2018-05-08 Update with BudgetBudget Update
May 8, 2018
3:30 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, Commissioner Stamper, Becky Butler, Steve
Walton, Wayne Whiton, Ross Petersen, Daleyn Coleman, Archie Smith
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Becky Butler asked for clarification regarding the board’s upcoming letter to Tacoma Power.
Ross discussed items that are in the Tacoma Power agreement but that haven’t been addressed.
The commissioners asked Ross Petersen to proceed with reviewing the contract for items that have not
been addressed, focusing on money first and projects next.
Becky discussed Risk rates for 2019. She said they may need to be increased 25 percent to 30 percent.
She discussed payments for PDR tort claims. She suggested increasing general liability payments to
cover for tort claims. Becky said workers’ comp possibly could go down to offset the increase.
The commissioners agreed to pay tort claims out of the general liability fund.
Becky said a PDR rate will be developed.
Becky said the County Manager position can be added to the July budget amendment. Becky suggested
having an office manager instead of hiring an admin for the County Manager.
The group discussed the pros and cons of hiring an office manager. The group said HR could draft a job
description for an office manager and then allow the county manager to hire the person to fill the role.
Wayne, Daleyn, Archie and Ross left at 4:08 p.m.
Becky said the county has not yet received DNR’s first-quarter timber report.
Becky said the majority of Washington counties collect a weed assessment on a per-parcel basis.
Commissioner Fund left at 4:18 p.m.
Becky discussed potential impacts to the budget, including health insurance rates, the county manager,
timber sales, etc. Becky said retirement projections have improved.
The group discussed the possibility of a higher – but smaller scaled – wage base for the county manager
position, and they discussed postponing the process.
Commissioner Stamper and Commissioner Jackson said they are in support of increasing the salary and
postponing the interviews.
Archie joined at 4:50 p.m.
Commissioner Fund joined by phone at 5:01 p.m.
The group further discussed the county manager position.
Archie said he would speak to Prothman and determine whether to make the changes the
commissioners suggested. He said he would report back to the commissioners May 9.
Gary discussed salary grid placement and would like the County manager placed at Grade 38 beginning
at 127K to $154
Archie will ask Prothman If he feels the salary increase would bring in more applicants.
Edna had would like discussions with Prothman before making any decisions.
The Board would like a bigger pool for interviews.
Archie will add the agenda item to the wrap up on Monday.
Meeting adjourned at 5:25 p.m.