2023-06-27 Budget UpdateBudget Update
June 27, 2023
2:38 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Interim County Manager
Steve Wohld , Becky Butler, Nic Scot
Guest(s): None
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
Broadband project update: Becky Butler said Dale Merten and Larry Boehm will provide a broadband
update July 11. She provided other updates as follows:
• Resident engineer con�nued staking and design work.
• Pre bid planned for late July with contract and permi�ng in August/September.
• Project resources are being added on the ToledoTel side.
• Billing and contract review and process is ongoing.
• US Treasury has issued new guidance for Broadband projects and WSBO is upda�ng guidance.
• Becky said she will review Treasury’s new guidance with the PA and ToledoTel to determine
whether contract amendments are needed.
Current year budget review and 2024 budget planning: Becky said Rudy Rodriguez has completed the
ini�al reconcilia�on of FTEs for the county and that she is doing the second review. She said Rudy has
done amazing work in the short �me he has been with the county.
Becky provide addi�onal updates as follows:
• Working with the Sheriff’s Office’s accoun�ng staff on salary and benefit calcula�ons for 2024.
• Working with the Sheriff’s Office regarding its Registered Sex Offender AV (RSOA) fund balance.
The Sheriff’s Office was directed in 2015 to use the RSOA funds for the support tech and the
detec�ve posi�ons doing the work for RSOAV. The fund balance has been used and annual
revenue will cover the Support Tech posi�on, but the detec�ve posi�on would need to be
covered by the General Fund.
• Finalizing the review of es�mated budget and working on the dra� call leter to review with the
BOCC on July 11.
• Reviewing revenue es�mates provided by the Treasurer for 2023 YE and 2024 projec�ons.
• Internal Services rates are due back July 10, and departments will meet with the BOCC on July 25
to review changes in proposed rates.
• Becky said she and Rudy are assis�ng departments as needed with rates, no�ng that they are
atemp�ng to avoid the deadline challenges associated with staffing levels.
• Working with OpenGov to set up the 2024 working budget June 29. OpenGov has added several
new tools that will make the user experience beter and easier to use.
Opioid setlement funding: Becky provided the following updates:
• Funds have been moved to Fund 1100 Mental Health Tax for management.
• We are wai�ng to hear back from David and outside atorney on next steps with OAC and the
next setlement.
• Process has been outlined for management.
• Policy on use of funds and future planning s�ll needs to be worked out.
• Narcan purchase will go forward once staff hears back from the PA’s Office on use of funds.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) updates and repor�ng: The group discussed moving funds to cover
post-re�rement benefits in the LEOFF 1 account. Becky provided the following updates:
• ARPA is on the State Auditor’s Office’s list of planned audits along with ERAP and FEMA.
• Staff is working closely with Grace and her team.
• ARPA creates lots of challenges as the guidance has con�nued to change but the county has lots
of internal controls in place.
• Next report will be due at the end of July.
• Budget Office will con�nue to remind departments the increased responsibility with federal
funds.
• Budget will plan an ARPA project update during the next ESC mee�ng.
Commissioner Pollock made a mo�on to allocate the remaining balance of Local Assistance and Tribal
Consistency Fund (LATC F) funds to the county’s LEOFF 1 fund. Commissioner Brummer seconded.
Mo�on passed 3-0.
Safety Officer posi�on and HR/Risk reorganiza�on: Not discussed.
Announcements: Becky said the county has received is payment in lieu of taxes (PILT) revenue. She said
a budget amendment hearing is planned for July 25.
New business: Becky said the procurement process con�nues to move forward.
Becky discussed grants available for electric vehicle charging sta�on.
Review performance of public employee: At 3:05 p.m., Commissioner Swope announced that the Board
would be going into execu�ve session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(g) un�l 3:10 p.m. to review the
performance of a public employee.
• At 3:10 p.m., Commissioner Swope extended execu�ve session un�l 3:13 p.m.
• At 3:10 p.m., Commissioner Swope extended execu�ve session un�l 3:13 p.m.
Execu�ve session ended at 3:13 p.m. Commissioner Swope noted that no decisions had been made.
Commissioner Pollock made a mo�on to authorize Becky Butler to enter into contract nego�a�ons as
discussed in execu�ve session. Commissioner Brummer seconded. Mo�on passed 3-0.
Mee�ng adjourned at 3:13 p.m.