HomeMy WebLinkAbout110821ca03 JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
Mark McCauley, Interim County Administrator
FROM: Heidi Eisenhour, Commissioner
DATE: November 8, 2021
SUBJECT: HEARING NOTICE re: Review of three finalized options for 2021
Redistricting; Virtual Hearing Scheduled for Monday, December 6, 2021 at
11:30 a.m.
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
Redistricting is the process by which new congressional and state legislative district boundaries are
drawn after the Federal census every ten years. As part of redistricting counties redraw Commissioner
districts and precincts.
We have been working on developing alternatives the past few months. The Virtual Public Hearing to review
the three finalized options is scheduled for Monday, December 6, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. At their regular
Monday meeting on December 20, Commissioners will adopt revised districts. December 31, 2021 is the
deadline for jurisdictions that elect members of their governing body in 2022 to adopt updated commissioner
districts. This applies to Jefferson County.
ANALYSIS:
Below is a timeline of our work on this issue to date. We have been adhering to the following State criteria
for redistricting outlined by state law RCW 29A.76.010(4):
(a) Each internal director, council, or commissioner district shall be as nearly equal in population as
possible to each and every other such district comprising the municipal corporation, county, or
special purpose district.
(b) Each district shall be as compact as possible.
(c) Each district shall consist of geographically contiguous area.
(d) Population data may not be used for purposes of favoring or disfavoring any racial group or political
party.
(e) To the extent feasible and if not inconsistent with the basic enabling legislation for the municipal
corporation, county, or district, the district boundaries shall coincide with existing recognized natural
boundaries and shall, to the extent possible, preserve existing communities of related and mutual
interest.
Activities to date:
July 8 Sent survey to junior and special districting to solicit their plans
September 16 Quinn Grewell, Elections Coord., met with political party leaders to review process
September 30 Final Census data was available, we undertook GIS work to develop five alternatives—
addressing commissioner districts
October 11 Commissioner Eisenhour briefed the BOCC at Monday Meeting re: redistricting
process, public engagement, review 5 alternatives, select 3 for public review
October Two public notices for Public Meeting with other elected were sent
Posted 3 alternatives to website
Work on and provide options for public comments at Oct 26 meeting
October 26 Public Meeting -with BOCC, Port of PT& PUD Commissioners, review and discuss 3
alternatives
After adoption of updated Commissioner district boundaries in December, the Jefferson County Auditor and
GIS lead will work to balance precincts within the new district boundaries. The deadline for updated
precincts is May 2, 2022.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
Review and sign the Hearing Notice on Redistricting. The Hearing is scheduled for Monday,
December 6, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. via video meeting in the Commissioners' Chambers (VIRTUAL). The
notice will be published in The Leader on November 10th and 17th, 2021.
REVI
EWED BY:
a.K.A/6-2d: //Ay,
Mark McCaule nterim County Administr, r Dat
Please publish 2 times: November 10 and 17, 2021
Bill to Jefferson County Commissioners
Non-departmental Fund
PO Box 1220
Port Townsend, WA 98368
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE
JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGARDING
REDISTRICTING; THE REVIEW OF THE THREE (3) OPTIONS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing is scheduled by the Jefferson County
Board of Commissioners for MONDAY,December 6, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. in the Commissioners'
Chambers, County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368 (NOTE: No
In-Person Attendance Allowed(Per Jefferson County RESOLUTION No.45-21)), and said notice of
said hearing be published in the official newspaper of Jefferson County, and that at said hearing any
interested person may appear virtually and be heard for or against the resolutions. To participate
virtually, you will need to join the meeting by 11:30 a.m. To participate via Zoom, click on
https://zoom.us/j/93777841705. To participate via telephone dial 1-253-215-8782 and enter
access code: 937-7784-1705#by 11:30 a.m. To view this meeting live with no participation, or
to view documents, go to www.co.jefferson.wa.us Follow the links under "Quick Links: Videos
of Meetings: Today. "Access for the hearing impaired and others can be accommodated using
Washington Relay Service at 1-800-833-6384.
The public hearing is being held for the purpose of receiving public testimony on three options to
set the 2021 Redistricting Boundaries. Jefferson County has prepared draft redistricting maps per
the 2020 Census in accordance with RCW Chapters 29A.76 and 53.16. On December 13, 2021
as part of their Regular Meeting the Board of County Commissioners will review and potentially
adopt the 2021 Redistricting Boundaries.
The public may view the draft redistricting map proposals by visiting www.co.jefferson.wa.us;
click on Latest News and follow the posting regarding this Hearing.
In addition, written testimony is also invited beginning on November 8, 2021 and ending on
December 6, 2021 at the end of the Public Hearing, unless extended by the Board of County
Commissioners. Written public testimony may be submitted by Email to:
jeffbocc@co jefferson.wa.us; or by Mail to: Jefferson County Commissioners' Office; PO Box
1220, Port Townsend, WA 98368. To provide oral testimony, dial 1-253-215-8782 and enter
access code: 937-7784-1705#by 11:30 a.m. so your call can be taken. Testimony must be
received by the Board of County Commissioners by the end of the hearing public comment
period.
Approved and signed this 8th day of November, 2021.
JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Kate Dean, Chair