HomeMy WebLinkAbout74-1121-24R STATE OF WASHINGTON
COUNTY OF JEFFERSON
In the Matter of Amending Chapter 8.00.090
of the Jefferson County Code to Allow the RESOLUTION NO. 74-1121-24R
Jefferson County Board of Health to Provide
Modest Stipends for Qualifying Appointed
Board Members
WHEREAS,RCW 43.03.220 allows for the compensation of members of part-time boards
and commissions for Class one groups, of which Jefferson County's Board of Health is a
qualifying board; and
WHEREAS, local boards of health may provide a stipend to individuals who are low
income or have direct lived experience to support their participation in class one groups when the
agency determines such participation is desirable in order to implement the principles of equity
described in RCW 43.06D.020, provided that the individuals are not otherwise compensated for
their attendance at meetings; and
WHEREAS,in 2022,the legislature found that equitable public policy discussions should
include individuals directly impacted by that policy. In order to do so, the legislature supports
removing barriers to that participation. The legislature finds that asking community members with
lower financial means to volunteer their time and expertise while state employees and
representatives of advocacy organizations receive compensation from their respective agency or
organization for their time and experience ultimately hinders full and open public participation.
As a result, the legislature finds that removing financial barriers for those individuals fosters
increased access to government and enriches public policy discussions and decisions, ultimately
leading to more equitable and sustainable policy outcomes; and
WHEREAS,Washington State mandates that local boards of health appoint members who
fulfill requirements of certain specific and diverse categories as described in WAC 246-90-015;
and
WHEREAS, Jefferson County Ordinance 03-0505-97 passed on May 5, 1997, and
codified in chapter 8.090 of the Jefferson County Code(JCC),historically prohibits compensation
for appointed board members to the Board of Health,which is now inconsistent with updated state
law; and
WHEREAS, chapter 8.090 JCC does currently allow appointed members to receive
reimbursement for approved expenses related to the completion of their responsibilities, but this
alone is a nominal amount; and
WHEREAS, Jefferson County's Board of Health has consistently experienced difficulty
in recruiting and retaining certain categories of appointed members of the public; and
WHEREAS, attending Board of Health meetings creates a financial hardship for some
qualified candidates of the specific categories; and
WHEREAS,the Board of Health desires to provide a modest stipend to help compensate
for appointed board members' time during regularly scheduled board meetings and to help cover
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approved expenses related to completion of their responsibilities and service as board members;
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 Health hereby
adopts the above "Whereas"clauses as Findings of Fact.
Section 2. Purpose. The purpose of this resolution is to amend chapter 8.00.090 JCC to allow for
a modest stipend for Board of Health appointed board members.
Section 3. Definitions consistent with RCW 43.03.220. Consistent with RCW 43.03.220(6)(a)-
(b):
(a) "Direct lived experience"means direct personal experience in the subject matter being
addressed by the board, commission, council, committee, or other similar group.
(b) "Low income"means an individual whose income is not more than 400 percent of the
federal poverty level, adjusted for family size.
Section 4. Adoption of Amendment to Chapter 8.00.090. Chapter 8.00.090 JCC is amended as
follows:
Appointed members of the board of health shall receive compensation for their service, in
the amount of$50.00 for attendance at regularly scheduled board meetings. Appointed
members may additionally receive reimbursement for approved expenses related to the
completion of their responsibilities.
Section 5. 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 6. SEPA Categorical Exemption. This resolution is categorically exempt from the State
Environmental Policy Act under WAC 197-11-800 (19).
Section 7. Effective Date. This resolution shall take effect and be in full force immediately upon
passage by the Board of Health.
(SIGNATURES FOLLOW ON THE NEXT PAGE)
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APPROVED and ADOPTED this 21st day of Nov. , 2024.
JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH '
41
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Kat Dean, h ' da Grace, a Chair
Greg Brotherton, Member Monica MiVager, Member
PTA
eidi Eisenhour, Member Ke of , Member
ATESES APPROVED AS TO FORM:
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Glenn Gilbert, ' Date Philip C. l ansuck r, Date/Z
Clerk of the Board Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
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