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2023-01-23 BOCC Wrap-Up CMBOCC Wrap-Up / County Manager Update January 23, 2023 9 a.m. Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, County Manager Erik Martin, Steve Wohld, Barbara Russell, Arny Davis, Amber Smith, Eric Eisenberg, Meja Handlen, Nic Scott, Lara McRea, Lee Napier, Matt Jaeger, Mindy Brooks, Tailor Arrington, Undersheriff Wes Rethwill, Becky Butler, Doug Carey, Justia Madrigal, Ross Nielson, Willie Painter, Daleyn Coleman, Linda Mastin Guest(s): John Christian Recorder: Rieva Lester Public comment: None. >> BOCC Wrap-Up 2023 legislative session: Josh Weiss and Troy Nichols discussed bills the Legislature is considering. Josh noted that he and Troy will track bills sponsored by the 19th and 20th District legislators. Updates: • Water banking • Credit against state sales tax to help seniors • SB 5361 (credit against state sales tax to increase number of law enforcement) • DNR leasing of state trust lands for carbon projects: the commissioners agreed to lend the BOCC’s support • HB 1267 (extends timeline for .09 funding): the commissioners agreed to lend the BOCC’s support • HB 1025 (create liability for law enforcement in cases in which individuals are injured): the commissioners agreed to support WSAC’s opposition to the bill • HB 1004 (adds signs for bridges to warn of hazards of swimming in cold water): the commissioners agreed to lend the BOCC’s support • HB 5358 (expands areas for veterans services offices) • SB 5059 (extends timeline for penalties): the commissioners agreed to support WSAC’s opposition to the bill • HB 1215 and SB 5256 (VSP): the commissioners agreed to lend the BOCC’s support • HB 1216 and SB 5380 regarding State of Washington Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC): Eric Eisenberg suggested having EFSEC’s outreach to local governmental entities codified • SB 5372 regarding underperforming state lands Commissioner Pollock made a motion to add to the agenda for the Jan. 24, 2023, BOCC Business Meeting the following: • Resolution 23-027: Reappoint Roger Morningstar and appoint Barbara Russell as regular members of the Veterans’ Advisory Board (VAB) through June 30, 2024. • Resolution 23-028: Increase and expand Veterans benefits. Commissioner Brummer seconded. Meja Handlen and Heidi Palmer discussed the two resolutions. Motion passed 2-0. Water banking: Eric Eisenberg said he has followed up with the county’s lobbyists and Paul Jewell from WSAC regarding Ecology’s decision about water banks. Eric discussed use of American Rescue Plan Act funding would require. The commissioners directed Eric to proceed with the TransAlta portion. Boundary Review Board vacancy: The commissioners said they would review the applications Jan. 25. Lodging Tax Advisory Committee vacancies: The commissioners said they would review the applications Jan. 25. Calendars: Commissioner Pollock discussed the County Road Administration Board (CRAB) meeting, including discussions about funding distribution. Correspondence: None. >> County Manager items American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding: Erik Martin said the county has found a broadband project manager. Budget: Becky Butler said she is working on annual reports. Internal Services / Capital Projects update: Steve Wohld said construction inflation and project condition changes – coupled with the board’s decision to keep the Kresky building for a night-by-night shelter instead of selling it – have led to a $3.5 million funding shortfall for the county’s ongoing capital projects. He said the county also needs funding for its $5.5 million HVAC project and its $2 million jail roof. Steve noted that the Juvenile remodel was $1 million over budget at $10 million and that parking lot expenses are higher than anticipated. Steve discussed potential funding options to cover the $3.5 million shortfall, including LATCF, bonds and Real Estate Excise Taxes. Arny Davis discussed bond options to borrow $9 million. He said he would recommend a $6 million bond instead of a $9 million bond. He said the percentage rate for bonds would be roughly 3.5 percent to 4 percent. The group discussed the pros and cons regarding use of LATCF, bonds and 3100. The commissioners directed staff to move forward with the projects – including the parking lot projects – and said they would further discuss funding options Jan. 25. Public Health & Social Services update: Meja Handlen discussed the upcoming Homeless Connect homeless count. Internal Services update / real estate discussion: At 10:28 a.m., Commissioner Brummer announced that the Board would be going into executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(b) for 3 minutes to discuss a potential real estate transaction. Executive session started at 10:28 a.m. Executive session ended at 10:31 a.m. Commissioner Brummer noted that no decisions had been made. Meeting ended at 10:32 a.m.