HomeMy WebLinkAboutDISCUSSION re Appointing Acting Sheriff JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
HEARING ON PROPOSED ORDINANCE
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Melissa Pleimann, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
DATE: January 6,2025
SUBJECT: Resolution appointing Acting Sheriff until vacancy filled
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
Jefferson County elected Sheriff Joe Nole tendered his notice of intent to retire effective January
3, 2025, prior to the expiration of his term. The office will be vacant as of January 4, 2025. The
Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners will proceed with the statutory obligations to
fill the partisan vacancy within the next 60 days. In the interim, it is in the interest of the citizens
of Jefferson County for the Board to appoint an Acting Sheriff until the vacancy is filled.
ANALYSIS:
RCW 36.16.115 authorizes the Board of County Commissioners to appoint an employee serving
as a deputy or assistant as acting sheriff until the vacancy in any partisan county elective office is
filled through election or appointment as required by law. Undersheriff Andrew Pernsteiner has
stated his willingness to serve as Acting Sheriff until the vacancy is filled. The appointment of
Undersheriff Pernsteiner will ensure the duties of the Sheriff are performed to continue the normal
operations of the office. The appointment is contingent upon the County Administrator and
Undersheriff Pernsteiner coming to agreement on appropriate compensation for his performance
of the additional duties of Acting Sheriff.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Undersheriff Pernsteiner be compensated for his performance of the additional duties of Acting
Sheriff. This will be budget neutral because this amount will be less than the pay of the retiring
Sheriff Nole.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt the attached resolution appointing Undersheriff Andrew Pernsteiner Acting Sheriff.
REVIEWED BY:
Mark McCaul , County Administrato Date
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STATE OF WASHINGTON
County of Jefferson
In the Matter of Appointment of Andrew
William Pernsteiner as Acting Sheriff for RESOLUTION NO.
Jefferson County
WHEREAS, the elected Sheriff has vacated the office prior to the expiration of his term;
and
WHEREAS, the procedure for appointing an Acting Sheriff is set forth in RCW
36.16.115; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners has determined that it is in the interests
of Jefferson County and its citizens to appoint an Acting Sheriff until such time as the vacancy is
filled; and
WHEREAS, Undersheriff Andrew William Pernsteiner, an employee of the Jefferson
County Sheriff's Office,is qualified to be acting sheriff pursuant to RCW 36.16.115 and has stated
his willingness to serve as Acting Sheriff until such time as the vacancy is filled; and
NOW, THEREFORE, THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
JEFFERSON COUNTY, WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Whereas Clauses are Findings of Fact. The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners
hereby adopts the above "Whereas"clauses as Findings of Fact.
Section 2. Purpose. The purpose of this resolution is to appoint Undersheriff Andrew William
Pernsteiner as Acting Sheriff for Jefferson County.
Section 3. Appointment of Acting Sheriff. Undersheriff Andrew William Pernsteiner is hereby
appointed as Acting Sheriff for Jefferson County. Andrew William Pernsteiner shall serve as
Acting Sheriff for Jefferson County until a successor is either elected or appointed as required by
law. This appointment is contingent upon the County Administrator and Undersheriff Pernsteiner
coming to agreement on appropriate compensation for his performance of the additional duties of
Acting Sheriff.
Section 4. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or section of this
Resolution or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of this
Resolution or its application to other persons or circumstances shall be fully valid and shall not be
affected.
Section 5. SEPA Categorical Exemption. This Resolution is categorically exempt from the State
Environmental Policy Act under WAC 197-11-800 (19).
Section 6. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect and be in full force immediately upon
passage by the Board of County Commissioners, and until such time as the vacancy is filled.
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ADOPTED and APPROVED this day of , 2025.
SEAL: JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Heidi Eisenhour, Chair
Greg Brotherton, Member
Heather Dudley-Nollette, Member
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Carolyn Gallaway, CMC Date Melissa Pleimann, Date
Clerk of the Board Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
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