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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-09-30 WSAC Courthouse visitWSAC Courthouse Visit September 30, 2026 11:30 a.m. Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Becky Butler, Derek Young, WSAC Executive Director, and Mark Ozias, Clallam County Commissioner and WSAC President Guest(s): Recorder: Kate Chatterton Public comment: None WSAC update: Derek Young provided an overview of the Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC) and gave an update on the organization and its current objectives. Young discussed WSAC’s efforts to develop additional revenue sources to help reduce costs to counties. Commissioner Ozias noted that having a more diverse revenue mix benefits both WSAC and its members. Young also discussed the WSAC Solutions Center, which serves as a hub for information on services and business partnerships available to counties. Young reviewed WSAC’s organizational structure, which is divided into three main areas: C3, C4 and the WSAC Trust. Legal update: Young provided updates on public defense, juvenile justice and the County Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax. He noted that WSAC is involved in ongoing public defense litigation, with a trial expected next year. Young said issues involving the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) and juvenile placements due to overcrowding have largely been addressed through a memorandum of understanding. Commissioner Pollock discussed Green Hill School and the financial challenges Lewis County faces in providing defense services for juveniles housed there by DCYF. Young also discussed a discrepancy involving the County Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax that was identified by the County Road Administration Board (CRAB). WSAC is working toward a resolution to return the appropriate funds to counties. 2027 legislative priorities: Young reviewed WSAC’s 2027 legislative priorities and noted that the list continues to develop as additional issues are identified. Commissioner Ozias and Young also discussed communications and media strategies WSAC plans to use in support of its legislative work. The presentation identified current priorities including county revenue, public defense, liability reform, jail modernization, short-term rental tax and renewable energy project local sales tax exemptions. Evans School partnership: Young discussed WSAC’s partnership with the University of Washington Evans School, including opportunities for internships, policy-related projects and elected leader training. Commissioner Ozias discussed a University of Washington student project involving battery-backed solar panels. Employee health benefits: Commissioner Swope noted that the commissioners had approved providing county health plan information to WSAC for review of potential medical benefit and coverage rates. Young said WSAC expects to have insurance estimates available in approximately two weeks. Public Records Act: Commissioner Ozias and Young discussed challenges counties are facing with Public Records Act requests, particularly those involving law enforcement body-camera footage and the amount of staff time required to process the records. Young said WSAC is developing a tool to help support counties with this work and expects it to be available on WSAC’s website soon. WSAC dues: Commissioner Brummer asked how WSAC’s development of additional revenue sources could affect county membership dues. Commissioner Ozias said the impact will depend on participation in the new programs and the amount of revenue they generate. Jail medical services: The group discussed challenges counties are experiencing with jail medical contracts and the possibility of statewide options. Adjournment: Commissioner Brummer made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Pollock seconded. Motion passed 2-0. Meeting adjourned at 12:45 p.m.