2024-09-16 Wrap UpBOCC Wrap-Up
September 16, 2024
9 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, Becky Butler, Josh Metcalf, Meja Handlen, Matt Jaeger, Doug Carey, Daleyn Coleman, Mindy
Brooks, Sherri Dokken, Tom Stanton
Guest(s): None
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
Sierra Pacific executive session: Not discussed.
Law and Justice crosswalk: Ryan Barrett discussed the need to address the crosswalk between the
Historic Courthouse and the Law and Justice Center. He said staff is working with the city of Chehalis to
develop a plan to increase visibility and safety.
Thurston County Timberland Regional Library (TRL) appointment: The commissioners said they will sign
a letter of support regarding Thurston County’s recent appointment of an individual to the TRL Board of
Trustees. Commissioner Pollock made a motion to send a letter of support regarding Thurston
County’s TRL appointment. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
2025 Legislative Priorities: The commissioners reviewed their 2025 Legislative Priorities.
Becky Butler provided the following overview of the county’s 2024 and 2025 budgets:
• 2024 YTD:
o General Fund Revenue is at $28.1 million ($304,000 higher than the previous year).
o General Fund Expenditures are at $31.2 million ($1.1 more than the previous year).
o Current Use of fund balance is at $3 million (compared to $2.2 million in 2023).
• Final preliminary letter will be presented Sept. 23. This is earlier than required to move up
budget meetings and allow more time to discuss the challenges and decisions needed. Will need
to eliminate 14 positions that fall under Internal Service Rates.
• Budget meetings will take place Sept. 30, Oct. 2 and Oct. 9.
• Will review property tax estimates with the Assessor.
• New construction is estimated at $155 million, a steep decrease from the $277 million the
previous year.
• IPD is expected to be well above 1 percent. It was 2.60 percent in July.
• Banked capacity estimates being calculated.
• Figures don’t include refunds.
• Implementation of the Auditor/Treasurer’s Cost Allocation Plan will have a positive impact on
the General Fund.
• Combining the Parks and Fair budgets has presented challenges.
The commissioners directed staff to look into the feasibility of four-day workweeks as a cost-saving
measure.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to provide up to $84,000 from the Fair Fund 1060 salary and
benefits to the Fair operations budget. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Becky reviewed details of an upcoming hearing for a 2024 Q3 budget amendment:
• Fair is requesting an emergency transfer of up to $84,000.
• Treasurer is requesting $13,000 for professional services.
• LCSO/Jail is requesting approval to transfer salary / benefits budget to operations.
Becky provided updates on the following:
• American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
• Opioid settlement fund
• Broadband project
• Risk Services
• Staffing
• Public Defense
• Superior Court contracts
Fire District 1 request regarding Onalaska property: Commissioner Pollock made a motion to send the
letter, as drafted, to the fire district. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Announcements / new business: The commissioners discussed an upcoming WSAC Legislative Steering
Committee meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 9:46 a.m.