stated that the Board has tried to balance the needs of the different departments and budget constraints. He hopes that the public understands that the 1.042% increase in the property tax is tied to Referendum 47 which was passed a few years ago and that there is about a 1% overall increase in the County budget and that the Commissioners were listening to what they were saying and that they expect the taxpayers to participate in the process next year to determine where they Page 16 25 ic3s VOL ~t[ Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of December 13, 1999 want their money spent. The Chair called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. ~. ~:. ~,~. -,4 , , BOA~ OF COMMISSION RS . ClerkoftheBoard ~ ( ~~ ~' Page 17 'VOl_ ~A,r,? JL*.,,O,,.'.'/ JEFFERSON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS P.O. Box 2070 1322 Washington St. Port Townsend, WA 98368 (360) 385-9160 Frank Gifford, Public Works Director/County Engineer Date: November 22, 1999 To: Dan Harpole, Chair Glen Huntingford, Member Richard Wojt, Member Board of County Commissioners From: Frank Gifford, Interim Public Works Director/County Engineer Subiect: Fee Schedule Increase for the Department of Public Works The Public Works Department recommends an increase to the fee schedule for Departmental Services in accordance with Ordinance No. 12-1209-96. The fees to be adjusted are only those in the Public Works Department Section of the Ordinance. Solid Waste Division fees have already been adjusted and a Public Hearing has been scheduled for changes to fees in the Facilities, Parks and Recreation Divisions. As per the Ordinance, these fee increases are adjusted annually and are based on the amount of increase in the Consumer Price Index. 100% Recycled Paper