HomeMy WebLinkAboutM122120 to include Hearing Comments re: Budget Appropriations and Proposed Ordinance Imposing a Sales and Use Tax for Affordable Housing & Supportive Services in Accordance with House Bill 1590 and RCW 82.14.530 w4�gON �O<i
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MINUTES
Jefferson County Board of Commissioners
Regular Meeting — Monday, December 21, 2020, 9:00 a.m.
Jefferson County Courthouse—Commissioners' Chambers
1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Greg Brotherton, Commissioner David Sullivan and
Commissioner Kate Dean participated in the meeting remotely. Chair Brotherton called the meeting to
order at the appointed time.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: The following is a summary of comments submitted
by individuals via email which reflect their personal opinions and which were read aloud by the County
Administrator:
• Comment thanking the community for COVID-19 support.
• Comment regarding authoritarian climate of enforcing COVID-19 restrictions and stonewalling
other science and research being presented.
• Comment regarding opposition to a 1% sales tax for Affordable Housing.
• Comment regarding support of the 1% sales tax for Affordable Housing.
• Comment regarding the banning of nuclear weapons.
• Comment regarding the Affordable Housing Sales and Use Tax, thanking Commissioner
Sullivan for his effort on addressing this issue, and three planets aligning tonight.
• Comment regarding natural ways to boost your immune system without the use of
pharmaceuticals.
• Comment regarding the coming new year, and thanking the rain gods.
• Comment regarding tens of thousands of medical professionals speaking out about the handling
of COVID-19, and media censorship.
• Comment thanking Commissioner Sullivan for is 16 years of leadership in Jefferson County.
• Comment regarding the upcoming year.
The Commissioners and County Administrator addressed comments and concerns raised during the
Public Comment Period.
APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner
Sullivan moved to approve the items on the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner Dean
seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote.
1. RESOLUTION NO. 89-20 re: To Construct a Road and Utilities on a portion of Public Right-
of-Way know as Foster Street
2. RESOLUTION NO. 90-20 re: Adoption of the 2020/2021 Jefferson County Cost Allocation
Plan
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Commissioners MeetingMinutos of December 21, 2020
3. RESOLUTION NO. 91-20 re: Appointing Carolyn Gallaway as Clerk of the Board for
Jefferson County(Effective January 1,2021)
4. AGREEMENT,Amendment No.2 re: Continued Support for the School Based Health Centers
in Port Townsend, Chimacum and Quilcene School Districts; Additional Amount of$951 for a
Total Amount of$64,320 for the 2020-2021 School Year; Jefferson County Public Health;
Public Hospital District No. 2 (Jefferson Healthcare)
5. AGREEMENT,Amendment No. 1 re: Developing and Managing Jefferson County's
Sustainable Forestry Program; An Additional Amount of$18,500 for a Total of$31,500 and
Extension of Time; Jefferson County Central Services; Chickadee Forestry, LLC
6. AGREEMENT re: Develop and Implement Tobacco and Vapor Product Prevention and
Intervention Strategies; In the Amount of$18,500; Jefferson County Public Health; Kitsap
Public Health District
7. AGREEMENT,Interlocal,Amendment No. 1 re: Jail Services;No Change in Dollar Amount,
Time Extension Only; Jefferson County Sheriff; City of Port Townsend
8. AGREEMENT re: Economic Development Services; In the Amount of$28,860 for 2020 and an
additional 3% each year; Jefferson County Administrator; EDC Team Jefferson
9. AGREEMENT, Supplement No. 2 re: Community Development Leadership and Team
Development Services, Including Justice, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training; In an
Amount not to exceed $5,000 for a total of$144,720; Jefferson County Community
Development; Demarche Consulting Group—Linda Paralez
10. AGREEMENT,Amendment No. 1 re: Facilitator, Plan Writer for Affordable Housing
Homeless Housing Task Force and Joint Oversight Board; In an Amount not to exceed $18,700
for a total of$48,450; Jefferson County Administrator; Lizanne Coker
11. AGREEMENT NO. D20-182 re: Grant Funding for Emergency Protective Measures in
Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak; In the Amount of$163,169.10; Jefferson
County Emergency Management; Washington State Military Department and Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
12. AGREEMENT, Interlocal re: Lease of Ramp Equipped Van; Jefferson County Emergency
Management; Jefferson Transit Authority
13. AGREEMENT re: Employment for Jefferson County Administrator Services; Additional
$7,500 for a total of$141,953; Philip Morley
14. AGREEMENT re: Meal Services for Certain Temporary Residents housed at the Jefferson
County Fairgrounds; In the Amount of$15,200; Bayside Housing and Services
15. AGREEMENT re: Providing Supplies and Essentials to Temporary Residence at the Jefferson
County Fairgrounds; In the Amount of$4,800; Jefferson County Central Services; Dove House
16. AGREEMENT re: Night Monitoring for Temporary Residents Housed at the Jefferson County
Fairgrounds; In the Amount of$12,600; Jefferson County Central Services; Olympic
Community Action Program (OlyCAP)
17. AGREEMENT re: Noxious Weed Control; In the Amount of$25,000 over 5 years; Washington
State University, Jefferson County Extension; Washington State Parks,North Puget Sound
Region
18. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU)re: Weed Control in County Right of
Way; In the Amount of$27,000; Washington State University, Jefferson County Extension;
Jefferson County Public Works
19. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU), 1st Revised Agreement No.
G9500100074 re: Upper Hoh Road Long Term Management Interagency Working Group;
Jefferson County Public Works; United States Department of the Interior,National Park Service;
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Commissioners Meeting Minutes of December 21, 2020
United States Department of Transportation; Federal Highway Administration, Western Federal
Lands; Federal Highway Administration, Washington State Division; Washington State
Department of Transportation
20. MINUTES re: Special Meeting of December 10, 2020 and Regular Meeting of December 14,
2020
21. Appoint Member to the Jefferson County Risk Management Committee(RMC)re: Per
Resolution No. 54-19 (No Expiration of Terms); Human Resources Manager, Andrew Rowlson
as Risk Coordinator/Assistant Risk Manager Effective January 1, 2021
22. ADVISORY BOARD APPOINTMENT re: Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC);
Fulfilling an Unexpired Term to End February 19,2021; District No. 3 Representative, Tim
Deverin
23. Payment of Jefferson County Vouchers/Warrants Dated December 14, 2020 Totaling
$1,217,466.27 and Dated December 21, 2020 Totaling $471,152.24 (Records of all claims submitted
for payment along with vouchers approved and signed by the Board of Jefferson County Commissioners are retained
by the Jefferson County Auditor and Public Works Department.)
24. Payment of Jefferson County Payroll Warrants Dated December 18, 2020 Totaling
$76,596.82 and A/P Warrants Done by Payroll Dated December 18, 2020 Totaling $16,061.53
(Records of all claims submitted for payment along with A/P Warrants approved by the Payroll Services Manager
are retained in the Jefferson County Auditor's Office)
COMMISSIONERS' BRIEFING SESSION: The Commissioners discussed recent
meetings they attended and reviewed their meeting schedules.
RECOGNITION AND THANKS re: Retiring Clerk of the Board/Human Resources
Manager Erin Lundgren: The Commissioners and staff commented on Clerk of the Board/Human
Resources Manager Erin Lundgren's more than 27 years of public service to Jefferson County.
RECOGNITION AND THANKS re: Retiring Jefferson County Commissioner
David Sullivan: The Commissioners and staff commented on retiring Commissioner David Sullivan's
16 years of public service as a County Commissioner.
WEEKLY UPDATE re: COVID-19: Public Health Officer Dr. Thomas Locke
provided information on the COVID-19 virus in Jefferson County and Emergency Management Director
Willie Bence provided a situation report.
HEARING re: 4th Quarter 2020 Budget Appropriations/Extensions; Various
County Departments: Central Services Director Mark McCauley gave a presentation on the 4th Quarter
2020 Budget appropriations and extensions. After discussion, Chair Brotherton opened the hearing to
allow for public testimony. The following individual provided testimony: Tom Thiersch.
Hearing no further testimony, Chair Brotherton closed the hearing for verbal testimony. He recessed the
meeting to allow time to review Mr. Thiersch's emailed testimony.
The meeting was recessed at 11:00 a.m. and reconvened at 11:15 a.m. with all three
Commissioners present.
DELIBERATIONS re: 4th Quarter 2020 Budget Appropriations/Extensions;
Various County Departments: The Commissioners continued deliberations on the budget
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Commissioners Meeting Minutes of December 21, 2020
appropriations and extensions. Commissioner Sullivan moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 92-20
re: Budget Appropriations/Extensions for Various County Departments. Commissioner Dean seconded
the motion which carried by a unanimous vote.
DISCUSSION re: EMERGENCY ORDINANCE re: Adopting Interim Zoning
Regulations for Siting, Establishment, and Operation of Temporary Homeless Facilities in
Unincorporated Areas of Jefferson County: Department of Community Development(DCD) Acting
Director Linda Paralez briefed the Board on the need for an Emergency Ordinance. There is a need in
the County to adopt regulations concerning the establishment and processing of applications for
temporary homeless facilities in unincorporated Jefferson County. The need is immediate, especially
considering the onset of winter in the time of COVID-19. After discussion, Commissioner Dean moved
to approve ORDINANCE NO. 10-1221-20 re: Adopting Interim Zoning Regulations for the Siting,
Establishment, and Operation of Temporary Homeless Facilities in Unincorporated Areas of Jefferson
County. County Administrator Philip Morley noted there are scrivener errors in the proposed ordinance
which would be corrected by staff. Chair Brotherton called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried
by a unanimous vote.
After a brief discussion of upcoming agenda items,the meeting was recessed at
12:08 p.m. and reconvened at 1:30 p.m. with all three Commissioners present.
HEARING re: Proposed Ordinance Imposing a Sales and Use Tax for Affordable
Housing and Supportive Services in Accordance with House Bill 1590 and RCW 82.14.530: After a
song by Chair Brotherton regarding the proposed sales tax, County Administrator Philip Morley
explained the proposed ordinance and process thus far. Chair Brotherton opened the hearing for public
testimony. The following individuals provided testimony: Terry Smith, Michelle Sandoval, Julia
Cochrane, Brian Kuh and Tom Thiersch. Hearing no further testimony, Chair Brotherton closed the
hearing. He recessed the meeting to allow review of written comments received during the lunch hour.
The meeting was recessed at 2:04 p.m. and reconvened at 2:12 p.m. with all three
Commissioners present.
DELIBERATIONS re: Proposed Ordinance Imposing a Sales and Use Tax for
Affordable Housing and Supportive Services in Accordance with House Bill 1590 and RCW
82.14.530: The Commissioners continued deliberation on the proposed ordinance. After discussion,
Commissioner Sullivan moved to adopt ORDINANCE NO. 11-1221-20 re: Imposing an additional
sales and use tax for 1/10th of 1% for housing and related services as authorized by RCW 82.14.530,
adding a new chapter 3.33 to Jefferson County Code, providing severability and establishing an effective
date five days after adoption. Commissioner Dean seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous
vote.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: An Executive Session was scheduled from 2:30 p.m. to
3:00 p.m. Chair Brotherton announced that the Executive Session will be held from 2:32 p.m. to
3:02 p.m. with the County Administrator, Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, and Central
Services Director regarding Attorney-Client Privilege, Actual Litigation under exemption RCW
42.30.110(l)(i) as outlined in the Open Public Meetings Act. The Board concluded the Executive
Session and resumed the regular meeting at 3:03 p.m.
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Commissioners Meeting Minutes of December 21, 2020
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS; EXECUTIVE SESSION: An Executive Session was
scheduled from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. As Chair Brotherton was experiencing technical difficulties,
Commissioner Dean called for the Executive Session to be held from 3:08 p.m. to 3:38 p.m. with the
County Administrator, Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and Central Services Director regarding
Attorney-Client Privilege, Potential Litigation under exemption RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) as outlined in the
Open Public Meetings Act. The Board concluded the Executive Session and resumed the regular
meeting at 3:39 p.m.
Chair Brotherton stated for the record that the Prosecuting Attorney was present for both Executive
Sessions.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS; CLOSED SESSION: A Closed Session was scheduled
1 from 3:30 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. Chair Brotherton announced that the Closed Session will be held from
3:41 p.m. to 4:01 p.m. with the County Administrator, Clerk of the Board/Human Resources Manager
and Incoming Human Resources Manager to Plan or Adopt the Strategy or Position to be taken by the
governing body during the course of Collective Bargaining, Professional Negotiations, or Grievance or
Mediation Proceedings, or to Review the Proposals Made in Negotiations or Proceedings while in
progress not subject to the Open Public Meetings Act under exemption RCW 42.30.140(4)(b). The
Board concluded the Closed Session and resumed the regular meeting at 4:00 p.m.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR BRIEFING SESSION: County Administrator Philip
Morley reviewed the following with the Board.
• Jefferson County 2021 Legislative Priorities: After discussion, Commissioner Dean moved to
approve the Legislative Priorities Agenda. Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion which
carried by a unanimous vote.
• North Olympic Legislative Alliance (NOLA)2021 Agenda
• Calendar Coordination and 2021 Jefferson County issues
• Farewell to Commissioner Sullivan
NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT: Chair Brotherton adjourned the meeting at 4:40 p.m.
until the nex -regul'tlreeting or special meeting as properly noticed.
•i' : �, , ` JEFFERSON COUNTY
OF COMMISSIONERS
SEAL: , •
t r rotherton, Chair
ATTEST: David Sullivan, Member
51 'A. CirGUitit,174.,_
Carolyn allaway, CMC ( Kat Dean, Member
Deputy Clerk of the Board
5
Consent Agenda
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
Philip Morley, County Administrator
FROM: Leslie Locke, Executive Assistant
DATE: December 7, 2020
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION NO. re: HEARING NOTICE: Fourth Quarter 2020 Budget
Appropriations/Extensions; Various County Departments; Hearing scheduled for
Monday, December 21, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. in the Commissioners Chambers
(Virtual)
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
Various County Departments have requested increases to their 2020 budget. Per RCW 36.40.140 the BOCC
must hold a public hearing regarding the proposed budget changes. This agenda item is to approve the public
notice only; the individual changes will be reviewed at the public hearing.
ANALYSIS:
These budget changes are intended to improve the cost effectiveness and efficiency of the requesting
departments. The Hearing Notice will be published in the PDN on December 10 and 17, 2020.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Provided in Resolution. While not included in the hearing notice, attached are two summaries showing
budget appropriations for the 1st, 2°a, 3`d and 4th Quarters for the General Fund and other Funds.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve resolution to publish a notice for the hearing set for December 21, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. in the
Commissioners Chambers. NOTE: No In -Person Attendance Allowed (Per May 29, 2020 Jefferson County
Public Health Officer Order). To view this meeting live go to www.co.jefferson.wa.us Follow the links under
"Quick Links: Videos of Meetings -Streaming Live. " In addition, written testimony is also invited beginning
on December 10, 2020 and ending on December 21, 2020 at the end of the Public Hearing, unless extended
by the Board of County Commissioners. Written public testimony may be submitted by Email to:
jeffbocckco.jefferson.wa.us; or by Mail to: Jefferson County Commissioners' Office; PO Box 1220, Port
Townsend, WA 98368.
RE WED BY:
0 oun Admim trator Date
STATE OF WASHINGTON
Jefferson County
IN THE MATTER OF A HEARING NOTICE }
FOR PROPOSED SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET }
APPROPRIATIONS/EXTENSIONS FOR } RESOLUTION NO.
VARIOUS COUNTY FUNDS }
WHEREAS, various Jefferson County departments have made requests for supplemental budget
appropriations/extensions for their 2020 budgets; and
WHEREAS, the increased spending in such requests are funded by additional sources which were not
anticipated at the time of preparing said budgets; and such sources include unanticipated revenue received
from fees, or grants from the State and Federal government, or proceeds from the sale of bonds, or budgeted
but unexpended monies from the prior budget year; and
WHEREAS, it appears to the Board of County Commissioners that a need exists that could not have
been foreseen or contemplated at the time of preparing the budgets for 2020. The following identified revenue
and expenditure amounts are to be added to the various Funds. Expenditure amounts in excess of revenues
listed shall be appropriated from the unencumbered balances and represent an extension of the Fund budgets
listed:
AMOUNT FROM
UNENCUMBERED
FUND #
FUND NAME
FUND BALANCE
REVENUE
EXPENSE
GENERAL FUND
001-059-000
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
001-060-000
BOCC
001-067-000
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
001-150-000
PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
001-151-000
CORONER
001-261-000
OPERATING TRANSFER
001-270-000
NON -DEPARTMENTAL
TOTAL GENERAL FUND
$ 201,561
$
24,670
$
18,284
$
2,500
$
42,624
$
12,000
$
79,230
$
22,253
$ 201,561 $ - $
201,561
SPECIAL REVENUE/CAPITAL/ENTERPRISE/INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS
105-000-010
AUDITOR'S O&M
$
3,188
$
3,188
123-000-010
GRANTS MANAGEMENT
$
119,163
$
119,163
127-000-010
HEALTH
$
511,707
$
209,595
129-000-010
WQ LAND ACQUISITION
$
115,000
$
115,000
130-000-010
MENTAL HEALTH
$
25,000
$
25,000
143-000-010
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
$
79,230
$
60,111
149-000-010
HOMELESS HOUSING
$
168,085
$
168,085
302-000-010
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
$
209,124
$
209,124
506-000-010
INFORMATION SERVICES
$
209,124
TOTAL OTHER FUNDS
$
352,312
$
1,087,309
$
909,266
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that supplemental budget appropriations/extensions be
considered for the above noted funds.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a public hearing be held on the extensions and that said hearing be
held in the County Commissioners' Chambers, at the Jefferson Courthouse, Port Townsend Washington, on
the 211t day of December, 2020, at the hour of 10:30 a.m., and that notice of said hearing be published in
the official newspaper of Jefferson County. NOTE: No In -Person Attendance Allowed (Per May 29, 2020
Jefferson County Public Health Officer Order). To view this meeting live go to www.co.jefferson.wa.us
Follow the links under "Quick Links: Videos of Meetings -Streaming Live. " In addition, written testimony is
also invited beginning on December 10, 2020 and ending on December 21, 2020 at the end of the Public
Hearing, unless extended by the Board of County Commissioners. Written public testimony may be
submitted by Email to: jeffboccAco.jefferson.wa.us; or by Mail to: Jefferson County Commissioners'
Office; PO Box 1220, Port Townsend, WA 98368.
APPROVED this 7t1 day of December, 2020.
SEAL:
ATTEST:
Carolyn Gallaway, CMC
Deputy Clerk of the Board
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Greg Brotherton, Chair
David Sullivan, Member
Kate Dean, Member
Page 2 of 2
Public Comments
From: tprosys@gmail.com
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2020 10:38 AM
To: Public Comments
Subject: Hearing testimony
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links,
especially from unknown senders.
Testimony for 10:30 budget hearing
General comment about this, and many prior, board packets.
Please make it a requirement that the clerk who prepares the packets also takes a few seconds to correctly
orient the pages; people should not be asked to read sideways, and many (most) don't have the Acrobat tools
needed to reorient the pages.
.8.
I don't see anything in this budget revision to remove the $5,000 earmarked for the PDA.
That so-called "organization" is in total disarray and must not receive any additional public funding until it gets
its act straight.
You should rescind that $5,000 budget item now as part of this Budget Extension.
Page 9 (of board packet item)
The Auditor says that $3,188 is needed to pay for a "Increase in Maintenance Agreement" over $36,614
original.
Why was this not anticipated? Doesn't the county have contracts that control the rate of such increases?
* If there is a contract, then the increase should have been predicted and included in the budget ask. Or, if the
contract doesn't limit the size of such increases, it's a very bad contract and the county should renegotiate.
* If there is no contract, then that's just irresponsible.
Page 14 (of board packet item)
The Auditor says that $115,000 more than the original $155,000 is needed "To rectify original 2020 budget
expenditure request omission."
That's a pretty big "Oops". We need an explanation for this, and we need assurances that controls have been,
or will be, put in place to prevent such gross errors in the future.
Tom Thiersch
Jefferson County
Please publish 2 times: December 10 and 17, 2020
Bill to Jefferson County Commissioners
PO Box 1220
Port Townsend, WA 98368
NOTICE OF RESCHEDULED PUBLIC HEARING AND PUBLIC COMMENT
ON DRAFT SALES & USE TAX FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING & SUPPORTIVE
SERVICES ORDINANCE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the public hearing originally scheduled for December
14, 2020 has been RESCHEDULED by the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners
for MONDAY, December 21, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. in the Commissioners' Chambers,
Jefferson County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368 for the
purpose of taking public testimony regarding an Ordinance Imposing a Sales and Use
Tax for Affordable Housing & Supportive Services in accordance with House Bill 1590
(Chapter 222, Laws of 2020) and RCW 82.14.530.
If enacted, the ordinance would create a 1/10th of one percent sales tax for affordable
housing & supportive services; which is equivalent to one dollar added for every $1,000
purchase. Funds would be used for constructing or operating affordable housing &
supportive services in Jefferson County. The proposed ordinance is available for
viewing on the County website at www.co.jefferson.wa.us.
Per the May 29, 2020 Jefferson County Public Health Officer Order, the BOCC
meetings will be held virtually. To view the meetings live go to www.co.mefferson.wa.us
and follow the links under "Quick Links: Videos of Meetings -Streaming Live." Those
without internet can listen by dialing Phone #: 1-646-749-3122 - enter Access Code:
661-198-069#. (Access for the hearing impaired and others can be accommodated using
Washington Relay Service at 1-800-833-6384.)
To provide oral testimony, dial 1-646-749-3122 and enter access code: 661-198-069#
by 1:30 p.m. so your call can be taken, then stay on the line until called upon to provide
up to three minutes verbal testimony.
Written testimony submitted on or after November 30, 2020 to the BoCC will be
considered part of the hearing record. Written testimony will continue until the end of the
Public Hearing, unless extended by the Board of County Commissioners. Written public
testimony may be submitted by Email to: or by Mail to:
Jefferson County Commissioners' Office, PO Box 1220, Port Townsend, WA 98368.
Written testimony must be received by the close of the public hearing.
After taking public testimony and deliberating, the County Commissioners will decide
whether or not to adopt the ordinance, with or without changes.
Approved and signed this 7th day of December, 2020.
JEFF RS N COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
G r eon, Chair
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of Commissioners %
FROM: Philip Morley, County Administrator
DATE: November 23, 2020
RE: HEARING NOTICE re: Proposed Ordinance Imposing a Sales and Use Tax for Affordable
Housing & Supportive Services in Accordance with House Bill 1590 and RCW 82.14,530;
Hearing Scheduled for Monday, December 14, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in the
Commissioners' Chambers at the Jefferson County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson Street,
Port Townsend, WA (Virtual Meeting); and
MOTION Directing Staff to Develop an Administrative and Policy Framework for
Implementation and Use of the Sale Tax, Guided by the November 12, 2020 Draft
Strategy for Permanent Affordable Housing; and Directing Staff to Begin Negotiations
with the City of Port Townsend For a Potential Amendment to the 2018 Interlocal
Agreement For This Purpose
STATEMENT OF ISSUE: The Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) will consider
approving a Hearing Notice to hold a Public Hearing on Monday, December 14, 2020 at 11:00
a.m. in the Commissioners' Chambers, Jefferson County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson Street,
Port Townsend, Washington via a virtual meeting, for the purpose of taking written and oral
testimony regarding a Proposed Ordinance Imposing A 1/10th of 1% Sales And Use Tax For
Affordable And Supportive Housing In Accordance House Bill 1590 and RCW 82.14.530.
The proposed sales and use tax of 1/10th of 1% is equal to $1 on a $1,000 purchase. Pursuant
to HB 1590 and RCW 82.14.530, this tax can be enacted by vote of the County Commissioners.
The Board of County Commissioners will also consider passing a Motion Directing Staff to
Develop an Administrative and Policy Framework for Implementation and Use of the Sale Tax,
Guided by the November 12, 2020 Draft Strategy for Permanent Affordable Housing; and
Directing Staff to Begin Negotiations with the City of Port Townsend For a Potential
Amendment to the 2018 Interlocal Agreement For This Purpose.
ANALYSIS: A pervasive lack of affordable housing is a pressing challenge throughout
Jefferson County, especially for people with lower incomes. In 2017, the Jefferson County
Board of Commissioners adopted Resolution No. 35-17, finding "that an emergency exists with
respect to the availability of housing that is affordable to low-income households and with
respect to the availability of housing that is affordable to very low-income households in
Jefferson County."
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House Bill 1590 (HB 1590) was enacted by the Washington State Legislature in 2020. It amends
RCW 82.14.530, and authorizes cities and counties to impose a sales and use tax up to 1/101h of
1% for affordable housing. The tax equals just $1 on a $1,000 purchase. Sales and use taxes
apply to most retail sales of "tangible personal property" within Washington, as well as
purchases delivered here by Internet or mail-order retailers. Services to individuals and
businesses — things like haircuts, medical bills, consultant fees, etc. — are not "personal
property," and most are not subject to sales tax.
The 1/10th of 1% sales and use tax for affordable housing originally required voter approval,
but under HB 1590, this revenue source may now also be approved by the local legislative body
with a simple majority vote.
At least 60% of the revenue generated by the 1/10th of 1% sales and use tax must be used for:
a) constructing affordable housing and facilities providing housing -related services, solely
for eligible households (as defined below); or
b) constructing mental and behavioral health -related facilities; or
c) funding the operations and maintenance costs of new units of affordable housing and
facilities where housing -related programs are provided, or newly constructed
evaluation and treatment centers.
The affordable housing and housing -related services in a) above must serve only persons
whose income is at or below sixty percent of median income, and who are one of the
following:
o Persons with mental illness
o Veterans
o Senior citizens
o Families with children who are homeless (or at -risk of being homeless)
o Unaccompanied homeless youth or young adults
o Persons with disabilities
o Domestic violence survivors
The rest of the revenue (up to 40%) can only be used for housing -related services, or the
operation, delivery and evaluation of mental and behavioral health treatment programs and
services, without the same restrictions of "eligible persons."
The law also allows up to fifty percent of the proceeds to be used to issue and service bonds to
finance the provision or construction of affordable housing, facilities where housing -related
programs are provided, or evaluation and treatment centers.
When the possibility of enacting the affordable housing sales tax under HB 1590 became
evident, County and City staff asked local public and non-profit housing providers as a group to
identify current projects of a scale that revenue from a HB 1590 affordable sales tax could
conceivably fund. The purpose was two -fold: to test whether a sales tax could actually result
in meaningful affordable housing projects, and also to begin to prime the pump with these
organizations to develop additional affordable housing projects in Jefferson County.
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Together, the organizations — the Peninsula Housing Authority, OlyCAP, Bayside Housing
Services, Habitat for Humanity of Jefferson County, and DOVE House - quickly found consensus
on a list of six examples of the kinds of permanent housing projects that a HB 1590 sales tax
could fund right off the bat, as well as a recommended strategy for effectively and efficiently
using revenue from the affordable housing sales tax to add affordable housing inventory in
Jefferson County during the next several years. A copy of the "Strategy for Permanent
Affordable Housing" is enclosed with this Agenda Request.
The City/County Housing Task Force as well as the Joint Oversight Board on homeless and
affordable housing each reviewed the draft Strategy for Permanent Affordable Housing, and
each passed motions recommending that the Board of County Commissioners proceed to
consider adopting a 1/10 of 1% sales tax for affordable housing under RCW 82.14.530, but added a
recommendation that in implementing and using the sales tax, that the County do so consistent with
the draft Strategy for Permanent Affordable Housing.
To this end, as a companion to setting a Public Hearing to consider implementing the sales tax
for affordable housing, the Board of Commissioners could also pass a Motion directing staff to
develop an administrative and policy framework for implementation and use of the sale tax,
guided by the November 12, 2020 draft Strategy for Permanent Affordable Housing; and
directing staff to begin negotiations with the City of Port Townsend for a potential amendment
to the 2018 Interlocal Agreement for this purpose.
FISCAL IMPACT: The proposed affordable housing sales and use tax of 1/101h of 1% is
equal to $1 on a $1,000 purchase. If a sales tax for Affordable Housing is enacted in Jefferson
County, the soonest the tax could go into effect is April 1st of 2021. The County would begin
receiving that revenue in June (there is a two -month lag). During 2021 (June -December) it's
estimated the County to receive $350,000-$370,000 for affordable housing. In 2022 and every
year thereafter, the County would receive a full 12-months of revenue for affordable housing,
or about $600,000 per year, depending on the economy. Over time, this amount would likely
rise, as the annual value of retail sales grows.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners take
two actions:
1. Approve the enclosed Hearing Notice; and
2. Pass a Motion Directing Staff to Develop an Administrative and Policy Framework for
Implementation and Use of the Sale Tax, Guided by the November 12, 2020 Draft
Strategy for Permanent Affordable Housing; and Directing Staff to Begin Negotiations
with the City of Port Townsend For a Potential Amendment to the 2018 Interlocal
Agreement For This Purpose.
REVIEWED BY:
Philip Morley, ou y ministrator
Date
3 of 20
ATTACHMENT 1 - HEARING NOTICE
Please publish 2 times: November 27 and December 3, 2020
Bill to Jefferson County Commissioners
PO Box 1220
Port Townsend, WA 98368
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing is scheduled by the Jefferson County
Board of Commissioners for MONDAY, December 14, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in the
Commissioners' Chambers, Jefferson County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson Street, Port
Townsend, WA 98368 for the purpose of taking public testimony regarding an
Ordinance Imposing a Sales and Use Tax for Affordable Housing & Supportive Services
in accordance with House Bill 1590 and RCW 82.14.530.
If enacted, the ordinance would create a 1/10th of one percent sales tax for affordable
housing & supportive services; which is equivalent to one dollar added for every $1,000
purchase. Funds would be used for constructing or operating affordable housing &
supportive services in Jefferson County. The proposed ordinance is available for
viewing on the County website at www.co.jefferson.wa.us.
Per the May 29, 2020 Jefferson County Public Health Officer Order, the BOCC
meetings will be held virtually. To view the meetings live go to www.co_jefferson.wa.us
and follow the links under "Quick Links: Videos of Meetings -Streaming Live." Those
without internet can listen by dialing Phone #: 1-646-749-3122 - enter Access Code:
661-198-069#. (Access for the hearing impaired and others can be accommodated using
Washington Relay Service at 1-800-833-6384.)
To provide oral testimony, dial 1-646-749-3122 and enter access code: 661-198-069#
by 11:00 a.m. so your call can be taken, then stay on the line until called upon to
provide up to three minutes verbal testimony.
The proposed ordinance contains the following sections:
Section 1. Tax Imposed.
Section 2. Applicability of Tax.
Section 3. Rate of Tax
Section 4. Administration and Collection.
Section 4. Use of Funds.
Section 5. Administration of Funds
Section 6. Severability.
Section 7. Effective Date.
Section 8. Code Reviser.
In addition, written testimony is also invited beginning on November 27, 2020 and
ending on December 14, 2020 at the end of the Public Hearing, unless extended by the
Board of County Commissioners. Written public testimony may be submitted by Email
to: or by Mail to: Jefferson County Commissioners'
4 of 20
ATTACHMENT 1 — HEARING NOTICE
Office; PO Box 1220, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Written testimony must be received
by the close of the public hearing.
After taking public testimony and deliberating, the County Commissioners will decide
whether or not to adopt the ordinance, with or without changes.
Approved and signed this 23rd day of November, 2020.
JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Greg Brotherton, Chair
5 of 20
ATTACHMENT 2 - HOUSE BILL 1590
]Mr;E BILL 1590
15 ?i x'' ii: BY THE SEC ATE
=aes-i=-._3:ests=e - __1J ?.egs:esr Se3sior.
State of Wazbiagton 66th Legislature 2019 Regular Session
By eFIeSe' .3 ='-. __O, -0-n, Xacr" Cody, Gregerson,. 'JIB•.*iie,+
Framer and
:-fi fret t_me 9. Pefezred to CD=ittee on -iozaing.
-V ACT Relat.ng to a:loviag the locaL sales and use tax :or
- affordable hDssimg to be ozed by a coca-nci1 raniz a7 _:
RCK
s =- -- HN.zCT-: H"- =F'r:5 ..3=Z OF TM- STAM OF WA-2Hl! GTCN:
Sec. L. p..W :_. _ —5S: a= :j _:-' 5 3rd sp.s_ c =4 s are each
read a1
_ esi _ L CD'Sr[t� _eg.__az_'�e ast orZt j ma- an
essthor_zing praposition to the _3cn:T -tote=s at a species: :r general
y esection and., if the Frop ai.ti.om 1.3 a_ Frosred by a mad 3rit-" o_' Fe=s:as
sot=ng, :�ag�D3e a sales and use tax in accordan_e s.t = t' terra of
_ this c_.apter_ Mte title of each ballot measure must cLear:y .laze the
.� purFoses for xi:.:-- the proposed sales sad 'ase zax wits :re '.L3ed. _ e
.3 rate of tax under this aectioa may not exceed oat -teat :,f =�
.. percent of the se::_ .g Brice in the case of a 3a:ez tax. or -:a:'se :f
the article used, -7. The case of a use tax.
?.s all a.zer'natize Co the aat'horztv a.' I.S: Qf
_-' this 3 3e' _9r a :� -e' !��: '� aot orit- sJa" Gj!� w-thDAt a
rer33a's .Q. ea -et aa,: '.LSe
.� tax .2CC0rda=Ce ti_t.. t.'3 - `7.3 ::._rS= 'r rate Of tart
user t - se-*.ior. ma-- _:t ez_eed .e-tentr :f ne 'oer_ert of t:-e
F. - HE -_�- f-
ATTACHMENT 2 — HOUSE BILL 1590
2 e lnq zz ce re _•_e ==a Sa_ :ar., 0= -a-Je Of t.-'!
�3td, r �-e =a!e =f �• -.as:.
s!•L'S�Wt !F -•'�
:1=ea not =moose
taX =a.e at3th7,Xi=ed uMder a or ttlS _ s
ausho=_.g located _._ that =ouatf may i :saatw.itl }_
3c:tm-it an nut or___= = propoa_.-ou to the _-t: -=te=s a: a
sgtcia- or geMeral. and. _f the p=opns:ti]n ie app=o-rep by a
ma3ority of persons inpose the x oie or Xe:mai=:�er of the
eases and use tax rare _.._ accordance with the t-e--rs or t Ie=hap',-er-
Th,e title of each ta::7,t measure nuat c:ear_y 3ta" a F:;,Xp=see 5or
Which the pz3= =-ed sale: an3 use tars W--L: c- .:sed;
=t=3e xithoIt a cscXae _]- - b- a aa-=rit-- :f
-.erzDns -3t-ng, ' = =C33a: dt' =f - _ .ale' and .:.se tax rate
3=--r..ance With "! termz Of
-e rate of tax. -=6er t.^.Is section ssav itot er=ee:�
of ore percent of the ee:;_-g ;=_ce sn the =ase of a sale_. tax, or
value of :.e aXt:.rle used, in t�1e case of a use =ax.
;!F court * x_th a popu:anon of greater t ar_
oat izi=lion fi:st hundrezi thousand stet szpeecei t=s!fn_: z
�;,Sc•. t _e lax asthaxXized -tinder :a, of this sitsect_on -
_- -e ! - - ... �. _ 1 ;e -eift
;t ♦r• =]'1 �F _SC�t -_ ��.e+.j �t :•�__ _.'-rt� C•`_•'- �- r _• _rr_ _
3Ct-':1LZeE ]_ t"�CtS 1�'-�_ __ ��• _ �'-. _CI1��_�_�,�Sr'L]�2
tr_.r!!1 ii :Q_at!C. _-. that
_ . :f a=a•..-. _ zr-spGse- a caw under of
enbseztion :+ft.e- • ._., j __,caters in that county has =pcaeo the tax
autharr=ed es :0 0. .e s'stsect.on' the court- must pro- _fie a
;Xedit• against its tax cos 1 a =u:: amount. of tars impose: by a city.
H$ :55_{.S:,
-7-
ATTACHMENT 2 - HOUSE BILL 1590
3
3
l-7
:d: The taxeR authorized in -=e in addition to
any other taxes authorised by laar and rust be c=::.e=led from persons
who are tax.ab:e by the state under = apterz °:. _ : and 5Z.1-2 RC'd upon
the o-=cmsrence of any taxable ems.-ert Within the county for a cc=tY' z
tax and within a city for a city`s tax_
: Z ; 'a! yovvithstanding R nisi-=t i===s of this sect: oT , a ainim-
of sixty percent of the moneye co:l•_cted •sader t iR section must be
•:zsed =ar t e following purpoRes:
_: ConRtruct•_nq affordable housing, Which may include new units
of a_fordable o-aszng within in existing structure, and fa__::ties
grv7id_rq hornsing-related zer-> ices: or
:i_'t Conztz z=ting mental and behaTMiora,. hea.ltb-rz_ated
facilities; or
i'unding t e operations arcd =a-ntenar_=e eostR =f new is_ita
_.Ring andfac--lities adhere .._.-—g-re_a.ed progra-s.s
aze L= -e7.• - nevl`.- constructed ::d .=ea•.:sr_zt ceater5.
- ==•e-===rdable ous_ng and fac__-ties prt-._ding housing -
related programs in :a::i: of t =s R=.sbsrction may oml-y• be to
pers3ns wit __r any of . -e folloaring population groups whose ir_oa,e is
at 3r below sixty percent of the sred_an Income of the county inpa5img
t tax.
-=3Dn9 vith
is '• �arans
:I�l =erSor iit�ZenS.�
:i^: ErzWeless, or at-riRf o= te_rg hore_e_e, :aniliez anti
:__firer.
.. :-z_acc=paried honeleRs youth or young adults:
s_1 gers_o=.s With disatai:_ties: or
amesti= violence Survivorz-
_. _ -e remainder of the moneys collected under t:._s Rection m::zst
be used for the=perat_on, aeel_*rery, or ez*aZsat_or of acnca: and
beha-:ioral health treatment programs and der-rices or housing-re:it•ed
aer-ices .
: 3 : ?, = 0.4=ty that inpos e s : a:r
ac:t%1 a city before : __ =County may
a3GA-or�=ed under Rabsection :2 +',al C
section must consalt
r_atruct any of the fac=lities
thin section within the city
: l4. county at has not imposed the tax authorized under '.:LCg
--_;4.4C prior to October 5, 701.!, but imp:Res t':e ta.x authorised
F _ 3 3B ;55':.3:.
Yiil
ATTACHMENT 2 - HOUSE BILL 1590
fader t _s Section after a city in that _; :..as the tax
author -zed under Pj:W pr.or to October 9, Z015, must enter
3 into an interlocal agreement with that. city to determine how the
s ser:•i=es and pro-.isions descriEed :.>_ of this section
yr=L: be allocated and funded in t a _:t-
i ._. 7o carry out the purposes of subsection tZ't l;a; and fb;! of
^ this section, t' a legislative authority of t'_e county or city
8 iaposirug .::e sax has the authority to _size general otLigation or
3=evenue Eoni_ F_.._-- the Linitat_Jr-5 >=w or hereafter prescribed ty
LO the laws of this state, and may i3e; a_m is authorized to p:edge, up
LI to fifty percent of t:.e noneys =s _e_yed -srder t _s section :or
LZ repayment of such bonds, in order t_ finance the F= _ . _s_,_. or
L3 construction of affozdable ho-z5img, :a__litie3 x ere hous_c-ze:.ated
L# pzograr..s are Fro•.ided, or ezaluatiom and trea.ment centers described
15 in suhse_ ioz J:Z::a::_ii: of this section.
LSE ' a i{osseys o:=e mmdez this section may be used to offset
L-' re5duct_o=5 in state or federaL funds for the purposes described in
Le subsection 1_Z'l of this sectiozm.
L9 :b: No =ore than tan percent of the moneys col:ected under t _s
ZO s-ection may be used to supplant existing local funds.
=a--e-_ b-.the House !larch 5, Z:ZO.
the Senate March 6, Z: -
?�pro-ei E :'r_e Governor Har=h 2:.r Z::_-
__led _r_ .:f_=e of Se=retar of State Xar=h d:r Z-:-
ATTACHMENT 3 — STRATEGY FOR PERMANENT AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Q� JEFFERSON COUNTY STRATEGY `w✓�{j
FOR PERMANENT AFFORDABLE HOUSING ll10c,
Unlocking the Potential of House Bill 1590 l`
1. PURPOSE & SUMMARY
This Strategy for Permanent Affordable Housing in Jefferson County represents the consensus
of five independent organizations in Jefferson County with the expertise and a mission to
create affordable housing and supportive services to serve local residents. This Strategy for
Permanent Affordable Housing is a blueprint for how approximately $600,000 per year in new
revenue for affordable housing could be used to create permanent affordable rental and
resident -owned housing in the initial years, and how this revenue could be managed effectively
in the longer term to create affordable housing in Jefferson County.
Jefferson County has an affordable housing crisis. High cost and limited inventory of both
owned and rental units is resulting in substandard living situations and homelessness. It is
forcing local workers to find housing in neighboring counties and commute here, and local
businesses are facing a labor shortage which is stifling local economic development. A number
of our schools are seeing declining enrollment, because families with children can no longer
afford to live here. If this trend continues without intervention, it threatens the very identity
and fabric of our community.
The lack of entry-level permanent affordable housing leaves vulnerable people stuck in shelter
and transitional housing, unable to move forward with their lives. At the same time, it denies
other homeless and vulnerable people who are even worse off from having access to those
existing shelter and transitional services, because there is no room. Rather than create a larger
parking lot for people stuck at the very bottom of the housing continuum, revenue from a HB
1590 sales tax for affordable housing can be targeted at creating first -level entry into
permanent affordable housing.
Over the course of two months of weekly meetings, five organizations — Peninsula Housing
Authority, Olympic Community Action Programs (OlyCAP), Bayside Housing Services, DOVE
House, and Habitat for Humanity for East Jefferson County — worked with staff from the City of
Port Townsend and Jefferson County (including Juvenile Services) to consider the feasibility of
using revenue from a potential new sales and use tax under House Bill 1590, to rapidly provide
affordable housing in Jefferson County. Together with City and County staff, these
organizations collaborated on strategies for maximizing the new revenue's effectiveness.
Approximately $600,000 per year would be generated under HB 1590, and could be used to
create an average of between six to ten affordable rental or owned affordable residences for
individuals and families in Jefferson County each and every year.
This is based on looking at an initial suite of six affordable housing projects that are currently in
local development (see Section 4 of this Strategy). With reliable funding, housing organizations
and developers are prepared to develop additional affordable housing projects. "If you fund it,
they will build!"
Over the next ten years, Jefferson County could see as many as 100 permanent affordable
houses and apartment units added to our local housing inventory.
Jefferson County Strategy for Permanent Affordable Housing 11/12/2020 1 of 11
2. HOUSE BILL 1590 & FUNDING FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Background On HB 1590: House Bill 1590 (HB 1590) was enacted by the Washington State
Legislature in 2020. It amends RCW 82.14.530, and authorizes cities and counties to impose a sales
and use tax up to 1/10" of 1% for affordable housing. The tax equals just $1 on a $1,000 purchase.
Sales and use taxes apply to most retail sales of "tangible personal property' within Washington, as
well as purchases delivered here by Internet or mail-order retailers. Services to individuals and
businesses — things like haircuts, medical bills, consultant fees, etc. — are not "personal property,"
and most are not subject to sales tax.
The 1/101h of 1% sales and use tax for affordable housing originally required voter approval, but
under HB 1590, this revenue source may now also be approved by the local legislative body with a
simple majority vote.
At least 60% of the revenue generated by the 1/101h of 1% sales and use tax must be used for:
d) constructing affordable housing and facilities providing housing -related services, solely for
eligible households (as defined below); or
e) constructing mental and behavioral health -related facilities; or
f) funding the operations and maintenance costs of new units of affordable housing and
facilities where housing -related programs are provided, or newly constructed evaluation and
treatment centers.
The affordable housing and housing -related services in a) above must serve only persons whose
income is at or below sixty percent of median income, and who are one of the following:
o Persons with mental illness
o Veterans
o Senior citizens
o Families with children who are homeless (or at -risk of being homeless)
o Unaccompanied homeless youth or young adults
o Persons with disabilities
o Domestic violence survivors
The rest of the revenue (up to 40%) can only be used for housing -related services, or the operation,
delivery and evaluation of mental and behavioral health treatment programs and services, without
the same restrictions of "eligible persons."
The law also allows up to fifty percent of the proceeds to be used to issue and service bonds to
finance the provision or construction of affordable housing, facilities where housing -related
programs are provided, or evaluation and treatment centers. Presently, bonding could generate a
one-time lump sum of approximately $5.25 Million of capital dollars up front. However, bonds
typically are issued for 20 years, and would tie up as much as 50% of each year's revenues for all 20
years. That is a very high opportunity cost in those future years. Consequently, committing to
bonds in the immediate future is not recommended. Instead, the County should only consider
bonding after a long-term strategic affordable housing plan has been developed with public input,
and there is broad public consensus on what project(s) would be funded.
Jefferson County Strategy for Permanent Affordable Housing 11/12/2020 2 of 11
Estimated Annual Revenue From HB 1590: A future 1/10th of 1% sales and use tax for affordable
housing in Jefferson County would behave the same as an existing 1/101h of 1% sales and use tax for
chemical dependency or mental health treatment services under RCW 82.14.460. The County has
administered that sales tax since 2005.
In 2019, revenue from the chemical dependency and mental health sales and use tax was $612,000.
That was before the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on the economy. In 2020, the chemical
dependency/mental health sales tax is trending to generate $591,000-$598,000 by year's end. In
future years, the sales tax is expected to generate around $600,000 or more per year.
If a sales tax under HB 1590 for Affordable Housing is enacted in Jefferson County, the soonest the
tax could go into effect is April 11t of 2021. The County would actually begin receiving its revenue in
June (there is a two -month lag). During 2021 (June -December) we would expect the County to
receive $350,000-$370,000 for affordable housing. In 2022 and every year thereafter, the County
would receive a full 12-months of revenue for affordable housing, or about $600,000 per year,
depending on the economy. Over time, this amount would likely rise, as the annual value of retail
sales grows.
3. HOUSING CHALLENGES & PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
In 2017, Jefferson County declared a State of Emergency regarding the Availability of Affordable
Housing for Low and Very Low -Income Households. Since then housing prices in Jefferson County
have continued to rise much faster than inflation, and the availability of rental units has remained
at historic lows, and appears only to have gotten worse.
The declaration in 2017 was based in part upon reports from HUD indicating more than half the
renters in Jefferson County (1,680 of 3,425) are cost burdened, paying more than 30% of their
household income for housing costs, and one in four ( 895 of 3,425) are severely cost -burdened,
paying more than 50% of their income for housing costs. According to OlyCAP, there were less than
600 units of subsidized housing and the waiting list to rent one exceeded 2 years. There is a severe
lack of multifamily dwellings in Jefferson County when compared to the demand.
According to the US Census 12.7% of Jefferson County lives in poverty, as does 16.6 % of the City of
Port Townsend compared to 11.8% for the entire United States. An Assessment by E.D. Hovee listed
the median home price in Jefferson County as $311,000 in 2015. According to a current (October,
2020) posting on an on-line real estate site www.realtor.com, "Recently Sold Homes in Jefferson
County, WA have a median listing price of $415,000."
No new apartments have been built in Jefferson County since 2010. Additionally, 40 apartment
units have been converted to condominiums since 2005. While a small number of condominium
units have been built since 2010, their price has escalated sharply — a 100% price increase between
2015 and 2020, according to the County Assessor.
Jefferson County Strategy for Permanent Affordable Housing 11/12/2020 3 of 11
Despite the current resources and ongoing local efforts, there is a demonstrated need for
additional funding for affordable housing as well as for facilities, services and programs benefitting
vulnerable and low-income populations.
Housing in Jefferson County represents a continuum, from homeless encampments, to homeless
shelters, to transitional housing, subsidized apartments and affordable rentals, entry and affordable
home ownership, on through the full range of market rate housing we see in real estate listings
today.
Market rate
Market rate ownership
Affordable rental
Affordable
ownership 1� -
Supportive rental 1
Transitional housing �f
Emergency
housing
shelter
Housing options at the bottom of the continuum require full support subsidies by non -profits and
government programs, which decreases as you move up through the continuum.
Typically, you like to see people move through and up the continuum stepwise, as people's financial
stability and well-being improves.
A major problem in Jefferson County today, is the staircase is broken. While upper end market rate
housing is being built, mostly, that is all that's being built. It tends to be homeowners hiring
contractors to build their dream, or developers building speculation homes targeted to the upper
end listing market rather than creating inventory that is open to all levels of potential home
buyers. Hence, there is a shortage of entry- and mid -range homes, and home price increases are
reflecting the shortage. Meclian home price in Washington
The table to the right shows median home prices for
Washington State. The Jefferson County Assessor states
it also accurately reflects home price trends in Jefferson
County.
As previously noted, no apartments have been built in
Jefferson County in the past decade. Additionally, rental
housing is being converted into owner -occupied
condominiums, and Air B&Bs.
sm
s�
57.A
s2W
52%
IWI 19" 2M 24173 WC5 2M7 ZM9 "11 2413 2015 2012 2013
Washington Office of Finance Management
Jefferson County Strategy for Permanent Affordable Housing 11/12/2020 4 of 11
Housing options in Jefferson County are scarce and costly. We see families who are trying to live
here, needing to resort to actively marketing themselves on bulletin boards and on-line, trying to
encourage a potential landlord or seller to pick them over others, to rent or buy.
The broken housing continuum has its greatest impact on vulnerable populations. In 2017, OlyCAP
changed its homeless shelter model from a Winter Shelter model to a Year -Round Shelter, using the
summer months to do case management to move people out of homelessness, into transitional or
permanent housing. The first summer was very successful, and they were able to move eight
individuals out of homelessness. As the inventory of affordable housing has gotten worse, there is
no housing into which to move Shelter residents out of homelessness. Consequently, the Shelter is
full, and continues to serve the same individuals year over year, and there is very little opportunity
for new people to come in out of the cold.
Bayside Housing Services provides transitional housing for people who have been homeless or are
facing homelessness. Of the last 100 people Bayside transitioned from its facility in Hadlock to
permanent housing, all but 5 had to be placed outside Jefferson County. In addition, there is a
backlog of vulnerable people waiting to get into Bayside's facility, but can't, because Bayside cannot
find homes for their current clients to move to.
4. INITIAL FOCUS: BREAKING THE IMPASS BY CREATING ENTRY-LEVEL PERMANENT HOUSING
The lack of entry-level permanent affordable housing leaves vulnerable people stuck in shelter and
transitional housing, unable to move forward with their lives. At the same time, it denies other
homeless and vulnerable people who are even worse off from having access to those existing
shelter and transitional services, because there is no room.
Rather than create a larger parking lot for people stuck at the very bottom of the housing
continuum, revenue from a HB 1590 sales tax for affordable housing can be targeted at creating
first -level entry into permanent affordable housing, which hopefully will enable people to continue
to move up from there. This borrows from the insight gained through the housing first model: if
people have stable secure permanent housing, they function better, are better able to take care of
themselves, pursue employment and advance themselves through training and education, plant a
garden, and better, more fully integrate with society. The picture below, a graphic borrowed from
another jurisdiction, illustrates the concept of this Strategy.
Key Area of Focus for Rental
and Affordable Housing
Non -Market Housing
Emergency Supportive Soci
Shelters & Housing and C. p
Transitional Houst ;
Housing
Low to Moderate Income Households
up to 60% of Median Household Income
Jefferson County Strategy for Permanent Affordable Housing 11/12/2020 5 of 11
Some Examples of Candidate Projects: County and City staff asked local public and non-profit
housing providers as a group to identify projects that would fit and implement this Strategy, and
that were projects of a scale that revenue from a HB 1590 affordable sales tax could conceivably
fund. The purpose was two -fold: to test whether a sales tax could actually result in meaningful
affordable housing projects, and also to begin to prime the pump with these organizations to
develop additional affordable housing projects in Jefferson County.
Together, the organizations quickly found consensus on a list of six examples of the kinds of
permanent housing projects that a HB 1590 sales tax could fund. These six examples are displayed
in TABLE 1 on the next page, and summarized in more detail in ATTACHMENT 1. The projects were
already in different stages of development.
The examples feature a variety of housing types:
• a rental boarding house with 6 rental units,
• supported apartments for young adults 17-24, with 5 one and two bedroom units,
• affordable home ownership for individuals and families, either through a community land
trust, or through down payment assistance and title covenants, and finally,
• supported crisis dormitory housing to stabilize at -risk 12-17 year olds in preparation for
rapid return to permanent housing.
Populations served would include:
• Low income people at or below 60% of area median income (AMI), including low wage
workers;
• Individuals and families;
• Veterans;
• Senior Citizens
• Domestic Violence Survivors
• Persons with Behavioral Health or Other Disabilities
• Families with children at risk of homelessness;
• Young Adults 17-24 years old, who are homeless or at risk becoming homeless;
• At -risk Youth 12-17 years old, who are homeless or at risk becoming homeless.
Please see TABLE 1 on the next page for more information about these initial examples of projects
that could quickly use and leverage revenues from HB 1590 to create permanent affordable
housing.
Jefferson County Strategy for Permanent Affordable Housing ozo 6 of 11
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Relation to the Local Five -Year Homeless Housing Plan: In 2019 Jefferson County adopted its
local five-year homeless housing plan "Making Homelessness a Singular Occurrence" pursuant
to Chapter 83.185C RCW. The local five-year plan (the Plan) includes an assessment of the
housing affordability crisis in Jefferson County similar to that described here, and describes the
extent of homelessness and existing available services. The Plan lays out six objectives and
actions to meet them, to help reduce homelessness in Jefferson County.
This Strategy for Permanent Affordable Housing was developed in reference to the Five -Year
Plan as a fundamental touchstone. This Strategy helps carry out a number of the Plan's
objectives and implementing actions.
One key objective in the Five -Year Plan is "Objective #6: Supportive Efforts Aimed at Ending
Homelessness." The Plan lists 15 actions geared to meet that objective. This Strategy for
Permanent Affordable Housing, and the project examples it lists at up to 60% AMI, are aligned
to carry out 6 of those 15 actions:
• "Increase funding for affordable housing for those under the 50% of the AMI,"
• "Increase work force housing units for those between 50-80% of the AMI,"
• "Increase market rate rental units,"
• "Increase youth hostel/boarding rooms for ages 18-24,"
• "Create a Host family network for Youth," and
• "Build houses for those earning between 30-80% of the AMI."
Implementing this Strategy would also target carrying out key provisions of the Five -Year
Homeless Housing Plan.
5. PROCESS, AWARDS, POLICY DIRECTION, MANAGEMENT & ACCOUNTABILITY
How should $600,000 per year of funding from an affordable housing sales and use tax under
HB 1590 be managed and awarded to benefit the community?
Revenue would be received by the Jefferson County Treasurer and deposited in a County
dedicated affordable housing fund. All expenditures from the fund would be for affordable
housing, and subject to direction by, and prior approval of, the County Commissioners, who
would retain oversight and ultimate accountability for the use of the funds.
For administrative efficiency and maximum transparency, it is recommended that the County
Commissioners harness the existing Housing Task Force and Joint Oversight Board, both of who
meet in open public meetings, to help with vetting as affordable housing projects are
recommended through an annual Request For Proposals (RFP) cycle, described below.
Jefferson County Strategy for Permanent Affordable Housing 11/12/2020 8 of 11
To support the Housing Task Force and Joint Oversight Board and provide technical expertise in
the RFP process, the County Commissioners should appoint a separate Technical Evaluation
Committee. It would be composed of individuals with technical expertise in affordable
housing, development, finance, and related fields, and who are independent of any local
housing organizations and projects. The Technical Evaluation Committee would help county
staff draft an RFP that would get vetted through the Housing Task Force and Joint Oversight
Board. They would also conduct the technical evaluation and scoring of all proposals, which
would carry forward throughout the same vetting process, up to the Commissioners.
To guide the RFP process, and prior to the first round, the County Commissioners should adopt
a Resolution establishing clear strategic guidelines for the intended use of the funds, such as
what niches of the housing continuum to focus on, the kinds of projects or uses that they'd like
to be eligible, and targeted populations. The Resolution would be developed with input from
the Technical Evaluation Committee, Housing Task Force, and Joint Oversight Board, and would
be updated periodically in future years, as changing conditions warrant.
The Joint Oversight Board and Housing Task Force were created through a 2018 Interlocal
Agreement (ILA) between the County and the City of Port Townsend to facilitate County/City
coordination on solutions to our shared housing problems. The Joint Oversight Board (JOB)
includes one elected representative of the City Council and one elected representative of the
County Commissioners. The two elected officials select three members of a Local Homeless
Housing Task Force to join them on the JOB. The JOB recommends to the County
Commissioners the budgets and expenditures out of Fund 148 (Affordable Housing) and out of
Fund 149 (Homeless Housing), as well as affordable housing goals.
In January of 2020, Amendment No. 1 to the ILA was executed by the County and City to
include revenues for affordable housing authorized by Substitute House Bill 1406.
It is recommended that the County work with the City to propose an Amendment No. 2 to the
ILA, so that the County can utilize the existing JOB and Housing Task Force structure for HB
1590 as described above. It is recommended that projects utilizing HB 1590 revenues be
vetted and recommended through an RFP process that is separate from that for the existing
recording fees. This is to recognize the different requirements for use of the two funding
sources under State law, the unique nature of capital projects to build affordable housing, and
to allow the HB 1590 revenue to be utilized in a separate strategic fashion, pursuant to an
affordable housing strategy Resolution adopted by the County Commissioners as described
above.
We are confident in this model, after two rounds of successful RFPs administered by County
staff, using the Housing Task Force and Joint Oversight Board. They successfully gave input on
the RFP itself, and helped vet and rank the resulting proposals. Funding recommendations
were made by vote of the full Housing Task Force and then the Joint Oversight Board, prior to
consideration and final award by the Board of County Commissioners.
Jefferson County Strategy for Permanent Affordable Housing 11/12/2020 9 of 11
Under the existing model, after Commissioner approval of award recommendations, County
staff prepares contracts with project sponsors, and presents the contracts for subsequent
approval by the County Commissioners.
County staff administers the contracts, and reviews, approves, and processes all invoices to
ensure they are consistent with each contract, prior to payment, which also gets approved by
the County Commissioners.
6. CONCLUSION
This Strategy for Permanent Affordable Housing in Jefferson County represents the consensus
of five independent organizations in Jefferson County who provide affordable housing and
supportive services to serve local residents, along with County and City executive staff. In
examining existing gaps in the housing continuum in Jefferson County, the group determined
that revenue from a HB 1590 sales tax for affordable housing should be targeted at creating
entry-level permanent affordable housing. This is the core principal of this Strategy. Further,
the group determined that the community is well prepared to effectively use the
approximately $600,000 per year in new revenue generated under HB 1590 to create
permanent affordable rental and resident -owned housing in Jefferson County.
We found consensus on six sample projects that are currently in development as worthy
prospects for putting the funding to immediate use. We sincerely hope the community will
submit additional affordable housing projects by the time an actual Request For Proposals is
issued.
In the initial years of funding, we recommend the funding be strategically used to break the
logjam at the entry steps to affordable rental and owned housing, so that low-income and
vulnerable people currently stuck in shelter and transitional housing can move into permanent
housing, and so lower wage workers can afford to live and work in Jefferson County.
Jefferson County already successfully administers Fund 148 (Affordable Housing) and Fund 149
(Homeless Housing) using the Joint Oversight Board and Housing Task Force under a County -
City Interlocal Agreement. This existing structure can be harnessed and adjusted to administer
revenues and expenditures for affordable housing under HB 1590, by amending the ILA,
appointing a Technical Evaluation Committee, and periodically adopting strategic guidelines to
ensure the HB 1590 funds and projects are best targeted to meet current community
affordable housing needs.
ATTACHMENT 1: Examples Of Local Projects That Could Be Funded To Create Permanent
Affordable Housing In Jefferson County
Jefferson County Strategy for Permanent Affordable Housing 11/12/2020 10 of 11
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From: Bill Wise <ptwise@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, December 4, 2020 9:58 AM
To: jeffbocc
Subject: Affordable Housing Public Testimony - Sales and use tax for affordable housing under
House Bill 1590
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking
links, especially from unknown senders.
Written public testimony may be submitted by Email to: leffbocc@coJefferson.wa.us;
Greetings Jefferson County Commissioners...
Seems an appropriate time of the year to consider how our County can advance efforts to alleviate the affordable
housing crisis we are currently experiencing. Organizations like OlyCAP, Bayside, Dove House, Habitat for Humanity,
Housing Solutions Network, Peninsula Housing Authority and many others are working hard with limited resources to
engage in this effort.
While I cannot attend meetings on this subject, I want you to know I support the use of the sales and use tax for
affordable housing under House Bill 1590 to support these County organizations working hard to find affordable housing
for our community. I encourage the Board to approve this initiative for Jefferson County.
Bill Wise
710 Foster Street
Port Townsend WA
From: Rudolph Judy <jr@olympus.net>
Sent: Tuesday, December 8, 2020 4:15 PM
To: jeffbocc
Subject: Tax for affordable housing
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links,
especially from unknown senders.
County Commissioners,
I'm writing to let you know that I support wholeheartedly the proposal to add a .1% sales tax to provide funding
for affordable housing in our county, and in fact feel it should be more. As a homeowner I am so grateful to live in my
own home in this county, but I feel guilty that more people don't have that opportunity. There seems to be a lot of
discussion within Port Townsend itself about this issue, but there needs to be more in the county. We must do all we
can.
Thank -you,
Judith Rudolph
80 Sand Road
Pt. Townsend, WA
(360) 385-3266
jr@olvmpus.net
From: Rena Hect <rhect@live.com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 9, 2020 9:34 AM
To: jeffbocc
Subject: Housing tax for affordable housing
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links,
especially from unknown senders.
I'm all for increased affordable housing opportunities, but my confidence that our local government can manage the
money and program is sadly weakened.
The Cherry Street house fiasco and the PDA at Fort Warden have sadly brought doubt. I would rather have the option to
increase donations to charities that help with affordable housing.
A question: were the 95 people that had to be placed outside of Jefferson from Bayside as referenced in today's PDN
from Jefferson County?
Please understand I am not anti -government; I spent over 30 years employed by WA state government. I just have
serious concerns about our local government's ability to manage an affordable housing program.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input.
Rena Hect
Get Outlook for iOS
'effbocc
f t
77
From: Ellen Dustman <ellen@olympus.net>
Sent: Wednesday, December 9, 2020 9:44 AM
To: jeffbocc
Subject: support of sales tax for affordable housing
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links,
especially from unknown senders.
I urge you to support the sales tax to create affordable housing. It is an inconsequential amount for most people and will
reportedly take positive steps to move forward on action to create affordable housing. I don't want to live in a town of
just retired, financially secure old people. Additionally, our employers can't hire new employees if there is no housing
available, at whatever price.
Thank you for considering this.
Ellen Dustman
Port Townsend
occ
From: Karl F. Bach <flamacue@outlook.com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 9, 2020 2:30 PM
To: jeffbocc
Subject: Support for Sales Tax for Affordable Housing
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links,
especially from unknown senders.
Dear Board of Commissioners,
This e-mail is to express my support for a portion of our sale tax to be earmarked especially for affordable housing
in Jefferson County. My concern is that the affordable prices remain affordable. Landlords have been known to charge
"what the buyers will pay", and this attitude, in my opinion, negates the goal of affordable housing.
I urge you to vote in favor of this proposal.
With every good wish,
Karl F. Bach
222 Foxfield Drive
(Jefferson County)
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
occ
From: Lara <gaasland@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 9, 2020 3:58 PM
To: jeffbocc
Subject: 1/10th of 1 percent tax for housing and services
r
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking
links, especially from unknown senders.
Dear Board of County Commissioners,
Please support the 1/10th of 1 percent tax for housing and supportive services. We can all pay this very small amount to
help our community be more equitable and care for those with the greatest needs.
Sincerely,
Lara Gaasland-Tatro
Port Townsend WA
effbocc
From: Jennifer Finer <jskohut@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 10, 2020 3:44 PM
To: jeffbocc
Subject: 1/10 of 1% tax
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking
links, especially from unknown senders.
Sure, go ahead... Port Townsend already has a high sales tax, which makes me reluctant to shop in town. This will simply
cement that attitude. It would affect business owners more than it does me.
When given funds to provide housing for low income workers, the decisions made have been poorly thought out and
expensive. I don't believe this small tax will help. I know everyone means well, but they haven't the experience or even
the creativity to solve this problem effectively. I see a lot of waste, short sightedness, unwillingness to do anything, and
in short, a lot of dithering.
Regards,
Jennifer Finer
Port Townsend
occ
From: Smallwood <smallwood@olympus.net>
Sent: Friday, December 11, 2020 11:59 AM
To: jeffbocc
Subject: Affordable Housing
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or
clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Dear Commissioners,
I support z/so of i% sales tax increase to finance affordable housing in Jefferson County.
Thank you,
Michael Smallwood
From: Margaret D. McGee <margaret@olympus.net>
Sent: Saturday, December 12, 2020 2:13 PM
To: jeffbocc
Subject: Support for sales tax to support affordable housing
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links,
especially from unknown senders.
Dear Board of County Commissioners,
As a resident of uptown Port Townsend, I am dismayed to see homes in my neighborhood become more and more
unaffordable for the average family. Houses stand empty, yet are not for sale. I want to live in a place where the person
who checks me out at Safeway, or who draws my blood at the hospital, can afford to live around the corner from me. So
I support the sales tax of 1/10 of 1% to support affordable housing in our communities. Please do all you can to nurture
a healthy mix of available housing in Jefferson County, including affordable housing. This sales tax will help.
Thank you,
Margaret D. McGee
Margaret D. McGee
819 Adams St.
Port Townsend, WA 98368
marearet@olvmous.net
Land - 360.385.3489
Mobile - 360.643.3364
margaretdmcgee.com
inthecourtyard.com
occ
From: Fred Kimball <fredk@olympus.net>
Sent: Sunday, December 13, 2020 11:00 AM
To: jeffbocc
Subject: sales tax 1590
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links,
especially from unknown senders.
To: Board of County Commissioners
I have been a resident of Jefferson County for 34 years, and in that time have witnessed
The decrease in affordable workforce housing in our communities. For 30 of those years
I was a building contractor/cabinetmaker and witnessed the difficulties that many of my
Employees had with finding suitable housing, a problem that had gotten worse over
The years I was active. I have been active in the affordable housing efforts during the last 20 years,
Mostly as a Habitat for Humanity volunteer, they have done great work in this community
But it is nowhere near solving the housing issues before us. I believe and fully support the
1590 sales tax of 0.1%, as it has the best chance I have seen in the last 20 years to make real impact
On housing for our low income and workforce populations.
I urge you all to fully support this sales tax.
Thank You,
Fred Kimball
560 57th St
Port Townsend, Wa
98368
360-301-0279
effbocc
From:
Maria Logan <mlogan@olycap.org>
Sent:
Monday, December 14, 2020 5:14 PM
To:
jeffbocc
Subject:
1590
i r? G Pt. r.
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links,
especially from unknown senders.
I support 1590. The struggle to find reasonable, affordable rentals in JeffCo is disheartening to put it mildly. The idea of
home ownership in this county is merely an unattainable dream for many, including those who make average salaries.
This funding is essential for the health of our county. I urge you to vote yes on enacting a 1/loth of 1% sales tax to
support affordable housing.
MarLa' L0ga+V
Olympic Community Action Programs (OlyCAP)
Nutrition Services Director
823 Commerce Loop
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Phone: (360) 385-2571
Fax: (360) 385-5185
effbocc
From: Dale Nienow <dalenienow@gmail.com>``
Sent: Tuesday, December 15, 2020 10:56 AM
To: jeffbocc
Subject: comment on proposed increase to sales tax for affordable housing
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links,
especially from unknown senders.
Dear Board of County Commissioners,
I am writing to recommend that you adopt an increase to the sales tax and target the funds to help build
permanent affordable housing in Jefferson County. Increasing the amount of permanent affordable housing is
essential to the well being of the county. We need multiple, positive approaches to addressing this need.
Thank you.
Dale Nienow
988 Blaine Street
Port Townsend, WA
'effbocc
From: Greg Pearson <gregrpearson@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 15, 2020 11:26 AM
To: jeffbocc
Subject: Jefferson County Public Hearing HB1590
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking
links, especially from unknown senders.
Dear Sir or Madam,
As a citizen of Jefferson County I want you to know that I fully support efforts to help county residents housing needs. I
know there are a lot of families and friends who have a difficult time getting their needs met.
I urge you to vote yes on enacting a 1/10th of 1% sales tax to support affordable housing.
Regards,
Greg Pearson
Port Ludlow, WA
c
OCc
From:
Katherine Malone <kmalone@olycap.org>
Sent:
Tuesday, December 15, 2020 11:43 AM
To:
jeffbocc
Cc:
Amy Howard (amyhoward20l5@gmail.com)
Subject:
House Bill 1590 - Yes please
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links,
especially from unknown senders.
Dear Commissioners,
I want to send you my support for the proposed Bill 1590. It is of great personal and professional significance to me that
a LOT of affordable housing is built as quickly as possible here in Jefferson County, as close to services as land can be
found. I work with homeless, and see their daily growing numbers, their anguish and hard work to right themselves in a
system that doesn't help them. I see the extreme insecurity of an even larger portion of the population than ever
before, and wonder where will it end. The misery and unconscionable neglect of these people must be righted. My
feelings are these:
We must provide housing for our young, so that they can stay and work where they grew up. We need to
provide them our enrichments, our protections, and our empowerment, not relegate them to other areas that
are more affordable.
2. We must provide housing for our vulnerable veterans, our disabled elderly, and other disabled. The sheer
despair of being sick, in pain and cold while searching for a safe place to sleep is something our community
should not abide.
We must provide housing for our working families, who are paid outlandishly low wages, and cannot make ends
meet no matter how hard they work. It's a nightmare for these people, who are exhausted from their efforts at
raising children while both parents work. It's a blight on our entire country.
4. We must provide housing for the elderly who despite a lifetime of work and service, are paid next to no Social
Security, because they didn't always or ever have a normal job that paid into Social Security. Many of these
people were called "wives and mothers" and when they outlive their husbands, they're thrown into abject
poverty.
So yes, please allow me to pay more sales tax, it's the very least I can do.
Thank you,
Housing Coordinator
Olympic Community Action Programs
823 Commerce Loop Rd.
Port Townsend, WA 98368
360-385-2571 EXT 6331
FAX 360-385-5185
The information in this transmittal is confidential and may contain information protected by law. The substance of this
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effbocc
From: audrey sanderson <asanders@chegnet.net>
Sent: Friday, December 18, 2020 11:06 AM
To: jeffbocc
Subject: concerns Hadlock CUMC
Attachments: letter1 board commissionersdocx.docx; ATT00001.htm
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especially from unknown senders.
Attached letter of concerns of the Hadlock Community Methodist Church congregation.
December 18, 2020
Jefferson County Board of Commissioners
PO Box 1220
Port Townsend, WA 98368
811 Olele Point Road
Port Ludlow, WA 98365
Dear Commissioners,
vital issues to address immediately. As a Member of the homeless
committee of the Hadlock Community United Methodist Church, I am
writing to express concerns of this congregation.
Commissioners will soon address uses for the proposed 0.1% tax
which could begin to address the county need for affordable housing.
Our concerns look for ways to address critical needs now. Of course
Homeless Housing is a priority. This church is currently adding twelve
tiny wooden tents to church property adjacent to the fifteen affordable
housing apartments built on church -donated property eighteen years
ago. These units are not enough! You are aware of the homeless
population housed in the VFW basement as well as the group which has
set up on the fairgrounds. The need is critical.
Even if the 0.1% tax is enacted the homeless population would still be
searching for warmth. There exist several warm largely vacant
dormitories at Fort Worden and Fort Flagler that could be swiftly put into
service for approved homeless persons.
Another concern addresses the analysis indicating that 60% of the tax
collected would be used to fund affordable housing. What happens to
the remaining 40% collected? Surely, it does not take 40% to administer
the allocation. Every cent is needed to address the need for housing
which is only growing during this Covid crisis. Please make homeless
issues the Commission"s Number One prority!
Sincerely,
Audrey Sanderson for the Momeless Committee of the Hadlock
Community United Methodist Church
effbocc
From: Kathryn Maly <kathrynmaly@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, December 18, 2020 1:39 PM
To: jeffbocc
Subject: YES on the sales tax for affordable housing
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links, especially from unknown senders.
Hello Commissioners,
I am deeply grateful that you scheduled a hearing on the 1/10 of 1% ($1 per $1,000) sales tax before 2020 comes to an
end. I have written previously this fall with my support for this opportunity to capture $600,000 annually to help address
our affordable housing crisis.
I know that all three of you are deeply committed to and personally involved in supporting affordable housing solutions.
I also recognize that this may be a difficult vote. Certainly a more progressive system of taxation would be more ideal.
Unfortunately, those options are not currently available.
We agree that the need for permanent affordable housing in our county is dire and that working people, families,
seniors.... so many folks... are being priced out of our community right now.
Given that:
1. the consensus report* and recommendations from our local housing providers in support of this tax has been
published and shared, and that
2. several counties and cities throughout the state have passed this tax by councilmanic vote,
I hope that the BOCC will unanimously support the tax, bringing the sales tax rate from 9% to 9.1%. Market forces are
working against us. This revenue stream will be vital to helping make additional units of affordable housing available to
community members in need.
May there be a chorus of support for your YES vote on Monday, Dec 21 at 1:30.
Thank you for your steadfast and courageous leadership.
Kathryn Maly
Port Townsend
* Jefferson County Strategy for Permanent Affordable Housing —Unlocking the Potential of House Bill 1590.
q1.:A
From: Earll M Murman <murman@mit.edu> In. prewin �
Sent: Friday, December 18, 2020 5:16 PM p
To: jeffbocc` `
Subject: HB 1590
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clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Dear BOCC
I write to support the passage of o.1% sales tax as authorized by HB i590 to support affordable housing. I have read the
draft Strategy for Permanent Affordable Housing which demonstrates to me that the implementation and usage of this
additional sales tax will help address the systemic problem of lack of affordable housing in Jefferson County.
This lack of affordable housing directly impacts our workforce, especially essential workers in healthcare, education,
retail, restaurants and home services. No one wants an increase in sales tax. But adding a small tax as we make a
purchase from an essential worker, and then plowing that revenue back into the infrastructure which directly supports
them seems sensible. Paying an extra dime on a $soo purchase seems like a small price to pay to help our workforce
and our economy.
One figure that I have heard is that up to 40% of our workforce commutes into Jefferson County. Some of these
commuters do so because they can't find an affordable place to live in Jefferson County. Just think of the wastes
accompanying this: lost time; impact on our transportation infrastructure; carbon footprint; and the loss of community
connection with our workforce.
The draft strategy lays out different options for investing the tax revenue for affordable housing. Personally, I would
recommend these funds be used to reduce infrastructure and permitting costs for affordable housing construction.
Such funds would be highly leveraged with the private sector funds to create new affordable housing units.
Thank you for considering my input.
Earll Murman
325 Lincoln St
Port Townsend
'effbocc'
From: Emily Ingram <Emily.ingram@Nafinc.com> a`Sent: Sunday, December 20, 2020 2:20 PMPt
"
To: jeffbocc
Subject: Written Public Testimony: H61590
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especially from unknown senders.
BOCC,
I am writing to express my support of the sales tax increase allowed by HB 1590. A lack of affordable housing has long
been one of the most important issues plaguing Jefferson County. In the 18 years I've lived here, we have talked about
it, conducted focus groups, and held meetings. Yet the actual creation of affordable rentals or owned residences is
sorely lacking. It's time to put our money where our mouths are! I have no desire to live in an exclusive enclave where
my bartender and waiter can't afford to live nearby! The health and vitality of this community depends on all of its
citizens having an affordable place to live. Please vote to adopt this 1/10 of 1% sales tax to create affordable housing for
members of our community who are so desperately in need.
Emily Caryl Ingram
Port Townsend, WA
Visit My Site Loan Products Pre -Qualification
-mxr*wamwipqnism
so
Emily Caryl Ingram
Mortgage Loan Specialist
NMLS # 113586
Cell: 360-531-1934 - call or text
Fax: 360-326-9664
Email: Emily.ingram@nafinc.com
Web: http://www.emilycaryl.com
2200 W Sims Way #203
Port Townsend, WA 98368
FREE mortgage app for your smart phone: http://mtgpro.co/5rgpk. Get your TOTAL payment on the spot!
• r �
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'effbocc m
From: Danny McEnerney <Hellodanny@outlook.com>
Sent: Sunday, December 20, 2020 9:38 PM
To: jeffbocc
Subject: Public Comment for Tax Meeting
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especially from unknown senders.
Hello,
Please know I do not write this without some amount of housing policy knowledge, both academic and experiential.
When this tax income is received, I urge you to not spread it between multiple organizations and agencies. $600k Is
such a small number, but if given to one organization for one purpose it has a chance to positively affect a few in need of
a home, and those who need to be paid to help provide one. One agency, one project, with outcomes tracked.
Another regressive tax is sad, I hope for more boldness in the future that will not negatively affect the very people in
need of help. Some people don't have an extra dollar, literally.
I also understand we, as most of the country, are in short supply of affordable homes and something needs to happen.
Thank you for your time and hard work,
Danny McEnerney
(360) 860-1105
From: Elizabeth Chorneau <elizabethirving657@gmail com>
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2020 12:49 AM
To: jeffbocc
Subject: Women's housing/sheltering
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links, especially from unknown senders.
Commissioners,
I have been silent for awhile, not wanting to engage in a discussion that was deteriorating over time.
I am temporarily housed at Bayside, and very grateful for that. To many people are at the fairgrounds without access to
the luxuries I now have, e.g. 24 hour access to a bathroom.
However, as I'm not on any waiting lists and am not eligible for any of the housing that currently exists, my future is
uncertain and the rent I pay to stay here, tho minimal in terms of market value, makes it impossible for me to save
anything to purchase a van which would allow me to live in a civilized fashion in the future.
Since I've last written you the following had occurred.
My friend/caregiver,/ roommate in Seattle who became homeless when I did, was murdered in Cal Anderson Park in
Seattle a couple months ago. Her name is/was Lisa Vach. She was vital in the community of Pioneer Square, known and
loved and respected by many. She kept me safe and nourished and inspired.
I was informed yesterday that
lammi Oxford, who you all know or know of through her correspondence with you, or in visits to the fairgrounds, was
also murdered. Her body was found on a beach in CA yesterday; she left here the beginning of the month. It became too
difficult- she left here to somehow have a larger impact on changing the plight of homeless women everywhere.
I hope their violent ends bring new beginnings with rapid solutions for housing homeless women.
Their murders are deeply disturbing and directly related to the lack of housing for women.
Is this community really unable to find a solution, immediately, for all of us who continue to suffer? Temporary,
transitional housing is just that- and when there is nothing to transition to, it simply provides a respite from the harsh
reality/ligestyle which has become systemic and threatening. I am grateful for my respite but I am shattered by the
violent deaths my "sisters" suffered; and in the recesses of my mind and my own exposures to the perils of being female
and homeless and isolated, I live with the constant fear of what happens next, when temporary ends , and there is
nothing to replace it.
Is this the best this town can do for us?
Our voices may be abrasive, our opinions offensive, our existence a problem- I don't, or won't believe that any one of
you, or those you represent, would prefer us silenced because life was viciously throttled from us. The lack of
permanent shelter and stability disrupts our ability to create and maintain strong support systems. We are vulnerable,
We are targets, We are not safe, We are Women.
Our need to be cared about is as strong as our need to care for others.
I apoeal to everyone today- find a solution NOW. Talk to us, not about us. Please.
On behalf of all those silenced -Lisa Vach, Jammi Oxford, etc. hear me roar for them, for that is what they would do for
me and all of their sisters if they were able.
Thank you.
Elizabeth Chorneau
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
0
Judy Alexander <lightenup@olympus.net>
Monday, December 21, 2020 8:15 AM
jeffbocc
voting today for tax support for affordable housing in Jefferson County
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clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Good Morning Commissioners,
I am writing you today to express my strong support for the one tenth of 1% sales tax designed to send funding support
for local affordable housing initiatives. We NEED more housing and we need more affordable housing! Not only is our
homeless population increasing, sadly, but our access to affordable housing, in particular, is almost non-existent.
Workforce housing is so difficult to find, many people who are offered jobs in Jefferson County cannot accept them if
they don't already have housing secured here. I am particularly concerned about local farmworkers being able to be
adequately housed, since our food security depends on having farm production be robust and consistent. Without
County support for funding our profound need for more affordable housing, I fear the forces of our economic system of
capitalism will further price young people out of home ownership altogether and that our community will become
further gentrified and only accessible as a home (or worse, second home) for wealthy and otherwise privileged people.
I, for one, very much want to live in an age DIVERSE, and income DIVERSE community that makes space for all to live
and love being here as much as I do.
Thanks for voting yes on the tax, today. Judith Alexander
From: Cindy) <cindyj911 @yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2020 8:30 AM
To: jeffbocc
Subject: Please Pass the Sales and Use Tax for Affordable Housing
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especially from unknown senders.
As you are aware. affordable housing is a serious issue for our community, and also causes longer commutes, which
impacts air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, it impacts the diversity and equity of our community. I
encourage you to pass the sales and use tax for affordable housing today.
Submitted as public comment for the hearing today, as a citizen.
Thank you,
Cindy Jayne
Public Commentstow
From: Albert Fletcher <5462elk@gmail.com> �
Sent: Sunday, December 20, 2020 8:01 AM
To: Public Comments
Subject: To County commissioners sales tax
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clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Sent from my iPhonel say No No No i percent tax,l would say yes to a tea party. We the people are already paying
enough Period.
rrom: L.IDDY raimer <nnbypaimer«ugmaii.com>
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2020 10:22 AM
To: jeffbocc
Subject: Tax FOR affirdable housing
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links, especially from unknown senders.
I totally support it. We CAN afford it and we cany NOT afford to do it.
Libby Palmet
2336 Kuhn St, Port Townsend, WA 98368
206-799-0278
Julie Shannon
From: Greg Brotherton
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2020 9:00 AM
To: Julie Shannon
Subject: FW: Support for housing
t
From: Kathleen Kier
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2020 9:00:07 AM (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
To: Kdean@jefferson.co.wa.us; David Sullivan; Greg Brotherton
Subject: Fwd: Support for housing
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links, especially from unknown senders.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Kathleen Kier <kkiervoyant@gmail.com>
Date: Monday, December 21, 2020
Subject: Support for housing
To: bocc@iefferson.co.wa.us
Cc: Philip Morley <pmorlev@co.iefferson.wa.us>
I encourage the Commissioners to vote in favor of the ordinance establishing the 1/10th of 1% sales tax to support
housing services. There are few options for a small county to address the growing need for affordable housing. As a
community, we are generous in our giving to non profits, but a government policy recognizing that this basic human
need for safe and financially accessible shelter is essential. I am willing, even with a fixed income,to share the
burden with and for my neighbors throughout the county.
I do ask that the entire county benefit in the appropriation of the funds.
Truly,
Kathleen Kier
Quilcene, WA
Former District 3 Commissioner
Jefferson County
jeffbocc
From: Deborah Pedersen <deborahgpedersen@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2020 11:15 AM
To: jeffbocc
Subject: Testimony on SALES & USE TAX FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING & SUPPORTIVE SERVICES
ORDINANCE
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especially from unknown senders.
Commissioners,
I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak in favor of the proposed sales and use tax. We owe thanks to
the legislature for making this option available to us and to David Sullivan for bringing the possibility to the
table.
A great deal of work has been done by housing and service providers through the Housing Task Force, which
has been a useful collaborative effort by the county and the city. That work has created a transparent process
for distributing funds collected through document recording fees, breaking up a logjam that had prevented
making good use of those funds for the benefit of the people of Jefferson County.
All the elements of the plan to address affordable housing and homelessness have something in common: they
require funding. Now, if you approve the proposed sales tax, the Task Force and Joint Oversight Board can
have the opportunity to administer a more significant amount of money and therefore make a bigger dent in the
housing emergency without robbing funds from other essential county services.
This could help our county qualify for funds in the Governor's budget announced recently:
. $250 million to build approximately 3,390 affordable homes and preserve homes at risk of returning
to market -rate prices.
. $70 million to rapidly acquire and convert hotels and motels into shelter, transitional housing, or
permanent supportive housing.
• $50 million to create safe alternatives to crowded, congregate shelters
Thank you for the opportunity to provide my views.
Deborah Pedersen
131 Rose St
Port Townsend
'effbocc
From: Teri Nomura <nomura@windermere.com>
WLEN �t�
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2020 11:17 AM
To: jeffbocc
Subject: Housing 1/10th of 1%
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clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Hello BOCC,
I worked on the Prop i for affordable housing a few years ago and am currently working with Housing Solutions
Network to help create more housing. It is a vital commodity. Something that every body nerds- adequate housing.
This is a small step towards creating regular funding for housing.
Please approve.
Teri Nomura
360-531-1602
nomura@windermere.com
Windermere Port Townsend
effbocc
From: Timothy Behrenfeld <familybehr@hotmail.com>
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2020 11:29 AM
To: jeffbocc
Subject: housing tax
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links,
especially from unknown senders.
This email is in response to the invitation from the PDN 294th issue newspaper article titled "PT council
supports housing tax". I work with our public on a daily basis and certainly see the absolute need to have
affordable housing in our area given the rapid gentrification. I know quite a few people that work in town
doing service work, lower -wage health care, and even teachers at our schools but cannot afford to live here
due to either the lack of housing or high cost of rent. According to the article, 60 percent of the revenue
generated by the tax must go toward constructing affordable housing and facilities which promote housing
services, constructing mental or behavioral health -related facilities, funding the operations and maintenance
costs of the new units or affordable housing and facilities where housing... In light of this, I would like to make
a couple of points that I would like the council to consider:
1. 1 believe that our main focus should be the making affordable housing for people who have jobs and who have
families to support.
2. In light of the direction of the future Biden administration and for those who own a home near these proposed
affordable housing units, these homes should be made as energy efficient as possible. They should be good
quality, beautiful, designed with passive and active solar, and be under 1000 sq. ft. I would suggest timber -frame
houses (require less wood, more seismically sound, more energy efficient) that are made of materials that
require low levels of maintenance (hardy siding, metal roofs etc.), Sustainable design and construction lowers
the cost of energy for occupants and, in the long run, will be much more affordable for those living in the house
and those maintaining it. Most often, when people start building affordable housing, they are built with the up-
front cost of construction as the driving factor (30% of the total cost of the house during its lifetime) and do not
think of the running cost of the place.
3. Affordable housing should be centrally located to reduce the cost of transportation. For example, all of the
property around the corner of San Juan and F street (peace field) should be bought and given this priority. They
are within walking distance of all schools, Safeway and most other city amenities.
4. When making decisions of affordable housing, keep in mind that it is not a right to be able to live in Port
Townsend. Just because someone WANTS to live here does not mean that we need bend over backwards to
keep them here. We need to focus on those who have jobs but can't afford to be here. Who will add skill sets
and youth to our community and bring children into our schools. Having been homeless and unemployed in the
past, I know how difficult life can be. But if I could not find a job or housing in the town that I wanted to live in, I
still had to move to where work and housing could be found.
Thank you for listening. Please consider these thoughts in your decisions.
Tim Behrenfeld
Port Townsend
Sent from Outlook
'effbocc # 4 P F
From: Suzanne Jones <watercolorsuzy60@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2020 11:29 AM
To: jeffbocc
Subject: Vote today to help affordable housing in Port Townsend
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links, especially from unknown senders.
Hello,
I am writing to express my support for the one tenth of 1 % sales tax designed to send funding support for local affordable
housing initiatives. We need more affordable housing.
Thanl you,
Suzanne Jones
a
From: Peter Bonyun <peterbonyun@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2020 11:37 AM
To: jeffbocc
Subject: 1/10 of % sales tax
Attachments: Jeffco Housing tax.pdf
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links, especially from unknown senders.
Attached is my testimony for today's hearing.
Together We Con!
Jefferson County Board of Commissioners December 21, 2020
The crisis in affordable housing being experienced by Jefferson County can only be alleviated
by building new affordable housing. Without the support of the taxpayers this is not likely to
happen.
Having spent the majority of the last three months helping to build emergency shelters for
people without homes, I am acutely aware of the magnitude of the crisis.
While there is still far more to be done than just levy a tax, this is a meaningful start.
I strongly urge you to enact this minor but impactful tax and move another step closer to
providing a solution to the lack of affordable housing in Jefferson County.
Sincerely
Peter Bonyun
jeffbocc
From: Annie Benson <poeticjustice123@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2020 11:42 AM
To: jeffbocc
Subject: Support for Sales & Use Tax For Affordable Housing
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links, especially from unknown senders.
Dear BOCC,
"There is nothing more important than a good, safe, secure home." Rosalyn Carter.
I request that you vote to pass the Sales & Use Tax For Affordable Housing & Supportive Services Ordinance.
Thank you for your public service to our community.
Annie Benson
1125 29th Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Blessing the Boats
may the tide
that is entering even now
the lip of our understanding
carry you out
beyond the face of fear
may you kiss
the wind then turn from it
certain that it will
love your back may you
open your eyes to water
water waving forever
and may you in your innocence
sail through this to that
- Lucille Clifton
1
effbocc
From: susan miller <susanmiller@olympus.net>
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2020 11:45 AM
To: jeffbocc
Subject: BOCC Written Comment for Dec. 21, 2020
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especially from unknown senders.
Dear BOCC,
Please approve one tenth of 1% sales tax to be channeled into local affordable housing.
Thank you!
Susan Miller
Susan Miller
Designated Broker
Windermere Real Estate Port Townsend
Windermere R.E. Port Ludlow
Windermere R.E. Hood Canal
Agents of Good Roots
360 301 2555
susanmiller@olympus.net
?ram
jeffbocc
From: Bruce Cowan <mrbrucecowan@gmail.com> � �� r
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2020 11:50 AM
To: jeffbocc
Subject: Comment on Sales and Use Tax for Affordable Housing
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links, especially from unknown senders.
Comment on Sales and Use Tax for Affordable Housing,
To: BoCC, Jefferson County, WA
From:
Bruce Cowan
131 Rose Street
Port Townsend, WA
December 21, 2020
I wholeheartedly support this plan. The advantages far outweigh the small cost.
Housing has been our most pressing local need for a very long time. As a teacher here for 35 years, I saw
how young families struggle. When rents and real estate values have steadily risen faster than wages,
putting families in a bind. They can't pay for basics and face eviction, homelessness, and food
insecurity. We see more families without homes, or living in unsafe conditions or substandard buildings
or even vehicles.
The marked lack of rental homes and apartments is also hitting low-income veterans, seniors, and people
with disabilities. Rental vouchers are useless if they can't find somewhere that accepts them. Where are
they supposed to live?
The market cost of housing has become unbearable for many local people. In COVID times, when home
means more to us than ever, we see rents and home prices soaring and less employment. Big players are
moving in ... This year, a big company bought an apartment house near QFC, jacked up the rents, forcing
many to move out, and has now has listed the building for sale at a high profit.
That's how markets work, and the market is not going to fix this. Changes to building codes and the
Growth Management Act and building a sewer may help a little with the housing shortage, but market
rate housing here will only become more expensive.
Our local builders have been helpful with Habitat and other efforts, but their businesses aren't going to
build entry-level homes when custom homes pay so well. Developers have no incentive to build the new
apartments we need and then keep the rents down.
Habitat and Peninsula Housing Authority have done good work ... mainly with owner -built housing ... but
we need apartments where low-income people can use rent vouchers.
Bayside and Dove House and OlyCAP and others are providing shelter and some transitional housing, but
there is no place for people to move from there.
It's time to build affordable permanent rental housing.
I am not a fan of the sales tax because it's so regressive. It puts an unfair burden on low-income
people. With this program, someone spending $10 on fast food would have to come up with another
penny. Someone spending $100 at the hardware store would have to come up with another dime. It
doesn't seem that onerous, and I have heard from low-income people who agree.
We urgently need to take action and this sales tax is the only tool in our toolbox. We have spent enough
time exploring our options. We need hundreds of units yesterday. This local investment can be leveraged
with Low Income Housing Trust Fund grants.
I hope that the Commissioners will prioritize building permanent, affordable rental housing for people
with low incomes. It's been far too long since we have had projects like that here.
The implementation plan looks good to me, and it's high time to do this. I hope that you adopt this plan as
soon as possible. Let's get building.
jetmocc
From: Sallie Cymbalski <salliecymbalski@gmail.cr� y•
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2020 12:34 PM kw%f,
To: j effbocc
Subject: Fund Affordable Housing
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking
links, especially from unknown senders.
Funding is desperately needed to provide local affordable housing. As you are aware, the lack of affordable housing is
seriously impacting our city and county in so many ways. The amount of the proposed tax is extremely minimal in
relation to the impact it can have on everyone. Please pass this tax.
Thank you, Dennis and Sallie, Cymbalski, Port Townsend residents.
From: Jon Garrison <jongarrison@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2020 1:25 PM
To: jeffbocc
Subject: Comments on Affordable Housing Sales Tax
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking
links, especially from unknown senders.
I recently received sad news from a couple of industrious musician acquaintances, who recently had the
county health team crack down on their county land. The same thing happened on our land a few years ago,
and luckily we were able to fully resolve our issue, but the process was absurd from beginning to end. The
horrible fact is that the absurdity is well known. The Health and Safety codes are nothing more than social
exclusion rules.
It isn't outhouses, composting toilets or cows that are running e. coli straight into Chimicum Creek, it's legal
septic systems. Port Townsend has a wonderful public sewer system, but it reaches a pitifully low percentage
of the usable land in this town and county and that isn't changing any time soon.
If you want to solve the "housing crisis", just remove the social exclusion rules. And it isn't just about waste
issues, it's about our tax rolls. What percentage of the land in this county would suddenly be paying proper
property taxes if you allowed them to do it? You can't take a wrong turn in this county without running into a
few yurts. A few yurts that would love to be paying property taxes on a residence, but aren't and can't. This
probably sounds like an impossibly difficult change to the rules, but it isn't. San Juan County has an Owner
Builder permit. It's brilliant, simple and works. Furthermore, Washington State allows composting toilets, BUT
Jefferson County pulled a major cop out on the rules regarding gray water systems that prevents people from
going the composting route. Their "gray water system" is a septic system for no reason at all. While you're at it,
allow tiny houses and non -conventional, but perfectly safe structures as primary residences. It's how a lot of
good people get started as they are building up to bigger and better things.
You want to solve the "housing crisis"? Allow people to have simple and safe housing on their own land, get
something like the San Juan County Owner Builder permit system in place and reasonable rules around simple
and safe gray water systems. I don't think the solution is in additional taxes but in facing for once that we are
not in a "housing crisis" but in a "zoning crisis" and the rules just need to change. Thanks for reading!
- Jon Garrison, PT resident
a
j,
From: Allison Arthur <aarthur@olycap.org>
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2020 11:52 AM
To: jeffbocc
Cc: Audrey Morford
Subject: Housing crisis and sales tax
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links,
especially from unknown senders.
Hello Jefferson County Commissioners,
When I moved to Port Townsend 14 years ago, one of the first stories I reported on for The Leader involved Garden
Court Apartments. It was Christmastime and the tenants had been notified that the apartment complex was at risk for
being converted into market -rate housing. It would have been devastating for them because not one of them could
afford the switch from a USDA subsidized project to market rate.
At the time, I was housing challenged myself and living in an apartment above The Leader with my teenage daughter —
and her laundry, as I so often say.
Back then, it took my family five months to find housing. It was only because I was sitting in a commission meeting — in
that very warm basement — that a real estate agent heard my plight and assisted. I had told him I would not be able to
move here after all if I didn't find housing. He connected me with a real estate agent who could help. And at the time,
my attorney husband and I could well afford the market -rate housing that we found.
As a reporter and editor at The Leader, I paid significant attention to the growing housing crisis in Jefferson County.
In 2018, my view of the housing woes in Jefferson County changed and became more intense as I was hired by Kathy
Morgan at Olympic Community Action Programs to work on housing programs aimed at ending homelessness.
It is a hard job. It is rewarding. It is frustrating.
Day after day people call needing help with rent, help with a deposit, help getting out of homelessness. And yes, there's
funding to assist with a lot of it. And we can and do help.
The first three people assisted out of homelessness this year, on a program I now manage, were: a caregiver who had
been living in her vehicle while still caring for clients; a man who helped build homes for more than 30 years in Jefferson
County who fell ill and was living in a place not meant for habitation, and two seniors whose living quarters had been
destroyed.
They got lucky. They found something.
But the reality is: There's really no affordable housing in Jefferson County.
And nothing has been built since I moved here.
Look no further than Admiralty Apartments, which has lost capacity, and the Cherry Street project, which remains
empty.
In the meantime, there are hundreds in our community who are suffering from insufficient housing and the need is
growing. A few examples: a woman who can't bring her husband home from the hospital because she has no running
water or power; a disabled man whose family died and left him to fend on his own in a trailer that isn't connected to
utilities; seniors experiencing mental health issues on fixed incomes of $773 a month paying $500 a month in rent.
Truly, there are so many seniors now struggling to pay rent that they alone could fill a 42-unit project — tomorrow.
And sadly, I could name them all.
Here it is Christmastime in 2020.
And you, County Commissioners, have a chance to change the future of housing in Jefferson County.
You have an opportunity to start doing something about the housing emergency that you proclaimed existed years ago.
Please support a sales and use tax for affordable housing.
It's time.
And thank you all for your service to Jefferson County. It matters.
Allison Arthur
Senior Housing Manager
Allison Arthur
Senior Housing Manager
Toll free 24-hour help
For anyone in crisis — and those who know someone in crisis — there is help.
The toll free 2417 Salish Regional Toll -Free Crisis line number is:
1-888-910.0416. Or connect quietly through www.imhurting.org.
Have a safe holiday and be kind to yourself and others.
Pronouns: She/her
Olympic Community Action Programs
823 Commerce Loop
Port Townsend, Wa. 98368
360-385-2571
Public Comments
From: Lawrence Jensen <Ipjensen@abbnebraska.com>
Sent: Sunday, December 20, 2020 7:26 PM
To: Public Comments
Subject: Comment re Proposed Affordable Housing Sales Tax
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or
clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
The affordable housing crisis in East Jefferson County is severe with few options available. Therefore I urge the County
Board to approve the proposed o.i% sales tax increase. 6o% of which to be used to fund the plan to work with OLYCAP,
Bayside, Dove House, Habitat, and Peninsula Housing Authority to build 6 to io affordable housing housing units per
year.
I also ask that plans for use of the remaining 4o% be publicized and opened for public comment.
Sincerely,
Lawrence Jensen
723 Rainier Ln
Port Ludlow, WA 98365
Fi i
Public Comments
i,,,.,,,ti ir• Y� ' !�
;v
R ifs:'' 1! •d9.
From:
Barbara Morey <bemorey@yahoo.com>
�Ay
Sent:
Monday, December 21, 2020 2:56 AM
To:
Public Comments
Subject:
'Tis the Season
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links,
especially from unknown senders.
Good Morning Commissioners,
Today is a special day. As it begins, I want to say thank you to David Sullivan for his many years of
service to our community and especially his commitment to helping us address the issue of affordable
housing. Although we have not always agreed on the specific path to take, David has always acted
with personal commitment, integrity and respect. Thank you, Commissioner Sullivan.
Tonight we will have the opportunity to view the conjunction of 3 planets into what has been called
"The Star of Bethlehem". The last time this occurred was 800 years ago. And we will be witness to it
this evening!
A conjunction is a "coming together". My hope is that in the coming year, we in Jefferson County will
be able to come together to address the issue that this star heralded over 2000 years ago, when a
family had to be housed in a stable because there was no room for them in the inn. Tonight, we will
see this light shining down on those who are living in tents in the fairgrounds campground or in the
woods because now, as then, there is no shelter for them.
My wish for the coming year is that we, like the fabled Wise Men, will have our eyes and hearts and
lives opened to explore exciting new possibilities-- to make sure that no one remains unhoused or
without the basic necessities of life. And that we, as a community, make a commitment to follow the
best of our knowledge and abilities to illuminate the issues and to act on the opportunities that shine
for us.
After this year of the pandemic crisis, of stress and isolation, I hope that we can come together to
experience, in the words of the carol, : "A thrill of hope. The weary world rejoices. For yonder breaks
a new and glorious morn."
Peace on earth; Good will to All.
Barbara Morey. Housing Advocate
206 326-9022
Nevertheless, she persisted...
R&ceived after Hearing
Comment Deadline
December 18, 2020 3 '"
Jefferson County Board of Commissioners
PO Box 1220
Port Townsend, WA 98368
811 Olele Point Road
Commissioners will soon address uses for the proposed 0.1 % tax
which could begin to address the county need for affordable housing.
Our concerns look for ways to address critical needs now. Of course
Homeless Housing is a priority. This church is currently adding twelve
tiny wooden tents to church property adjacent to the fifteen affordable
housing apartments built on church -donated property eighteen years
ago. These units are not enough! You are aware of the homeless
population housed in the VFW basement as well as the group which has
set up on the fairgrounds. The need is critical.
Even if the 0.1% tax is enacted the homeless population would still be
searching for warmth. There exist several warm largely vacant
dormitories at Fort Worden and Fort Flagler that could be swiftly put into
service for approved homeless persons.
Another concern addresses the analysis indicating that 60% of the tax
collected would be used to fund affordable housing. What happens to
the remaining 40% collected? Surely, it does not take 40% to administer
the allocation. Every cent is needed to address the need for housing
which is only growing during this Covid crisis. Please make homeless
issues the Commission's Number One prorityl
Sincerely,
t.d�-rLJ
Audrey Sanderson for the Momeless Committee of the Hadlock
Community United Methodist Church