HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance March 12 20131
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
March 12, 2013
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Ken Mann called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
(11:02:57 AM)
Present: Ken Mann, Sam Crawford and Carl Weimer.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Barbara Brenner, Pete Kremen, and Bill Knutzen.
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEMS
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE EXECUTIVE
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OFFICE OF NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL POLICY
FUNDING FOR PROSECUTING ATTORNEY'S OFFICE PERSONNEL AND
SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE IN THE AMOUNT OF $84,035 (AB2013 -103)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of how the drug enforcement money
integrates with the new legalized marijuana law, and if this puts the County in conflict with
the new State law.
Jack Louws, County Executive, stated he can have the County Prosecutor give a
presentation at a future meeting.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of whether the Tribes get high intensity
drug task force ( HIDTA) money.
Brad Bennett, stated that if they earn interest, the interested has to be remitted
back to the federal government. Indian Tribes seem to receive the HIDTA money, but the
County is not involved.
Bill Elfo, Sheriff, answered questions about whether they will prosecute marijuana
use and whether the Tribes receive HIDTA money. He doesn't know yet how the State will
structure its marijuana laws. He doesn't believe that Tribes receive HIDTA money. The
funds go to the Northwest Regional Gang and Drug Task Force. Personal possession of
marijuana, which is now legal under State law, has never been part of the criteria of the
HIDTA grant and is not a high priority. The percentage of the people booked into the jail for
personal possession is .0024 percent in the last ten years.
(11:08:41 AM)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 3/12/2013, Page 1
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The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
PARK USE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY PARKS AND
RECREATION AND THE BELLINGHAM HIGHLAND GAMES ASSOCIATION FOR
THE USE OF HOVANDER HOMESTEAD PARK IN THE ANNUAL AMOUNT OF
$4,980 (AB2013 -104) (11:09:10 AM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE FUNDING SOURCES TO COVER THE
COST OF HAVING OUTSIDE ATTORNEYS REPRESENT PARENTS IN
DEPENDENCY ACTIONS (AB2013 -101) (11:09:39 AM)
David Hunter, attorney, described the history of and State laws about attorneys who
represent parents and children in dependency matters. Whatcom County spends $400,000
per year on the outside attorneys. The Office of Public Defense (OPD) is willing to approach
the State legislature and ask for money to fund this cost. The County would have to lobby
its legislators at the next funding cycle. The attorneys prefer to have the State pay its
wages rather than have to negotiate with the County.
Weimer asked the other side of the story. He asked and there was discussion of why
this County and other counties don't participate with the OPD, and whether there is an
argument that local control is better than State control.
Kremen stated the County's Superior Court was invited to apply for the money four
or five years ago. The application for the funds wasn't filed in a timely manner. Whatcom
County was assured to get just over $500,000 per year.
He recently attended a Legislative Steering Committee meeting in Olympia, where he
learned there is a bill to put more financial burden on the counties. He supports Mr.
Hunter's proposal. The County should contact its legislative delegation. However, the
prospect of receiving that kind of funding is remote.
Hunter stated the OPD doesn't expect to get its funding cut. An amount of $500,000
isn't a big ticket item at the State. OPD is anxious to cover Whatcom County.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of when the County has opportunity to apply
for the funding and how the OPD can decide to which counties it will serve.
Dave Reynolds, Superior Court Administration Director, answered questions.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 3/12/2013, Page 2
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Hunter stated it is not a one -time opportunity. Litigation is possible because the
statute provides for some counties being covered, but not all. In the meantime, the County
ought to also ask OPD and the Stage legislature for more money. Whatcom County
historically has had a higher level of need for dependency attorneys per capita.
Weimer stated it seems Mr. Hunter is suggesting that Whatcom County be more
proactive in asking for this money. They all agree with that.
Kremen stated and there was discussion that the County has made it clear every
year that it would like to be funded.
Jack Louws, County Executive, stated he would work with Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Hunter,
and the State legislators to pursue funding.
Bob (inaudible) stated he is also a contractor representing parents in dependency
matters. He thanks the councilmembers for their time and efforts in this matter.
Kremen stated and there was discussion of Public Defender Jon Komorowski putting
a lot of time and effort into trying to obtain this funding.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 11:36 a.m.
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Please contact the Council Office to obtain an
official, signed copy:
360- 676 -6690 or council@�o.whatcom.wa.us
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 3/12/2013, Page 3