The Board of Island County Commissioners (including Diking Improvement District #4) met in Regular Session on December 7, 1998, beginning at 9:30 a.m., in the Island County Courthouse Annex, Hearing Room, Coupeville, Wa. Wm. L. McDowell, Chairman, Tom Shaughnessy, Member, and Mike Shelton, Member, were present. Board Minutes from the GMA Workshop held on April 3, 1998, were approved and signed.

The following vouchers/warrants were approved for payment by unanimous motion of the Board:
Voucher (War.) #39465-39691…………………$262,052.41.

Veterans Assistance Fund: [emergency financial assistance to certain eligible veterans; the names and specific circumstances are maintained confidential]. As recommended by the Island County Veterans Assistance Review Committee, the Board by unanimous motion denied Claim #V98-16 in its entirety.

The Board received a number of Personnel Action Authorizations, presented and reviewed by Dick Toft, Human Resource Director, resulting in noted action of the Board:

Board Action: Unanimous motion approving effective 1/1/99.

Board Action: Unanimous motion approving effective 12/2/98.

Board Action: Unanimous motion approving effective 3/2/99.

Board Action: Unanimous motion approving effective 2/12/99.

Board Action: Unanimous motion approving PAA 104/98 and 103/98, effective 1/1/99. Motion by majority vote to approve PAA 102/98, effective 1/1/99; Commissioner Shaughnessy voting in opposition, based on his belief the State should provide funds to assist the county with these state-mandated reporting duties.

Rhonda Steele, Director, Partnership With Youth [PWY], Oak Harbor, provided update on the process and the findings of the CDBG planning grant PWY involved in throughout last year. SLR from South Whidbey and Terry LeDesky, Architect, from Oak Harbor, performed a survey of focus groups Greenbank north, and Mr. LeDesky followed with a facility assessment based on the findings from the grant. Some 451 surveys tabulated. There are 14 focus groups from Coupeville and North Whidbey. Survey and the focus group findings were tabulated with results given in the Activity Summary for Program Alternatives. From those interests SLR came up with several different program alternatives that PWY could endorse to meet some of those needs. From that PWY and the citizens committee [including Greenbank north] looked at those different alternatives. The desire is to have a comprehensive youth facility that includes resources and referrals at the facility. The next stage then was to look at the Roller Barn and how it could address those needs and concerns. Partnership With Youth is a non-profit organization.

Krista Janes-Blackburn, Economic Development Coordinator, City of Oak Harbor, commented that working with the roller barn presented a unique challenge; it is an existing facility already acquired by the organization and required looking at prioritizing programs identified in the needs assessment and focus groups, in addition to looking at how to long-term develop the Roller Barn. Phase One of the project looked at how to provide a study area for kids, hand-out, computer area, band and music area, and administration and office needs, storage and mechanical areas [refer to Phase One First Floor diagram]. Phase I will take place over the next two years and the plan takes into account the obligation to retain the existing roller business on the second floor. The entire project is viewed as four phases over a 20 year time frame. The City of Oak Harbor adopted the Youth Programming Study Report and intends to move forward on adoption of a joint resolution of the Board of Island County Commissioners and the City of Oak Harbor to accept the programming with Partnership With Youth accepting the lead position, pending County approval. She provided a copy of a draft joint resolution for consideration; City legal staff reviewing same at the City level and invited the same occur at the County level.

Chairman McDowell congratulated everyone associated with the program for their efforts, and

was aware that Terry LeDesky volunteers and donates much architectural time and expertise which is greatly appreciated.

The Chairman requested that Margaret Rosenkranz review and report back to the Board with regard to any budget impacts.

With proposed Resolution presented by the Budget Director, the Board by unanimous motion scheduled a Public Hearing on December 21, 1998 at 9:50 a.m. to consider the emergency appropriation in the 1998 Current Expense Fund Budgets, a total of $1,316,130.

Suzanne Sinclair, Island County Auditor, forwarded to the Legislative Authority, Application #DF-01-98 for designation of forest lands by Kirk H. Francis, Langley.

By unanimous motion, the Board reappointed Curt Myron for a full five year term on the Housing Authority of Island County, the term to run to December 6, 2003.

The Board, by unanimous motion, appointed Amy Ayers to the North Sound Regional Support Network Advisory Board, filling the unexpired term of Jeannie Yassick, for a term to June 30, 1999 .

On recommendation of Commissioner McDowell, the Board by unanimous motion, reappointed Sheilah Crider for a four year term on the Island County Planning Commission effective January 2, 1999.

By unanimous motion, the Board scheduled a public hearing to consider Ordinance #C-166-98, change in designation of County Emergency Services Director and amendment to Section 9.24A.050 ICC, for December 28, 1998 at 1:45 p.m.

Larry Kwarsick, Public Works Director, recommended bid award for the Woodland Beach Road Slide Repair, under County Road Project #98-06, to BBG Group, in the amount of $568,480, bid opening occurred on 9/24/98, the low bidder. This is a FEMA repair project.

The Board, by unanimous motion, awarded bid as recommended, to BBG Group in the amount of $568,480.

The Board by unanimous motion approved Adopt-A-Road Liter Control Agreement with Save the Woods on Saratoga for Saratoga Road from Langley City Limits (north) to 4680 Saratoga Road and from Intersection of Archwood Court & Panavista Lane to intersection of Center Street/Saratoga Rd (extension of existing litter pickup area).

Proposed Resolution #C-164-98 [R-63-98], presented by Mr. Kwarsick involved adoption of the Annual Road Construction Program, the first year of the Six Year Transportation Improvement Program. Such action is to take place prior to or at the same time as adoption of the 1999 budget. Attachment A outlined the list of projects selected from the Six Year Transportation Improvement Program for 1999.

Lew Legat, Assistant County Engineer, explained that the projects shown on the attachment were tentative construction overlay projects. He pointed out that Item #2 of the Annual Construction Program shows that $668,000 has been identified for ACP construction overlays county-wide [1-1/2" or more], which is a portion $2 million dollars worth of paving-only program; the remainder would be under maintenance. No construction overlays have been identified in the North Whidbey Road Shop District at this time since over the last two years maintenance overlays have been done. Mr. Legat did note that rating of the roads would be done again in December. As in the past for the North Whidbey district the plan is to spend about 27% of the paving-only program based on the road miles. This Resolution also includes purchases of equipment which he believed reflected the decisions made at the last budget workshop session.

One of the points Chairman McDowell brought up as he has in the past was the fact that whereas other road districts contract out and free up the work force to do other type of work within the district, as long as the Oak Harbor Road Shop continues to do paving work, the other work is not being done.

Mr. Legat confirmed for the Chairman this practice would be reviewed in 1999, and Mr. Kwarsick stated that there would be maintenance paving in North Whidbey that could be done by contract.

By unanimous motion, the Board adopted Resolution #C-164-98 [R-63-98] in the matter of adoption of the Annual Road Construction Program for the Year 1999.

WHEREAS, it is required by RCW 36.81.130 that the Annual Road Construction Program be adopted prior to the Annual Budget; and

WHEREAS, the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program was adopted at public hearing as required by law on July 13, 1998; and

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners has reviewed the work accomplished under the current Six-Year Program to determine current needs in order to revise and extend the comprehensive road program; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the attached list of projects as selected from the aforementioned Six-year Transportation Improvement Program with 1999 Proposed Equipment Purchases by ER&R Fund be adopted.

PASSED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE AND ADOPTED this 7^th day of December, 1998.

Wm. L. McDowell, Chairman

Mike Shelton, Member

Tom Shaughnessy, Member

ATTEST: Margaret Rosenkranz,

Clerk of the Board

(Note: copy of Attachment A placed on file with the Clerk of the Board)

Resolution #C-165-98 [R-64-98], Closure of a Portion of Wateredge Drive (formerly Edgecliff Drive) during repair of slide area, under County Road Project #98-10, was presented for the Board’s approval by Mr. Kwarsick. The road is located in the Sandy Point Area on South Whidbey, a closure for a specific time during the repair project involving FEMA funds. The closure is for the period of time the contractor is working on site, and Mr. Kwarsick confirmed there is alternative access to the community and all households.

The access road is a very narrow road and Commissioner Shelton urged consideration of a warning or caution sign [coming in to the project from Langley a hard left, straight ahead and over to where the houses are positioned along the bluff, left down to access sandy hook].

The Board, by unanimous motion, approved Resolution #C-165-98, R-64-98, closure of portion of Wateredge Drive.

WHEREAS, RCW 47.48.010 authorizes local governments to restrict vehicular traffic whenever the condition of such road is dangerous to the traveling public; and

WHEREAS, snow and rain storms in December 1997/January 1998, caused a slide on Wateredge Drive (renamed portion of Edgecliff Drive); and

WHEREAS, CRP 98-10 has been approved and a contract has been let to repair the slide area of Wateredge Drive; and

WHEREAS, since another route is available for use during construction, it has been determined that Wateredge Drive shall be closed to through traffic during construction activities; and

WHEREAS, the closure of County roads for safety reasons is a function of police power properly exerciseable by the Board of County Commissioners; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Board of Island County Commissioners that Wateredge Drive is closed to through traffic from MP 3.81 to MP 4.03 ; anticipated road closure will be in effect December 8, 1998, through January 21, 1999, or until reconstruction of the roadway is complete.

ADOPTED this 7th day of December, 1998.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Wm. L. McDowell, Chairman

ATTEST: Mike Shelton, Member

Margaret Rosenkranz Tom Shaughnessy, Member

Clerk of the Board

Dave Bonvouloir, Solid Waste Manager, submitted for the Board’s action, the annual process with regard to Solid Waste uncollectible debts for 1998, the total amount coming to $1,547.38, either not enough money at the time of dumping and did not follow up or checks with insufficient funds. He requested the accounts be declared uncollectible and written off the Solid Waste books in accordance with normal collection policy. Some of the accounts have been sent to Skagit Bonded Collection Agency.

On unanimous motion, the Board authorized approval of the Solid Waste uncollectible write-off for 1998 totaling $1,547.38.

As reviewed at a recent staff session, the Board by unanimous motion approved and signed Contract #HD-13-98, Interagency Agreement between Island County and Snohomish and King Counties for Child Profile Immunization Tracking Program, increasing the amount from $204.17 to $388.71 per quarter based on enrolled population.

As presented for approval by Vince Moore, Planning Director, who provided additional information requested by the Board, by unanimous motion the Board approved Amendment #12 to the professional services contract with McConnell/Burke, Inc., for the Comprehensive Plan, total not to exceed $50,000.

Dick Toft advised that he had discussed the $10,000 Sheriff’s grant with the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, specifically a concern about potential long-term liability in that if someone is hired under this program, Special Condition #16 requires: "The recipient has certified it is in compliance with the Public Safety Officers Health Benefits Provisions (section 615 of the FY 1998 Omnibus Appropriations Act) and agrees to remain in compliance during the life of the award." and further that "…to afford such public safety officer who retires or is separated from service due to injury suffered as a direct and proximate result of a personal injury sustained in the line of duty while responding to an emergency situation or a hot pursuit with the same or better level of health insurance benefits at the time of retirement or separation as they received while on duty". However, that concern does not apply in this case, as he understands the intent of the Sheriff is in fact not to hire personnel with these funds.

Sheriff Hawley confirmed for the Board that the grant will not be used for hiring personnel, rather strictly for technology and software.

With that verification, on motion of Commissioner Shelton, second by Commissioner Shaughnessy, the Board unanimously authorized the Chairman’s signature on the on the grant indicating acceptance on behalf of the Board of Island County Commissioners of the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant.

A Public Hearing was held beginning at 11:00 a.m., as advertised and scheduled, for the purpose of considering proposed Ordinances #C-150-98 and #C-151-98. Due to passage of Referendum 47, Island County is required to adopt ordinances to increase the County Current Expense Taxing District (#C-150-98) and County Road Taxing District (#C-151-98) regular levies by amounts which exceed the 0.85% rate of inflation. Based upon proposed findings of substantial l need, these proposed ordinances would increase the 1999 County Current Expense Taxing District Levy $283,160 above the 1998 levy, a percentage increase of six percent, and increase the 1999 County Road Taxing District Levy $299,423 above the 1998 levy, a percentage increase of six percent.

Public Input: at the time of public hearing, approximately 15 citizens were present.

Don Jewett, South Whidbey, spoke in opposition to the tax increase proposed, two to three times the rate of inflation which he did not understand. Instead, he suggested the Commissioners go back to all departments and ask what they would do in their department to cut 3, 5 or 7%. He suggested that way too much money was spent on law justice in this County, and way too much on traffic enforcement. The proposal to raise taxes is not a move towards less government on this County’s part. As far as litigation coming up and added costs involved, his thought was that the County has an elected prosecutor and that office charged with handling the County’s prosecution against whatever lawsuits are brought against the County, rather than the County going out and hiring a team of attorneys. There are a number of instances where the County just "runs" and no one questions why something is being done or is not being done more efficiently.

Reece Causey, South Whidbey, voiced her opinion that when the people voted for Referendum 47 the voters of Island County delivered a message to limit government’s growth, and the increase proposed ignores the will of the people. She did not see a substantial need for this kind of an increase and felt limiting the rate to the rate of inflation was reasonable; anything beyond that is not.

Ted Andrews, Langley, completed a new home a couple of years ago and since then, felt government wanted to take that away through higher taxes. He voted for Proposition 47 which represented what the what the people want government to live with. When he drove around the Island last summer, he noticed some of the roads that were being repaved were actually smooth already and indicated his desire to see an engineering report showing that those roads needed to be repaved whereas others need repair. For example, Humphrey Road has been closed for two or three years; Wilkinson Road another, yet Smuggler’s Cove Road and the Freeland area have been repaved when not needed. While building his house he and his wife rented near Useless Bay, and noted that the frontage road there was repaved this summer, fog lines on the side and yellow line down the middle, yet the road goes nowhere – to a house about ¼ mile away where people live who do not even have an automobile.

Suzanne Sinclair, Island County Auditor, commented that Elected Officials and County Commissioners had discussions about the finances of the County. She noted a few things that should be kept in mind about the budget and the request for increased levy, one being that the population in Island County had increased very rapidly. Some things for which the proposed increase will provide are mandated by the State Legislature and are not the choice of the Commissioners. To reduce taxes, citizens need to address Senator Mary Margaret Haughen, Representative Dave Anderson, and Representative-elect Kelly Barleen. While emphatically sympathetic with the idea of not raising taxes, in this case, Ms. Sinclair believed such tax would provide funds for things not the choice of the Commissioners. While she would also agree with the suggestion of reduction of taxes, she suggested also that needed to be spread wider than the County.

George Penwell, Admiral’s Cove, Central Whidbey, told the Commissioners he had never worked in a County that has such restrictions and bureaucracy in all his life. When building his home, there were some $2,000 in fees just to build the house. To him, it seemed that the bureaucracy involved in the Planning Department, Auditor’s Office and Treasurer’s Office, as well as law enforcement, was out of control. Before raising taxes, he suggested the Board go back and take a good look at the layer upon layer of bureaucracy in those departments, and request before raising taxes look at cutting back some other expenses. As one example, he pointed out that when he traveled from Coupeville to Oak Harbor one morning he passed four patrol cars in only that 10 to 12 mile stretch, 2 State Patrol, 2 Sheriff’s cars, and he questioned the need. The request for the Sheriff’s Department to increase he sees as building an ivory tower. If taxes keep going up people will be taxed out of their homes.

Rufus Rose, South Whidbey, referenced a July 15, 1998 news article "County has lowest crime rate in Washington State" and quotes the Sheriff about high density housing: "The County lacks high density low-income housing and lacks businesses to pray upon". Island County is being told by the State it needs a lot more high density low-income housing. Mr. Rose believes that the Board is the place where that kind of nonsense should stop and see to it that that the people of Island County continue to enjoy the lowest crime rate in the State, and not be pushed around by the State Legislature with foolish requirements to live as a metropolitan area. Unfunded mandates that have drained the rainy-day fund and will continue to drain as appeals and re-appeals come from GMA hearings boards that have no authority other than disagreeing with County interpretation. He expressed his dislike of increased taxes. Mr. Rose indicated that Commissioner-elect Thorn at one of the public meetings asked if he thought fees were taxes and Mr. Rose confirmed his belief they were and Mr. Thorn had disagreed. Mr. Rose had asked the Assessor if assessed values were higher than inflation and the answer was that the assessed values were pretty flat. Mr. Rose commented that he thought it would be instructive to see if is legal to do performance audits on each of the departments in Island County with audit information published. People need to know how the money is being spent.

Mr. Rose serves on the Island County Planning Commission and recalled several years ago being asked how much the Planning Commission cost but did not have the answer, and he thought it would be useful to have that kind of information available.

Tom Baenen, Island County Assessor, clarified that the limit in Referendum 47 was the implicit price deflater, not 1.9%, rather 0.85. The authorization to go to 6% was provided in Referendum 47; the only portion of that legislation declared unconstitutional was the value averaging section. He clarified also that flat assessed values have nothing to do with the price of housing.

Mike Hawley, Island County Sheriff, stated that he usually was against property tax increases for the same reasons as any other citizen. However, in his position and looking at how counties are funded, he was aware that counties in the State are funded through basically three separate means: (1) use fees; (2) property taxes; and (3) sales tax. Island County is very unique in its lack of places to generate sales tax other counties are able to fund most of their operations on. Without that sales tax Island County has to rely on other means of raising revenue to meet just the basic needs. He did not see layers of bureaucracy, instead believed Island County to be one of the leanest meanest counties in the State. In looking at his budget over the last ten years the amount of money spent on fuel, for example, is about $5,000 more in 1998 than what it was in 1988; maintenance and operation and vehicle repair has only increased about $10,000 over the last ten years even though about 1/3 more vehicles were added. The Sheriff has added only two staff from current expense money since 1991.

Marilee Black, Island County Clerk, supported the statements of Sheriff Hawley and Auditor Sinclair. She too preferred not to have her taxes raised, but thought it time in order to accomplish some of the goals that needed doing in Island County. She read a memo from Bill Hawkins, Island County Prosecuting Attorney, who was unable to attend today’s hearing:

Page Gilbert-Baenen, Greenbank, thought that one of the many reasons Elected Officials look like they change their spots once in office is because they discover it is a lot more complex. She expressed faith and trust that the Commissioners would make the appropriate decision, and supported the Board taking the full 6% because she knows the values on the Island would continue to rise. She was aware that the full 6% might not have to be used; it does not automatically mean higher taxes. She consistently asks what kind of planning is being done, the inter-connectedness to be faced with the State, cities and other counties and she does want effective efficient government along with quality government. She would like to see the continued communication that occurred with town meetings and public meetings, allowing an opportunity for citizens to interact with the Board more often in an open basis. She had no idea how the Commissioners value themselves and their services, but she valued the fact that the Commissioners were on site and knew what was needed, and she thought she heard elected officials saying the same thing.

Greg Banks, Prosecutor-elect, expressed appreciation to the law and justice department heads and elected officials who put aside individual departmental preferences and budget needs to work together in developing an overall umbrella plan and set of priorities to make sure law and justice functions efficiently and cost effectively in Island County. He was appreciative too for the Commissioners in working with the law and justice heads in helping to achieve those goals, and urged the Board not pull the rug out from underneath the current expense budget. It was his understanding that the budget for the law and justice approved by the Board actually granted less than what was asked by the law and justice department heads. Nevertheless, he thought it was a good budget from what he had seen; if true that the 6% levy lid is needed to meet that budget, he thought that the path to take.

Jan Pickard, Coupeville, self-employed, noticed those who spoke in favor of raising taxes were private citizens whereas those who spoke in favor of raising taxes were elected officials. In this case, she said she was a private citizen in support of the tax increase. She believed the Island County elected officials made it clear there is some serious under-funding and under-staffing in the County, and people need to take a broad view of what the circumstances are.

The Chairman made the point that the Planning Commission was a volunteer commission, and members recently put in an untold number of volunteer hours getting through the comprehensive plan process.

In terms of road fund, although it might appear to Mr. Andrews the County is unnecessarily performing maintenance work on existing roads, Commissioner Shelton pointed out that the County uses a pavement management system recognized throughout the industry. The County has no control over what the State does on State Highway 525. When talking about major arterials within the County, periodically 1-1/2" maintenance overlays are done to ensure the integrity of those roads that are highly traveled. He explained further that Referendum 47 specified an implicit price deflater at .85%; the only way to go beyond that amount is by a showing of substantial need. His comments were directed towards why the tax is being proposed and what the substantial need represents:

As a member of the Executive Committee of the Washington Counties Risk Pool, Commissioner Shelton was aware that one of the ways insurance premiums are computed relates to the number of worker hours. Of five counties of like size including Island County which is the largest in that group, Island County’s worker hours are substantially less than any of those other 5 counties of approximate size. He went on to indicate that if there was some other way possible to avoid taking the full 6% he would not be recommending to go with the 6%. This is the first year 6% is proposed. There is always a balance between the amount of taxes people are willing to pay and the amount of service they expect from their local governments.

Health care, law and justice and growth management were the big three issues Commissioner Shaughnessy observed that took a large portion of the dollars over the last year or so. There has been a steady increase in health care premiums for the last three years, and the Board has changed insurance carriers this year to avoid that happening again. Growth Management Act compliance cost a tremendous amount of money to meet that state mandate. For the most part, however, he saw the largest amount of GMA funding as expended in 1998 not continuing to that extent – hopefully at a much lessor amount will be required to defend any appeals, and that could be accommodated through a budget reserve. He did not support the request for 6%, and felt the County could live within a lesser increase. Relating to unfunded mandates, he pointed out that the Board earlier this morning considered a personnel action authorization for a new position in the Clerk’s Office next year; he voted against that because it represented an unfunded mandate from the State and believed the County needed to stand up and start saying "no" to unfunded mandates. As far as the road levy increase, he agreed with the request because he did not want to see a separate surface water utility which would be another tax on each and every parcel in the County.

Chairman McDowell noted that while the proposed 6% increase to the Current Expense Fund equated to about $299,000, GMA expenditures amounted to about three times that amount last year. He too realized the budget had to be balanced, and commented that the three current Commissioners were very fiscally conservative; however, this year he believed there was no way around it to cover costs incurred. A little over half the Current Expense budget is taken up by law and justice departments. The Board asked that group at the first of the year to come forward with budget priorities. The group did that; departmental desires were set aside and the group came to the Board with one budget funding package, with recommendation to fund some positions not others.

Regarding unfunded mandates, Commissioner Shelton pointed out that Island County joined with other Washington State counties to sue the State over unfunded BECCA Bill requirements. These unfunded mandates are categorically against the law when looking at 601.

Commissioner Shelton moved that the Board approve Ordinance #C-150-98 in the matter of Increasing the Taxing District’s Prior Year’s Levy Amount for Fiscal Year 1999 for the County Current Expense Levy. In the absence of a second, the motion was seconded by the Chairman. Motion was carried by majority vote, Commissioner Shaughnessy voting in opposition.

Commissioner Shelton moved that the Board approve Ordinance #C-151-98 in the matter of Increasing the Taxing District’s Prior Year’s Levy Amount for fiscal year 1999 for the County Road Levy. Motion, seconded by Commissioner Shaughnessy, carried unanimously.

Margaret Rosenkranz, Clerk of the Board

Ordinance C- 150-98 is adopted this 7th day of December, 1998 following public hearing.

Mike Shelton, Chairman

Attest: Margaret Rosenkranz

Clerk of the Board

Attest: Margaret Rosenkranz

Clerk of the Board

Attest: Margaret Rosenkranz

Clerk of the Board

A Public Hearing was held as advertised for the purpose of considering Resolution #C-152-98, Fixing and Adopting the Final Budgets for Island County Current Expense Fund, Special Revenue Funds and Diking District #4 Fund for fiscal year 1999. The action comes after the Board conducted a number of budget workshops with Department Heads, Elected Officials and the Budget Director. Margaret Rosenkranz, Budget Director, confirmed that as far as budget items, the only changes made from the time the hearing was set was the decision to remove the Hearing Examiner portion from the Community Development Budget and add that to Planning’s budget; that has been done, and represents no bottom line dollar change.

Mr. Morrow inquired if the Board within the budget provided money to support a lawsuit against the State for unfunded mandates, and would the dollars spent be commensurate with that saved.

Iris Morrow suggested the answer to GMA as an unfunded mandate that cost the County $1 million should be that instead of sending 85% of the taxes to Olympia, only send them 50%.

Commissioner Shelton not think any dollars have been allocated at this point in time; IC added its name to the group of counties. The lead county is Thurston County and the support that Island County provides to the Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office will come through one of the Island County civil deputy prosecutors. And the Chairman believed, if the lawsuit successful, the cost benefit would be very worthwhile to this County.

Commissioner Shelton moved that the Board approve Resolution #C-152-98 in the matter of fixing and adopting the final budgets for Island County Current Expanse Fund, Special Revenue Funds, and Diking District #4 Fund for fiscal year 1999. In the absence of a second, the motion was seconded by the Chairman.

Commissioner Shaughnessy explained he did not second the motion inasmuch as the action reflected the 6% increase which he opposed.

The Chair commented that the budget provides for items already mentioned – unfunded mandates, as well as things such as Central Services – computers, a shift-over from a 30 year old program and include addressing Y2K problems; utility cost increases; maintaining health care insurance for employees.

Motion, as made and seconded, carried by majority vote; Commissioner Shaughnessy voted in opposition.

Attest: Margaret Rosenkranz

Clerk of the Board

Attest: Margaret Rosenkranz

Clerk of the Board