2017-08-25 Meeting with Sheriff SnazaMeeting with Sheriff Snaza
August 25, 2017
11:03 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, Sheriff Snaza, Wes
Rethwill, Becky Butler, Steve Walton
Recorder: Rieva Lester
2017 year-end budget
Becky Butler said her understanding was that there were concerns that the year-end estimates for the
Sheriff’s Office and the jail are at maximum or even over the year-end estimates.
Sheriff Snaza said the loss of Mason County created a $264,000 hit. He said if they’re at full staff, the
overtime use declines. He said he has two vacancies with a third coming in October. He said the cash out
for vacation and sick time will make that a wash.
Sheriff Snaza and Wes Rethwill further discussed the loss of Mason County. They also discussed Lewis
County’s other jail contracts.
He talked about the demand for single cells for “intensive management” inmates as well as the need for
cells for females.
Sheriff Snaza and Wes discussed the negotiations and outreach efforts that take place for the county’s
contracts.
Sheriff Snaza discussed a set-up discussed with Vader. He said the offer was to absorb the cost of
Vader’s jail fees in exchange for a 10 percent increase to the city’s base.
Sheriff Snaza said the two new motorcycles are part of a two-year pilot program.
Sheriff Snaza discussed a Thurston County effort to force user groups to pay for their inmates’ medical
costs. He said the county’s current contracts do not include medical costs.
Wes said Naphcare appears to have cut down the extra trips to other outside medical facilities. Wes
said if an inmate requests medical treatment for something such as a headache, that inmate puts in a
request and pays a $25 fee.
Commissioner Fund said Sheriff Snaza should bring the issues up during the upcoming Legislative
Roundtable on Oct. 6.
The group discussed the need to address inmates’ mental health issues and the hope to have BHO’s
help.
Project shortfall of 264,000 and absorbing
Becky said her concern is that the sheriff and jail doesn’t have a “bottom-line” budget. She asked how
that would be addressed, whether through budget amendments or line item changes.
Sheriff Snaza asked why it’s not a bottom-line budget. He said he prefers to be able to have flexibility.
Wes said the group would plan to submit a budget amendment for the $49,000.
Sheriff Snaza said he would come back with an answer in mid-September. He discussed minimum-
staffing needs.
Wes said the vacancy of one position can work but more cannot.
Sheriff Snaza said Vader can have its city attorney represent in court. He said going to municipal court
does not make sense. He said the offer with Jonathan Meyer was an effort to create a package deal. He
and Wes said the offer will still move forward on the offer from their end.
Becky asked for clarification regarding LEOFF. Sheriff Snaza and Wes said the fee will increase to make
up for the LEOFF change.
Steve Walton thanked the sheriff for the help with the fair.
Commissioner Stamper left at 12:30 p.m.
Sheriff Snaza and Wes left at 12:41 p.m.
Meeting ended at 12:46 p.m.