ISLAND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - MINUTES OF MEETING

REGULAR SESSION - DECEMBER 17, 2001

The Board of Island County Commissioners (including Diking Improvement District #4) met in Regular Session on December 17, 2001, at 9:30 a.m. in the Island County Courthouse Annex, Hearing Room, Coupeville, Wa., with William F. Thorn, Chairman; Mike Shelton, Member; and Wm. L. McDowell, Member, present. By unanimous motion, the Board approved and signed the minutes from the regular meeting December 10, 2001.

VOUCHERS AND PAYMENT OF BILLS

The Board by unanimous motion approved the October and November, 2001 payroll, along with the following vouchers/warrants as presented, with the exception of Voucher #181340: Vouchers/Warrants: #113268 –113481. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $754,568.92.

APPOINTMENT NAMED TO WASHINGTON COUNTIES INSURANCE POOL

With Commissioner McDowell assuming chairmanship of the Board of Trustees for Washington Counties Insurance Fund (WCIF) effective January 1, 2002, he automatically will serve as a director on the Washington Counties Insurance Pool (WCIP). In 2003, as Immediate Past Chair (Executive Chair) of WCIF, he will continue to serve on WCIP (a total of two years). The bylaws of the WCIP allow for alternates to serve and vote in the absence of a director. By unanimous motion, the Board appointed Dick Toft, Human Resource Director, to serve as voting alternate to the WCIP Board of Directors representing Island County.

Hiring Requests & Personnel Actions

As presented by Dick Toft, Human Resource Director, the Board by unanimous motion,

approved the following personnel action authorizations:

Dept. PAA # Description Position # Action Eff. Date

Public Works 127/01 Off Asst 2344.00 New position 12/17/01

Temporary Position expires 10/31/02

Auditor 128/01 Off Asst Recdg. 215.00 New position 12/17/01

Temporary Position for period 60 days’ after date of hire

CHRISTENSEN BUILDING Lease Agreement #RM-GSA-01-0100

Lee McFarland, Assistant Director, GSA, presented and recommended approval of the Christensen Building Lease Agreement, #RM-GSA-01-0100, for the northwest corner section of the building, between Island County and Gloria J. Christensen as Trustee of the Christensen Family Revocable Living Trust. Rental payments as described in Exhibit A. End date is two years from January 1, 2002, with lease term as described in Exhibit A. Lease can be renewed by giving 60 days’ notice prior to expiration and an additional two years on a month to month or annual basis.

The Board, by unanimous motion, approved the Christensen Building Lease Agreement, #RM-GSA-01-0100, for the northwest corner section.

Resolution #C-171 -01 Cancellation of Warrants

By unanimous motion, the Board approved Resolution #C-171-01 Cancellation of Warrants, as prepared and submitted by the Island County Auditor’s Office, to cancel warrants not presented within one year of the issue date.

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OF ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

IN THE MATTER OF

CANCELLATION OF WARRANTS RESOLUTION C-171-01

WHEREAS, RCW 39.56.0940, provides for the cancellation of warrants not presented within one year of the issue date, and

WHEREAS, the warrant listed in Exhibit “A” Salary Fund has not been presented for payment and have been outstanding for more than one year, or the issuing fund or department has requested the cancellation, and

WHEREAS, effort to contact the recipient has not resulted in presentation of the warrant, or an affidavit to request issuance of replacement warrant, and, NOW THEREFORE

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, that the warrant listed in Exhibit “A” is canceled. The County Auditor and County Treasurer, by copy of this resolution, are directed to take action to transfer all records of such warrants so as to leave the funds as if such warrants had never been drawn.

ADOPTED this 17h day of December, 2001.

Board of County Commissioners

Island County Washington

William F. Thorn, Chairman

Mike Shelton, Member

ATTEST: Wm. L. McDowell, Member

Elaine Marlow, Clerk of the Board

BICC 01-807

[copy of Exhibit A on file with the Clerk of the Board]

Health Contract #HS-09-01 (1) - Center for Community Support-Developmental Disabilities

By unanimous motion, the Board approved Contract #HS-09-01 (1) Amendment, between Island County and the Center for Community Support for increasing the contract amount to correct allocation dollar Amounts for the 2001-2003 biennium related to Developmental Disabilities Contract, for amendment amount of $15,385.00, with new total contract amount now $68,740.00 [RM-HLTH-98-0004].

Intergovernmental Agreement #EM 03-0087 - Washington State Military Department and Island County for E911

Operations Contract FY2002

The Board, on unanimous motion, approved Intergovernmental Agreement #EM 03-0087 between Washington State Military Department and Island County for E911 Operations Contract FY-2002 in the amount of $304,866 for the Period 7/1/01 – 6/30/02 [RM-BOICC-01-0109].

DISCUSSION: BUYING FROM LOCAL VENDORS

For discussion purposes, the Chairman brought forth an concept of adopting a resolution for Island County that requires for purchase of goods or services under $5,000 the purchase should be made from a local vendor if the cost and quality are "competitive" with outside vendors. Sharon Hart, Executive Director, EDC, talked with individual commissioners about the idea and provided to the Chairman a copy of a draft resolution for the Board proposing the concept. The Chairman sent the proposal to legal counsel. Should the Board want to go ahead with such a proposal, a proper resolution for Island County needs to be drafted conforming to the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney comments.

Although the Commissioners support the idea of buying locally, they individually commented generally agreeing that the more important thing for the benefit of Island County taxpayers was to buy at the cheapest cost especially in light of the current budget crunch. They encourage always giving local vendors an opportunity to be the low bidder, of course, and noted that the state contract price is public record and local vendors are encouraged to beat or come close to state contract price.

No action to move forward with adoption of a resolution.

HEARING SCHEDULED: Ordinance #C-172-01/R-63-01 – setting a

One-Year Load Restriction on Glendale Road

As presented by Bill Oakes, Public Works Director, and Dick Snyder, County Engineer, the Board by unanimous motion scheduled a public hearing for January 7, 2002 at 10:20 a.m. on Ordinance #C-172-01/R-63-01 An Ordinance of Island County setting a One-Year Load Restriction on Glendale Road, located in Sec. 1, Twp. 28N., R 3E.

Ordinance #C-173 -01/R-68-01 – An Ordinance of Island County regulating Speed Limit on Glendale Road and Humphrey Road

As prepared and presented by Mr. Oaks and Mr. Snyder, the Board, by unanimous motion, scheduled a public hearing on January 7, 2002 at 10:30 a.m. to consider Ordinance #C-173-01/R-68-01 – An Ordinance of Island County regulating Speed Limit on Glendale Road, located in Sec. 1, Twp. 28 N., R 3 E., and Humphrey Road, located in Sec. 1, Twp. 28 N., R 3E. and Secs. 25/26, Twp. 29N., R 3E.

Abutter’s Agreement #PW0120-107 - Island County and Oak Harbor School District - Improve Right-of-Way, Crescent Harbor Road

Pulled from 12/17/01 agenda.

Island County Courthouse Furniture Purchase/Installation – PW0120-123; Bank & Office Interiors, P.O. #04617

Mr. Oakes presented for approval, Purchase Order #04617 for Bank and Office Interiors for furniture for the Island County Courthouse remodel #PW0120-123 in the amount of $339,125.18. Jill Woods worked diligently with the Board, Elected Officials and Department Heads to reduce the number to stay within budgeted amount.

By unanimous motion, the Board approved Purchase Order #04617 for Bank and Office Interiors for furniture in the amount of $339,125.18.

Resolution #C-174-01/R-70-01 – Reduction of Bond; Freeland

Senior Housing Project; Main Street Partnership

Main Street Partnership requested reduction of bond amount related to the Freeland Senior Housing Project, Short Plat 133/00, Parcel #22911-108-2210. Mr. Oakes reported that staff reviewed the request and confirmed reduction was in order, inasmuch as the only work remaining is irrigation system and that the amount of $12,500 would cover same adequately.

By unanimous motion, the Board approved Resolution #C-174-01/R-70-01 reducing bond to $12,500 guaranteeing completion of the installation of sewer treatment plant for Main Street Partnership Freeland Senior Housing Project.

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OF ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

IN THE MATTER OF REDUCTION OF )

BOND GUARANTEEING COMPLETION )

OF THE INSTALLATION OF SEWER ) RESOLUTION C-174-01

TREATMENT PLANT FOR MAIN STREET ) R-70-01

WHEREAS, the installation of the sewer treatment plan for the Main Street Partnership Short Plat 133/00 was not completed to County standards at the time the short plat was recorded; and

WHEREAS, the Island County Land Development Standards and RCW 58.17.130 require completion of said improvements prior to approval of any plat, or bonding to assure completion; and

WHEREAS, to insure the completion of the improvements, the developer furnished Island County with a Plat Bond/Declaration of Trust in the amount of One Hundred Seventy-eight Thousand, One Hundred Sixty-seven and no/00 Dollars ($178,167.00) guaranteeing completion of said improvements; and

WHEREAS, the following improvements have been inspected and are now found to comply with Island County standards;

See attached Exhibit “A” and Exhibit “B”

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the bond guaranteeing completion of the installation of the sewer treatment plant for Main Street Partnership Short Plat 133/00 be reduced this date to the amount of Twelve Thousand Five Hundred and no/100 Dollars ($12,500.00) to guarantee completion of the remaining items of work. Completion due date of remaining items is September, 2002.

DATED this 17 day of December , 2001.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

William F. Thorn, Chairman

Wm. L. McDowell, Member

Mike Shelton, Member

ATTEST: Elaine Marlow

Clerk of the Board BICC 01-812

(Exhibit “A” and Exhibit “B” placed on file with the Clerk of the Board)

Hearing Held: Franchise #307, Hope View Water Company; existing water distribution system; Plat of Hope View

As scheduled at 10:20 a.m., Chairman Thorn opened a Public Hearing for the purpose of considering Franchise #307 by Hope View Water Company for placement of existing water distribution system in County rights-of-way, in the Plat of Hope View; Sec. 32, Twp. 32N., Rge 2E.

The Board received a recommendation of approval from Mr. Oakes based on a memo dated 11/14/01 from Dick Snyder confirming there are no plans for expansion of current system, and that all departments requesting to comment responded with no objection to the proposal; the Prosecuting Attorney’s office reviewed and approved the documents as to form; and document has been reviewed and approved by the Risk Manager.

The President of the Homeowners Association was in the audience at the time of hearing in support of approval of the Franchise.

By unanimous motion, the Board approved Franchise #307 by Hope View Water Company for placement of existing water distribution system in County rights-of-way, in the Plat of Hope View; Sec. 32, Twp. 32N., Rge 2E.

HEARING SCHEDULED: ORDINANCE #C-175-01/PLG-033-01 - Interim amendment of ICC 17.02.110 to comply with the Invalidity Order of the Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board regarding Type 5 Stream Buffers

Phil Bakke, Planning and Community Development Director, and Jeff Tate, Comprehensive Planning Manager, introduced for purposes of setting a public hearing, a proposed ordinance in the matter of Interim amendment of ICC 17.02.110 to comply with the Invalidity Order of the Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board regarding Type 5 Stream Buffers, pending outcome of Superior Court Island County vs. Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board case.

The Board, by unanimous motion, scheduled a public hearing on Ordinance #C-175-01/PLG-033-01 In the matter of Interim amendment of ICC 17.02.110 to comply with the Invalidity Order of the Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board regarding Type 5 Stream Buffers for January 14, 2002 at 10:45 a.m. [GMA #7112]

Resolution #C-176-01/ PLG-030-01 Amending Fee Schedule for Island

County Planning & Community Development Applications

Mr. Bakke recommended approval of a revised fee schedule for Island County Planning & Community Development Applications, including the fee increases adopted on November 19, 2001 by the Board of Health, as discussed in previous staff sessions with the Board,. Of note, the new proposal takes roughly a 12-page fee schedule down to 4 pages, combines categories and eliminates redundancy.

By unanimous motion, the Board adopted Resolution #C-176-01/ PLG-030-01 Amending the Fee Schedule for Island County Planning & Community Development Applications.

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OF ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

IN THE MATTER OF AMENDING THE FEE SCHEDULE FOR ISLAND COUNTY PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS

) ) RESOLUTION C-176-01 ) PLG-030-01 )

WHEREAS, on June 28, 1999, by Resolution C-83-99 Island County adopted a new fee schedule for Planning Department application processes to be effective on July 1, 1999; and

WHEREAS, on December 20, 1999, by Resolution C-166-99 Island County adopted a new fee schedule for Public Works - Community Development applications and permit fees to be effective on December 31, 1999; and

WHEREAS, on January 8, 2001, by Resolution C-03-01 the Planning Director was assigned the responsibilities of a re-united department to include both the Planning Department and the Community Development Division and associated permits and applications; and

WHEREAS, on November 19, 2001 the Board of Health increased Health Department fees associated with Planning permits as reflected in attached Exhibit “A”; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the department and the public to develop one combined fee schedule to include adjusted and proposed application fees and to reflect the newly adopted fees for certain Health Department related permits; NOW, THEREFORE,

IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the Board of Island County Commissioners hereby adopts the Planning and Community Development Department Fee Schedule attached hereto as Exhibit A to be effective on January 1, 2002.

APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 17^TH day of December, 2001.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF

ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

William F. Thorn, Chairman

Mike Shelton, Member

Wm. L. McDowell, Member

ATTEST:

Elaine Marlow

Clerk of the Board BICC 01-814

(EXHIBIT A-Island County Permit Fee Schedule Dated 11/05/01 / Effective January 1, 2002 on file with the Clerk of the Board)

INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT: CITY OF OAK HARBOR AND ISLAND COUNTY

Pulled from today’s agenda, until after the Oak Harbor City Council meets this week.

Review Monthly Financial Reports from Auditor & Treasurer

Auditor’s Report

Suzanne Sinclair, Island County Auditor, provided copies of the Auditor’s Report for the period ending November, 2001. Notes of interest:

§ Juvenile Court grants at a low ebb but it is a timing issue relative to the State reimbursement;

§ in terms of revenues Current Expense is running a little behind average, but also a little behind in the expenditures bracket;

§ Property tax collections are slightly behind than in other years. The average over the four last years is 98%; current is at 93% . The 93% in the current year is against what was budgeted whereas the 98% is against what actually was collected. However, this is actually ahead of last year by 6%.

Treasurer’s Report

The Treasurer was not present, but did submit her report for the period ending November, 2001, under memorandum dated December 11, 2001. Copy placed on file.

Hearing Held: Ordinance #C-153-01 Amendment of Ordinance C-117-01, Burning Permit and Enforcement Program

A Public Hearing was held at 11:00 a.m. as advertised and scheduled, to consider Ordinance #C-153-01 Amendment of Ordinance C-117-01, Burning Permit and Enforcement Program

Betty Kemp, Director, GSA, believed that the provisions of the penalty section of the ordinance had been fairly adjusted for the four different types of burns, as provided in Exhibit “A” item C:

C. Civil infractions of this ordinance are as follows:

1. Land Clearing Burning – Class 2 civil infraction, $125;

2. Residential Fires – Class 4 civil infraction, $25;

3. Recreational Fires – Class 4 civil infraction, $25;

4. Storm/Flood Debris Fires – Class 4 civil infraction, $25.

Repeat violators are addressed through the Interlocal Agreement between Island County and Northwest Air Pollution Authority. NWAPA has the ability to fine for illegal burning up to as high as $13,000 per day. Island County staff is working now to devise a system so that information on repeat violations will get to NWAPA.

George Baldoff, Ducken Road resident, expressed some concern about banning the use of burn barrels in the rural areas. He has found that maintaining a burn barrel on his property is very beneficial and he asked that the Commissioners reconsider that ban for the rural areas.

It was explained by the Commissioners that the proposed ordinance allows for someone in the unincorporated area of Island County to clean up their property by burning without a permit if the burn pile does not exceed 4’ square; over 4’ requires a permit. The ordinance before the Board was drafted to be compliant with State Law. The State Legislature in 1990 adopted laws that became effective 1 January 2001 requiring that any counties with populations in the unincorporated areas in excess of 50,000 had to require permits for any burn. Current Island County census showed the unincorporated population slightly lower than 50,000 which is the reason no permit is needed for burns less than 4’ in diameter; once the unincorporated population reaches 50,000 even small fires will require a permit. Burn barrels were actually outlawed by the State ten years’ ago.

With the explanations offered by the Commissioners, Mr. Baldoff realized the solution to the problem was with the State and not the County, and he was appreciative of the information.

No other comments were expressed either for or against Ordinance #C-153-01.

Commissioner McDowell requested an opportunity to clarify the record from the meeting when this ordinance was set for hearing, November 26, 2001, when Diane Rayner, Freeland, submitted into the record a letter under that date implying the County’s action would take away the ability to adequately fine someone who is burning illegal material. He confirmed that this ordinance in no way would impacted the ability to handle egregious offenses or multiple offenses with respect to burning illegal materials, and that would continue to be handled by NWAPA.

By unanimous motion, the Board adopted Ordinance #C-153-01 Amendment of Ordinance C-117-01, Burning Permit and Enforcement Program.

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OF ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

IN THE MATTER OF AMENDMENT OF ORDINANCE C-117-01, BURNING PERMIT AND ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

ORDINANCE NO. C-153-01

WHEREAS, on October 22, 2001, this Board adopted Ordinance No. C-117-01, Ordinance Establishing Outdoor Burning Permit and Enforcement Program under the Washington Clean Air Act, chapter 70.94 RCW; and

WHEREAS, at the public hearing on the above-described ordinance the Board inserted the words “up to” preceding “a two-hundred-fifty dollar ($250) penalty” to describe the penalty for a Class 1 civil infraction pursuant to chapter 7.80 RCW; and

WHEREAS, the Board wishes to make civil infractions a varied amount depending on what type of fire is involved; NOW, THEREFORE,

IT IS HEREBY ORDAINED that subsection 14.03D.050(C) of Exhibit “A” to Ordinance No. C-117-01, adopted October 22, 2001, is amended as set forth on the attached Exhibit “A.” Material lined through is deleted. All the remaining provisions of Ordinance No. C-117-01 are unaffected by this ordinance.

Reviewed this 26 day of November, 2001, and set for public hearing on the 17 day of December 2001 at 11:00 a.m. in the Commissioner’s Hearing Room.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

ATTEST: William F. Thorn, Chairman

Mike Shelton, Member

Elaine Marlow [absent - Wm. L. McDowell, Member]

Clerk of the Board BICC 01-766

Ordinance C-153-01 is adopted this 17 day of December, 2001 following public hearing.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

William F. Thorn, Chairman

Mike Shelton, Member

Wm. L. McDowell, Member

ATTEST:

Elaine Marlow

Clerk of the Board

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

David L. Jamieson, Jr.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and

Island County Code Reviser

EXHIBIT “A”

14.03D.050 Penalties

A. Failure to obtain a written burning permit as required by this chapter, failure to comply with any condition of a burning permit once issued, or any other burning in violation of this chapter shall be a civil infraction. Each day of violation constitutes a separate infraction.

B. A notice of infraction of this burning permit ordinance shall be processed pursuant to the provisions of RCW chapter 7.80 and the Infraction Rules for Courts of Limited Jurisdiction (IRLJ). The Island County Fire Warden or his designee is the enforcement officer.

C. Civil infractions of this ordinance are Class 1 infractions carrying up to a two-hundred-fifty dollar ($250) penalty and payment of the required burning permit fee if it has not already been paid as follows:

1. Land Clearing Burning – Class 2 civil infraction, $125;

2. Residential Fires – Class 4 civil infraction, $25;

3. Recreational Fires – Class 4 civil infraction, $25; and

4. Storm/Flood Debris Fires – Class 4 civil infraction, $25.

In addition to the above civil infraction amounts, a violator is also required to pay the burning permit fee if it has not already been paid.

D. Other or additional penalties or enforcement provisions apply as contained in chapter 70.94 RCW and chapter 173-425 WAC.

HEARING HELD: 2002 BUDGET ADOPTION

A Public Hearing was held at 1:30 p.m. on the matter of the 2002 Island County Budget, continued from December 3 and 10, 2001, on the following Resolutions:

Res. C-142-01 Fixing and Adopting the Final Budgets for Island County Current Expense Fund, Special Revenue Funds, and Diking District #4 Fund for Fiscal Year 2002

Res. C-143-01 Increasing the Taxing District’s Prior Year’s Levy Amount for Collection in Fiscal Year 2002 for the County Current Expense Levy

Res. C-144-01 Increasing the Taxing District’s Prior Year’s Levy Amount for Collection in Fiscal Year 2002 for the County Roads Levy

Res. C-145-01 Increasing the Taxing District’s Prior Year’s Levy Amount for Collection in Fiscal Year 2002 for the County Conservation Futures Levy

Attendance: A number of County Elected Officials, Appointed Department Heads and staff attended the hearing. Rick Levine, Whidbey News Times, was present.

Hand-out: 2001 Preliminary Budget Summary of Current Expense after 12/10/01 Meeting

[12/17/01 1:21 p.m. 2002 R-E Worksheet.xls C.E. after 12-10-01 Mtg.]

Greg Banks, Prosecuting Attorney, was concerned cuts were so large they could fundamentally change Island County government. The timing and magnitude of the crisis the County faces resulted in scrambling to make cuts so that the numbers fit, therefore, cuts driven by the numbers instead of analyzing what it is government does and how it can be done better, prioritization among various government services, and establishing what the mission is of Island County government. He has not heard debate or consideration of the relative benefits to the citizens for example, of senior services or police officers on the street; of adult day care or deputy assessors; of county parks or prosecution; should the county fund EDC or should the public defender receive a 7% increase when police and prosecution are asked to cut; who has balanced whether or not there should be cuts in maintenance and GSA that could risk additional civil liability to the county, while paying for animal control and emergency services? He proposed a top down review of everything the county does.

Regarding banked levy capacity, Mr. Banks believed the ability to use that was to give the county some room when these kind of crises come up. In this case, it amounts to $500,000 or $600,000 and would fill a big hole in the budget. He did not believe the County

would loose banked levy capacity for 2003 if used for 2002 because that is the base line figure used to calculate allowable increase for the following year.

He pointed out that the Prosecutor’s office was an integral part of public safety, a spout of the funnel. Although his office is paid for by the County, 99% of the work is in the name of the State of Washington. The Oak Harbor Police Department accounts for 40% of the Prosecutor’s felony cases and almost half the juvenile cases. The felony case load in spite of the general decline in crime rates is up 5% over last year; misdemeanor cases will hit 1200 this year.

Mike Merringer, Juvenile Court Services Administrator, expressed surprise and confusion in looking at proposals from other departments as far as not being held to the 6% reduction request. His proposal for 6% reductions was made in the spirit intended, only to find out there had been discussion that not only would he loose the partial position [that position not being hired for 9 months] but he could loose the entire position. If so, the result would be an 11% decrease in his budget, coupled with a potential 15% decrease from state funding. He was concerned too that if the Prosecutor lost an attorney position that that would mean that attorney would not participate in drug court and truancy court. He is not in favor of across the board 6% cuts, and suggested the Board carefully evaluate what the priorities of the County are.

Jane Koetje, Island County Clerk, expressed some agony in this process and was unclear what the priorities of the County were, i.e. what is essential and what is not. She submitted a 6% cut as requested representing a half-time vault clerk, which means that her Office will no longer be able to satisfy all statutory requirements, thus will have to close the window and telephones to the public. With that, she was concerned about how the Sheriff, Prosecutor and citizens would react. She confirmed that she would make sure statutory requirements are fulfilled.

Chairman Thorn acknowledged that Mr. Banks made some very good points and outlined a laudable program, one he had outlined ever since he campaigned three years’ ago. He noted the Board’s intention to institute a multi-year financial plan as something very much on the front burner for next year. He agreed that in the process of doing next year’s budget there will need to be a good hard look at how the county does business and how departments are comprised. Important to remember that one of the Board’s jobs is that of balancing.

Commissioner McDowell appreciated Mr. Banks’ clarification related to a news article over the weekend. While such things as WSU Cooperative Extension/4-H may not be mandated, for participating families and kids 4-H is a program that helps keep those kids out of trouble and the law and justice system compared to those who do not participate [based on averages]. Saying 4-H or senior services are not core mandated services and therefore should be on the chopping block first he could not agree with. He noted that mandated services do not mandate the level of service. Though he did agree some things need to be prioritized, he pointed out that the Board has to listen a