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HomeMy WebLinkAbout031023 FW_ Friday 5 _ NACo _ Batteries _ Homelessness _ Open Government ________________________________ From: Washington Counties | WSAC Sent: Friday, March 10, 2023 10:00:11 AM (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada) To: Greg Brotherton Subject: Friday 5 | NACo | Batteries | Homelessness | Open Government ________________________________ ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. ________________________________ This week's wrap up of county news. March 10, 2023 <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6943e0d4535671f24022ca02a/images/cf04e6fd-150d-4420-a926-ee7a36f2d944.png> COUNTY NEWS Yakima County Commissioner McKinney Selected as NACo WIR Representative (Population 180,000+) Yakima County Commissioner Amanda McKinney has been selected to represent WSAC as one of our two Board Members on the National Association of Counties’ (NACo) Western Interstate Regional Board of Directors. WSAC selects two members to serve on the WIR Board: one member representing Counties over 180,000 in population and one representing counties with a population less than 180,000. Commissioner McKinney will represent counties with a population greater than 180,000. She joins Stevens County Commissioner Wes McCart on the WIR Board of Directors. Commissioner McCart is also 2nd Vice President of the WIR Board. Representing WSAC on the National Association of Counties Board of Directors are: * Spokane County Commissioner Mary Kuney * Kitsap County Commissioner Rob Gelder. If you are interested in getting involved with the National Association of Counties, please visit their website <https://wsac.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6943e0d4535671f24022ca02a&id=e153dec03c &e=03d5c964a3> . As a reminder there are two NACo conference and events coming up: * NACO Western Interstate Region Conference <https://wsac.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6943e0d4535671f24022ca02a&id=5062525906&e=03d5c964a3> , May 17-19, Washington County, Utah (St George) * NACo Annual Conference <https://wsac.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6943e0d4535671f24022ca02a&id=55145d9000&e=03d5c964a3> , July 21-24, Travis County, Texas (Austin) Learn More <https://wsac.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6943e0d4535671f24022ca02a&id=9601343fe7&e=03d5c964a3> STATE NEWS Lithium-ion Batteries: A Hot Topic Batteries have become a mainstay in our lives, found in everything from electric cars to cell phones, laptops, cordless tools, and the like. That means there are more used batteries than ever before—batteries that need to be safely stored until they can be recycled, not tossed in the trash or mixed with other recyclables. What’s the problem? Over the past few years, we’ve seen a significant uptick in the number of fires at Washington landfills, metal recycling yards, and retail locations with used battery drop-off services. Why? Relatively new, high-energy lithium-ion batteries are finding their way into the waste stream. Unfortunately, these types of batteries can catch fire or explode when they’re damaged or overheated. Learn More <https://wsac.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6943e0d4535671f24022ca02a&id=7c009aab71&e=03d5c964a3> <https://wsac.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6943e0d4535671f24022ca02a&id=bb1f04dc4e&e=03d5c964a3> COUNTY NEWS Skagit and Other Counties May Close Homeless Shelters Due to Drop in Mortgage Fees A Skagit County official said this week that many government-funded shelters and programs will likely have to close or downsize its shelters and homeless assistance programs this summer. But Skagit County isn't alone. Here's why: In Washington, when you’re getting a mortgage or refinancing your current mortgage, you pay a document recording fee that goes to funding homeless services. Learn More <https://wsac.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6943e0d4535671f24022ca02a&id=9d88d7881b&e=03d5c964a3> STATE NEWS Current Status of COVID-19 in Washington The last mask mandate is set to end in less than a month for those in Washington’s healthcare facilities. It comes as health officials say COVID-19 rates are continuing to decline, and the federal government prepares to end its pandemic response declaration this May. So where do things stand now with the virus in Washington-- and can we let our guard down? It's a question on many people's minds as the pandemic’s impacts evolve locally. Learn More <https://wsac.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6943e0d4535671f24022ca02a&id=4c343b1077&e=03d5c964a3> <https://wsac.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6943e0d4535671f24022ca02a&id=20a033fb7e&e=03d5c964a3> STATE NEWS It’s Sunshine Week Somewhere National Sunshine Week hits the country and Washington State the week of March 13-19, 2023. Sunshine Week is a relatively new concept nationwide, at least branding-wise. It was launched in 2005 by the American Society of News Editors (now News Leaders Association), with the aim of promoting open government. However, local governments in Washington State have been subject to open government laws for much longer than that, with the adoption of the Public Records Act (PRA) and the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) in the early 1970s. These laws have evolved over the years, with the state legislature continually adopting new requirements to help improve access to government information. 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