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Home My WebLink AboutCONSENT Resolution re IDDAB Stipend 615 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA 98368 (e1e-7son www.JeffersonCountyPublicHealth.org County Consent Agenda Public Health JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST TO: Board of County Commissioners Mark McCauley, County Administrator FROM: Apple Martine, Director, Jefferson County Public Health Bonnie Obremski, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Coordinator DATE: SUBJECT: Agenda item — Adoption of resolution to provide a stipend to the self-advocate member position on the Jefferson County Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board (IDDAB) STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Jefferson County Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Program requests approval of a resolution to provide a stipend to the "self-advocate" member position on the Jefferson County Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board (IDDAB). ANALYSIS/STRATEGIC GOALS/PROS and CONS: The Jefferson County Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board (IDDAB) voted to recommend the approval of the resolution at their regular meeting on March 25, 2025. FISCAL IMPACT/COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS: IDDAB members in the "self-advocate" position are eligible to receive a $50 stipend per meeting attended. RECOMMENDATION: JCPH management requests approval of the resolution to provide a stipend to the "self-advocate" member position on the IDDAB. REVIEWED BY—:- -- Mark McCau ey, County Administrator Date Community Health Environmental Public Health Developmental Disabilities 360-385-9444 360-385-9400 (f) 360-379-4487 360-385-9401 (f) Always working for a safer and healthier community STATE OF WASHINGTON COUNTY OF JEFFERSON In the Matter of Allowing the Jefferson County Intellectual/Developmental RESOLUTION NO. Disabilities Advisory Board to Provide a Modest Stipend for Qualifying Appointed Board Members as authorized by RCW 43.03.220 and Adopting Updated Bylaws 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 Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board (Advisory Board) is a qualifying board because it is legislatively established by RCW 71A.14.020 and functions primarily in an advisory capacity; and WHEREAS, in 2022,the legislature found that equitable public policy discussions should include individuals with lived experience and amended RCW 43.03.220 to include a stipend for qualifying individuals; and WHEREAS, removing financial barriers fosters increased access to government that enriches public policy discussions and decisions, ultimately leading to more equitable and sustainable policy outcomes; and WHEREAS, the purpose of the Advisory Board is to advise the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners, and the Developmental Disabilities/Behavioral Health Coordinator on policies, programs and resources needed to assure that residents who experience Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in Jefferson County, have the choice, opportunity, and support to achieve inclusive and productive participation in community life; and WHEREAS, the Advisory Board primarily is responsible for providing advocacy and leadership in the development and implementation of locally relevant IDD policies, plans and services; and WHEREAS, Pursuant to RCW 71A.14.040 the secretary of state works with the county governing authorities and developmental disability boards who apply for state funds to coordinate and provide local services for persons with developmental disabilities and their families; and WHEREAS,in 2024,the legislature found that that certain populations are almost entirely unrepresented in policy making yet are disproportionately impacted by government decisions. For example, self-advocates with developmental disabilities and other marginalized groups are routinely left out of decision making about policies that directly impact them and frequently have their voices substituted for others. The legislature again amended RCW 43.03.220 to further remove barriers for potential board members with"direct" lived experiences; and WHEREAS, the Advisory Board By-Laws, previously updated on May 2, 2024, prohibit compensation for appointed Advisory Board members, but do not define a self-advocate who has "direct lived experience"or who may qualify as"low income"as defined by RCW 43.03.220(6)(a) and (b) respectively; and 1 of WHEREAS, the Advisory Board has consistently experienced difficulty in recruiting and retaining certain categories of appointed members of the public who represent marginalized or underrepresented groups; and WHEREAS, attending Advisory Board meetings creates a financial hardship for some qualified candidates of the specific categories; and WHEREAS,the Advisory Board desires to provide a modest stipend to help compensate for appointed board members' time during regularly scheduled and special board meetings and to help cover 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 Commissioners hereby adopts the above "Whereas"clauses as Findings of Fact. Section 2. Purpose. The purpose of this resolution is to authorize the Jefferson County Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board to provide modest stipends to qualifying Advisory Board members as defined by, and pursuant to, RCW 43.03.220. 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. Amount of Stipend Authorized by RCW 43.03.220. Qualifying Advisory Board members who meet the criteria under RCW 43.03.220(6)(a) or RCW 43.03.220(6)(b), may be eligible for a modest stipend of$50 dollars for attendance at regularly or specially scheduled Advisory Board meetings, so long as the stipend is consistent with all requirements of RCW 43.03.220. Section 5. Adoption of Updated By-Laws. The Advisory Board By-Laws are hereby updated to be consistent with state law, allowing for modest stipends for qualifying Advisory Board members who meet the eligibility criteria set forth in RCW 43.03.220. Section 6. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence,clause,phrase 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 7. SEPA Categorical Exemption. This resolution is categorically exempt from the State Environmental Policy Act under WAC 197-11-800(19). Section 8. Effective Date. This resolution shall take effect and be in full force immediately upon passage by the Board of County Commissioners. 2 of 4 (SIGNATURES FOLLOW ON THE NEXT PAGE) 3 of 4 APPROVED AND ADOPTED this day of 2025. JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SEAL: Heidi Eisenhour, Chair Greg Brotherton, Member Heather Dudley-Nollette, Member ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM: Carolyn Gallaway, Date Philip C. Hunsucker, Date Clerk of the Board Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney 4 of 4