HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance October 28 20031
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
PROPOSED 2004 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET
October 28, 2003
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Committee Chair Sam
Crawford in the Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Present: Absent:
Dan McShane None
Sharon Roy
Also Present:
Laurie Caskey- Schreiber
Barbara Brenner
Seth Fleetwood
Dan McShane
DISCUSSION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE'S 2003 RECOMMENDED
BUDGET (COOPERATIVE EXTENSION, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES, PARKS, PUBLIC WORKS, SHERIFF /JAIL, EXECUTIVE, COUNTY
COUNCIL, SUPERIOR COURT /CLERK, PROSECUTING ATTORNEY /LAW
LIBRARY, PUBLIC DEFENDER, JUVENILE COURT /PROBATION /DETENTION,
WHAT -COMM, COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS, MEDIC ONE, ALL OTHER NON -
DEPARTMENTAL, DISTRICT COURT, DISTRICT COURT PROBATION)
(AB2003 -228A)
Crawford stated he's received a lot of input from citizens about budgeting
more for the Sheriff's Office. He asked the reason for all the phone calls.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated he's not sure. The Executive
has also received phone calls.
Roy stated one of the issues might be that people in the rural areas really
feel the need for more service. It may reflect concerns of the community.
Desler stated that when they look at the new, ongoing expenses in the
budget, they have over $582,000 appropriated. Of that, $510,000 has been
recommended to go to the Sheriff's Office and jail.
Nelson stated they have additional funding in place. Get the media's
attention about the increased amount of money. Even with the additional funding,
there are still requests for additional services. Maybe the public groups can put
Finance and Administrative Service Committee - 2004 Budget, 10/28/03, Page 1
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
together a proposal for what they want. It would be a good idea for the Sheriff's
Office to put together a cost proposal for the requests, and then put forward a levy.
Cooperative Extension
Craig MacConnell, Cooperative Extension, submitted information (on file).
The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program has been very successful
worldwide. They are engaging the farmers to change their pest management
practices. In 2004, they will try to target homeowners a little more through retail
stores, which will be difficult. The raspberry beetle program has received additional
funding from other sources. They're seeing significant changes in the raspberry
growers in Whatcom County.
They've been looking at using dairy manure residuals. There is a lot of
interest from berry growers about how compost would affect growth and pest
management. They are doing trials for various crops. There is new research that
shows significant reduction in root rot by the use of compost. They continue to
work on greenhouses and fiber from anaerobic digesters.
A very large private foundation came to Washington State University (WSU)
concerned about global climate change. WSU put together a proposal for $5 million
to look at aspects of global climate change with three components, including
digesters on dairies. There is verbal commitment from this foundation for $3.75
million. He's expecting to have a very major project in Whatcom County.
Crawford asked if the majority of the money would come to Whatcom
County. MacConnell stated it would not. There are three components of the
proposal. A significant amount of the work on dairy would be done in Whatcom
County. There will also be analytical lab work done at WSU in Pullman.
Roy asked about the gas. MacConnell stated that when someone stores
manure in a manure lagoon, it off - gasses methane, which is 20 times more potent
in greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. The digester puts it into a closed system
where it's burned cleanly.
Regarding the family living program, they continue to see growth in the
parenting program. A new program is called Food Sense. This program is directed
to low- income food stamp recipients.
Regarding the 4 -H /Youth Development, Cooperative Extension is involved in
three major school district grant activities.
Regarding environmental stewardship, they are recruiting a new staff person
for a fresh /marine water resource educator in Whatcom County. He just found out
that they are losing the County- funded water resource educator. Water resource
educational needs are the highest he's ever seen. Losing that position takes away
potential to do great things with the new faculty position in addition to the
Finance and Administrative Service Committee - 2004 Budget, 10/28/03, Page 2
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
previously funded County position. He asked if the policy direction is to reduce
water resource education.
In 1999, the Comprehensive Water Resource Strategy recommended the
creation of a water resource educator at Cooperative Extension. That person was
hired. That individual wound up doing a lot of WRIA watershed planning work that
was not related to education. In negotiation with the Public Works Department,
they agreed that the position would go to the Public Works Department to do
planning support. The agreement was that in the beginning of 2004, the position
would come back to Cooperative Extension to do water resource education. Now,
all of a sudden, the position is going away. The agreement with the Public Works
Department was that the position vacated by John Sproul would come back to
Cooperative Extension.
Brenner stated she understood this position was moved to work with Water
Resources Division of Public Works. MacConnell stated that's not correct. The
position went to Public Works because the employee was not working on education
at the time. He felt uneasy having someone in Cooperative Extension doing
watershed planning work, not education. The agreement was for the employee to
go to the Water Resources Division and do the planning work.
Brenner asked if there is a position now in Public Works for education.
MacConnell stated he didn't know.
Caskey- Schreiber stated the position has been vacant for a year and a half
while the person worked over at Public Works. MacConnell stated that's correct.
Desler stated they still have a water resources educator. There was an
informal agreement between Mr. MacConnell and Public Works Department
management. The Executive's Office was not a part of the agreement. When the
Executive developed the budget for 2004, he tried to maintain all of the existing
programs without adding positions except in the law and justice system. This is
viewed as an additional position.
Nelson asked if this was the nutrient management position. MacConnell
stated it was not. The position was created in 1999 by the County to do education.
The position went to Public Works because that person was asked to not do
education.
Jeff Monsen, Public Works Director, stated the original position, staffed by
Scarlet Tang, is to do information management, not education. Recognizing the
need to expand in that area, staff eliminated the position held by John Sproul with
the expectation that the full -time equivalent (FTE) employee would be available for
use by Cooperative Extension. He has eliminated the position completely so it is
available for someone else to use for education.
Finance and Administrative Service Committee - 2004 Budget, 10/28/03, Page 3
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
Brenner stated Cooperative Extension has traditionally always played the role
of providing information and education. She asked why the position can't remain
with Cooperative Extension. MacConnell stated Mr. Monsen agreed to stand by the
original agreement and move the FTE back to Cooperative Extension.
Brenner asked if the Executive decided to just not do it at all. Desler stated
there was a decision to consolidate a lot of positions in the Water Resources
Division in 1999. The position was established in Cooperative Extension for a short
time. It got moved to the Public Works Department. It was funded through the
water resources fund. When the Public Works Department decided not to continue
John Sproul's position, it kept the funding for that position for contracts to carry on
the work for a short term. The work is still moving forward. Instead of having John
Sproul's position, they have contracts. The water resources educator is in the
Water Resources Division. Now, there is a desire to add another position to
Cooperative Extension to focus on watershed education. It wasn't enough of a
priority to add a position to Cooperative Extension.
Brenner stated that they lost track of where the education piece originated.
Cooperative Extension is the natural place for people to get information. She asked
if it would be better to consolidate that position back to Cooperative Extension,
rather than in Water Resources Division. Desler stated Executive recommended
continuing general fund money to continue the IPM and Nutrient Management
programs.
Monsen stated there are three roles in Cooperative Extension that water
resources funds were used for. Those roles are nutrient management, IPM, and
public education. Because of financing issues and budget adjustments, he
recommends that those three functions continue in Cooperative Extension, but he
could not continue to send water resource funds to finance them.
Caskey- Schreiber stated they are funding a lot for watershed education. She
asked what the money would go for. MacConnell stated some of the money was
carried over from previous years. They are for two contracts to do IPM and nutrient
management. Those needs are driven by water quality protection. IPM has to do
with pesticide contamination of crops.
Nelson asked the role with the Pest Board. MacConnell stated the Pest Board
is quiescent right now. It is a volunteer group appointed by the County Council. It
hasn't met in a year.
Nelson asked about reduced funding from $5,000 to $1,000 for
administration. Desler stated the amount needs to be corrected to be $5,000. In
2002, there was only $610 in expenditures.
Nelson stated they can drop the funding down, and refund it in the middle of
the year if needed. He would like to see what they intend to accomplish with the
education position, how it would be coordinated with the Water Resources Division,
Finance and Administrative Service Committee - 2004 Budget, 10/28/03, Page 4
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
and the benefit to the County. The position costs approximately $50,000. He
would like additional information.
Roy agreed.
McShane asked what they will do with all the support money if the position is
not there, and if it is support for the other positions. MacConnell stated he would
use the support money for the new WSU faculty and County position, which will be
doing water resource work. They've expanded the needs to marine resources.
Desler stated the support money of $150,000 relates to the components of
the contract the County has with WSU. The additional dollars for salaries and
wages are something the County can't provide now. It's not an existing service.
It's a new service.
MacConnell stated they put in an automated weather station about a year
ago. He proposes to take the backbone of this system and use it for environmental
monitoring and reporting. It can report on real time water resource conditions.
Funding may be coming for that.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.)
Planning and Development Services Department
Hal Hart, Planning and Development Services Director, stated one
accomplishment in 2003 includes the ability of the Building and Codes Division to
maintain the level of service. They have taken in $180 million of value, inspectors
do 22 to 23 inspections per day, and they have been open on Saturdays to take in
the extra work. The Council supported the fire marshal's position in years past.
The burn permit has become quite a tool to work with the rural community on
burning issues.
They have more work to do on some timelines. He will concentrate his
personal time in the office on the natural resources group. The Land Use Division
continued its training program. They have to make sure everyone from the front
line to the managers have the most up -to -date training to maintain customer
service. The Executive's Office has worked with several departments to create a
one -stop shop for streamlining the permit process. Everything he asks for is to
maintain the permit system, natural resources, and the Comprehensive Plan.
Roy asked about the ASR for $12,500 for support for community advisory
committees. Hart stated he is working with many committees. One is the East
County group that will finish the Foothills Comprehensive Plan. The other group is
the Point Roberts Economic Development group that will implement the Point
Roberts plan. The Birch Bay group is the third group. The Lummi Island plan is the
fourth group. Each one of those groups requires a low -level of coordination. The
Birch Bay community wants to implement a Birch Bay berm to restore the
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
shoreline. It will be a long -term effort. He hopes to bring in a grant from the State
Department of Ecology (DOE) for shorelines. That will bring forward the discussion
of the Birch Bay berm. Each area has an important project planned.
Roy asked if the $12,500 is so the groups can pay for the committees to pull
their citizens together. All the citizens are volunteers, but they don't have any
funds to do public mailings. She attended the Birch Bay Steering Committee when
this came up. The other communities have the same kind of issue. The amount
needed is small
Nelson stated he agreed with Councilmember Roy. He asked about last
year's effort to coordinate the three divisions in the Planning Department, and
whether they've achieved that goal. Hart stated they focused on the physical
improvements to the department this year. The Executive's Office worked out what
a one -stop shop would look like.
Nelson asked how the one -stop shop affects each of the divisions on budget
and workload. Hart stated the most expensive thing is to maintain the investment
in the Tidemark permitting system so everyone has access to it. There is an extra
help item in the budget to allow for a software specialist to learn the new system.
They are getting closer to e- government. The other big part of it is the new FTE in
the Health Department that will be dedicated to the one -stop shop. One measured
outcome is to maintain the level of service as growth and permitting increase. The
current level of service for permitting is three to four weeks right now. They're still
busy in October. During the height of the season, a person could wait three weeks
to get in to see someone at the department. The department was at six weeks, but
cut it down by working extra hours and having extra help in plans examining. They
are also doing outside plan review.
Brenner asked how long it takes the average person building a simple single -
family house to get a permit.
Sam Ryan, Building and Codes Division Manager, stated it takes about eight
weeks if the permit includes getting septic and water. It takes four weeks for the
building permit process. It takes an extra two or three weeks if located in a
watershed that requires mitigation. The goal of the one -stop shop is to get the
Health Department and River and Flood Division in the office twice a week to review
plans and to expand the counter.
Caskey- Schreiber asked for an explanation of the ASR for extra help for the
agricultural program. She asked if this is something they've funded in the past and
will cease doing. Hart stated there are numerous agricultural committees. There is
a purchase of development rights (PDR) committee that is very complex and
involved. The Agricultural Protection Committee looks at the big picture issues.
Currently, they're looking at many County- initiated proposals. They need a big
picture look at protecting agriculture. That assistance was funded from a different
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
location, so this makes up for someone who has been in the Planning Department
for several years. That person also provided help on forest practice issues.
Caskey- Schreiber asked if the new PDR /transfer of development rights (TDR)
person has more work than he can handle. Hart stated that position is now focused
exclusively on TDR's, with a little work on trail and urban growth area (UGA) issues.
This position was focused on forest practices and basic agricultural support for 70
hours per month.
Roy asked if there are contractual services to provide the support. Hart
stated the support has been tied to an individual. They are running too lean to tie
it in to contractual support.
Roy asked about scenario planning. She asked if there is any connection
between the request for scenario planning and the discussion held at the low -
income housing community meeting held last night. Hart stated scenario planning
is starting with a small group of agency and non - agency staff to envision a future.
The concept is to expand the circle to the next group of people, such as the
business community, and ask harder questions. Then, expand the circle again. His
request is to use this planning method for the rural community. The process
involves a series of questions and one -on -one interviews on how to make the rural
community continue to have a sustainable future.
Brenner asked why they don't have a program for off - the -shelf architectural
standards. Hart stated it's something that he has discussed with the City of
Bellingham Planning Director. They are trying to achieve a denser, walkable
community at James Street and Bakerview Road. They are going to need a broader
understanding of technical design features, then change codes to allow those things
to happen. There's no separate budget item, but it can be incorporated in the next
iteration.
Brenner stated she would like a specific budget item and people devoted to
that issue. Make it a focal point of what they're doing. She would like to see a
recommendation in the budget to have a staff person to develop architectural
standards that would streamline the process and make people less angry about
what's going on in the neighborhoods.
McShane stated one recurring issue is that the Council creates a lot of
workload for the Planning Department. This is yet another work item. He asked if
the budget anticipates things that the Council throws at the department to work on.
The County Council needs to work on what it asks the Planning Department to do.
Hart stated the biggest thing they have to do in 2004 will be shorelines. It will take
two years, have one staff person dedicated to it, and is largely funded by a grant.
Also, Whatcom County is an early adopter of critical areas. They don't want to
make huge changes in that. If there is anything else to do, they will need to talk
about the impacts. The TDR person can begin to think about design and what they
need to achieve in the urban growth areas. He can do that with existing staff.
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
Caskey- Schreiber stated that if the Council approved extra help for the
agricultural program, it would free up help to work on Councilmember Brenner's
architecture issue.
Desler stated they appropriate almost $1.5 million for existing capacity and
administration, planning and GIS. It's not for the non - regulatory functions of the
department. Anytime they develop new ideas, they need to compare them with the
existing things they are doing. While they should review new activities in terms of
priorities, also ask the fiscal impact of things that the Council asks for. Consider
the priority and the fiscal impact of new work items. Staff should always raise that
issue when it is asked to take on new work items.
McShane stated there are more fiscal impacts to not doing long -term
planning on activities that could reduce overall costs to the County. The Council
works with the Planning Department a lot. He's uncomfortable that the Council
may show favoritism to the department. However, not providing that support
would frustrate the Council's policy efforts.
Caskey- Schreiber stated it's essential to fund someone to bring in matching
funds. The efforts of that program would bring in money. The fiscal impact is
outweighed by the benefits. That's what she looks at.
Desler stated they've accomplished a lot of things in terms of planning. If
the Council wants to focus on larger issues beyond what it's doing today, then it
needs to tell the administration that. The administration will bring forward a
proposal to do that.
Parks Department
Mike McFarlane, Parks and Recreation Department Director, stated the
budget is status quo from the previous year. He anticipates serving 854,000
visitors in the five program areas. There is some new things to do. One thing is
the construction of the bullet containment wall at the Plantation Range. They will
operate the new restroom at Glacier. They are looking at providing an
environmental education specialist at Tenant Lake at no cost to the County. He is
also going to do assessment of the costs and scope of program of the Outdoor
Recreation Program and the Teen Adventure Program. Some of the revenues have
been moved to corresponding cost centers. They are in the process of appraising
rental properties. He will review the rates and fees of the Outdoor Recreation
Program. Other fees and charges have been adjusted based upon market use.
Caskey- Schreiber asked the maintenance needs in terms of the mutt mitt
stations. Frequently the stations are empty. McFarlane stated he would look into
it. It is a minor regular maintenance item.
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Desler stated that reclassification will be included in the budget technical
corrections document.
Roy stated the mutt mitt stations may seem like a small item, but it's an
important one.
Nelson asked if the environmental education coordinator is funded from a
grant. McFarlane stated it is.
Nelson asked if the grant providers are doing their own evaluation of the
program. McFarlane stated they are.
Nelson asked if they are looking at schools for cost sharing. McFarlane
stated that position assists a State employee at Tenant Lake. That program
develops its own budget. They would like to set up a Friends of Tenant Lake
organization to oversee the program.
Brenner asked about the outdoor coordinator position.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side 8)
McFarlane stated he is trying to make the cost of the program more
affordable to the County and participants. They have approximately 1,000 that use
the outdoor program. The outdoor program is weather - dependent. The amount
the County pays into the program is substantial. He wants to broaden the program
to more individuals in the county to get the cost down. Review the pricing
structure and increase the prices. Some of the opportunities may be priced too
high for the average person.
Brenner asked how long the program has been in place. McFarlane stated
the program has been in place since the late 1970's or early 1980's.
Brenner asked what people did before the position was created. McFarlane
stated the overall mission was to introduce people to recreational activities and
introduce them to the facilities in the county. The program gives people new skills.
Some of the programs have a side benefit to businesses because people develop an
interest in the sports.
Brenner asked if private organizations put on those programs also.
McFarlane stated there are some private programs for some of the activities, such
as kayaking. The program targets different populations and age groups and
provides opportunities during times when the private organizations aren't providing
those opportunities.
McShane asked if lifeguards at Lake Samish will be provided. McFarlane
stated it is funded in the budget.
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
Caskey- Schreiber asked about the reduction in the amount approved for gas.
Desler stated the administration is trying to balance the overall budget. This is
something that didn't make the cut. They are contributing money already in other
parts of the budget for utilities and gas for these types of facilities.
Caskey- Schreiber asked if the amount approved last year was $2,500, and
the amount needs to be increased. McFarlane stated the best they can do with
utilities is estimate the amount needed. He'll make the $2,500 work.
Roy asked the impact of an increase in fees for recreational activities.
McFarlane stated the program fees are set individually. There was a general overall
three percent increase, but he is looking at increasing the fees substantially in the
next year.
Roy stated she recently took a kayak trip with the Parks Department. It was
the best value around. The County can afford to raise prices on some of these
opportunities.
Nelson asked the reason for the amount of rents and royalties to go down.
McFarlane stated the rental unit above Tenant Lake is being phased out because of
the need for more office space. Another unit will no longer be rented out. He is
doing an appraisal on all rental properties that should result in raised rents.
Public Works Department
Jeff Monsen, Public Works Director, submitted additional information (on
file). They are in the process of creating a natural resources division, which
recognizes the need to substantially coordinate issues. There's no proposal to
substantially reorganize. However, the idea is there. The focus is to make sure all
the pieces fit together. There are 42 service areas in the department.
With all the funds managed by the Public Works Department, the operating
deficit totals about $8 million. In reality, the actual operating deficit will end up
being about $3 million to $4 million. It depends on the annual construction
program.
The geographic information system (GIS) infrastructure inventory is
something they've already put a lot of effort into. It becomes the basis of
determining what they have and deciding what they're going to do with what they
have. It will help them focus on water quantity and water quality issues.
He read through the handout on the 2003 accomplishments and 2004
objectives (on file).
Crawford stated the Executive's Office is proposing a substantial change in
how the flood fee is collected and a shift of revenue sources from a proposed
smaller future flood tax to an increased property tax. He asked how they
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coordinate that discussion with this presentation. Monsen stated part of the budget
preparation process is to focus on the kinds of activities that can be sustained
overtime, given the various revenue sources. The primary focus on roads and flood
is project and task activities. Planning is focused on the accomplishment of the
task, compared to being very general in nature. It depends on what areas they
would like to bolster by raising revenue through the flood district.
Crawford stated there was a discussion the Council had recently about a
negotiated agreement with Utah State University (USU) to complete various
components of the water resource work. He asked if that money is money they've
already budgeted in 2003, or if they're talking about spending money in 2004 from
the 2004 budget. Monsen stated everything regarding USU has already been
budgeted and resides in the Joint Board fund. Once the money was budgeted and
became available, the money was transferred to the Joint Board fund. That's where
the cash resides. He's not asking for more money.
Crawford asked if the 2004 budget does not include more money for that
work, unless they choose to go beyond the negotiated work. The only thing they've
budgeted for is to continue to provide staff support to facilitate the process to
review and adopt the Watershed Management Plan. Implementation of the plan is
not budgeted at this moment. It would be premature to budget money until they
see what is adopted in the plan. It is a potential supplemental budget request for
2004, or may be included in the budget process for 2005.
Brenner stated just because they've budgeted for something doesn't mean
they have to spend it.
Nelson asked why there is a budget item for two Sheriff's Office vehicles.
Monsen stated all departments operate vehicles. Whatever additions the Council
approves to the fleet must be added to every department's budget for equipment
and rental. It is a technical addition to the fleet of vehicles.
Nelson stated they did an excellent job laying out previous accomplishments
and goals to accomplish in 2004.
Caskey- Schreiber asked if they will need to create a new funding source for
the water resource inventory area (WRIA) implementation. Monsen stated it
depends on what they want to do for implementation.
Caskey- Schreiber stated the Nooksack River held up tremendously well in the
face of the recent flood.
Brenner asked about how the Water Resources Division can pay for all those
activities plus nine employees with $100,000. Monsen stated the budget was
constructed within the context of the water resource activities they can carry on
with the road funds and the flood funds. The $100,000 is for activities unique to
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Lake Whatcom that can't be accomplished with road or flood funds, so they have to
use the general fund.
Brenner asked the cost of all those tasks. Monsen stated one of the tasks
he's constructing now is an answer to that question. There are a lot of things going
on in the department. It's not easy to relate all the items. There is information on
how the nine employees are allocating their time and how that time is being
funded.
Brenner stated she's also interested in knowing the total amount. Monsen
stated the total amount for water resources activities is about $1.2 million or $1.3
million. The $100,000 is a part of that amount and is for activities specific to the
Lake Whatcom watershed.
Crawford asked the difference between the funding spent on WRIA in 2003
and 2004. Monsen stated 2004 does not have money to complete the planning
process. There are some staff resources to facilitate the process. There is also no
money budgeted for implementation. The planning portion is coming to a close.
Completion will be done through existing contracts. He's not asking for more.
Roy stated there are still nine employees for the division, but they don't
know what they will do in terms of implementation. Monsen stated that through
the adoption process, the Council will influence what those employees do. In the
meantime, the employees can be fully employed on road and flood - related surface
water matters, in spite of anything that might come out of WRIA. The year 2004 is
a transition year to allow priorities to surface.
Caskey- Schreiber stated they are not looking at cuts, just redistributing
work. They'll find out more once they decide on implementation. Monsen stated
that's correct.
Nelson asked about the street - sweeping program and if they are going to
contract for or buy the equipment. Monsen stated they will do both. The plan is to
have an in -house crew as well as a contract for one or two more crews seasonally.
Nelson asked why they even need a contract. Monsen stated the units that
are privately owned are not necessarily available all year long. Also, they need to
be able to put the crew where it's needed, on a case -by -case basis. Last, for a
vendor to buy a unit, the County needs to provide a contract that assures enough
work for a vendor to purchase a unit.
Nelson asked if this would come before the Council. Monsen stated the
Council already discussed the level of service and equipment needed to do a street -
sweeping program. This line item is approval of the funding. The proposal is to
finance the purchase of regenerative sweeper through the elimination of a grade -all
excavator. Procedurally, it's financed through equity. It relates directly to the
purchase of a long -arm mower and a heated storage building. Those are combined.
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The majority of the street sweeping activity will be done by contract. The budget
includes money for that purpose.
Caskey- Schreiber asked if the Council already approved the street sweeper.
Monsen stated there was a discussion about it. This is the proposal as a result of
that discussion.
Roy asked for an explanation of the $8 million versus the $3 million to $4
million deficit. Monsen stated the six -year road program assumes $10 -12 million in
construction expenditures. His ongoing goal is to complete about 75 percent of that
program. That's $3 million in funds they won't spend. That's why they do financial
projections to look at cash flow, in addition to the budget process. Every year it's
adjusted. He is continuing to work with the administration to change the budgeting
process so they can bring that number down without trying to predict what will
happen.
Roy asked if they are getting projects done ahead of when the money comes
in, so they eventually even out. Monsen stated the budget resembles a year and a
half's worth of work.
Brenner asked the amount of County funds they've spent to -date on WRIA.
Monsen stated he'd have to look it up and provide that information later.
Sheriff's Office /Jail
Bill Elfo, Sheriff, thanked the Council and administration for their support this
year.
The Sheriff's law enforcement function is seriously understaffed, according to
several studies. He's striving to make the best use of existing resources. He also
requests ASR's incrementally to get up to speed. He listed a number of changes
he's made. The most serious problem in the community is the epidemic of
methamphetamine labs. The Drug Task Force only has the capacity to follow up on
eight percent of complaints. He requested a full -time clerical position for the Drug
Task Force. He also requested two deputies to work on this problem. One deputy
position was approved by the administration. It is a dangerous position that needs
two deputies to respond.
There are continuing crime problems in the eastern part of the county. He
requests an east county deputy to locate and live at Silver Lake Park. He also
requested a volunteer service coordinator to put together a cadre of reserve
deputies. This coordinator position used to exist, but the Guild has opposed it.
Now, the Guild is willing to work with the Sheriff's Office to create a reserve force.
A civil specialist will be funded through revenue generated from increased for
services. This is work to serve process papers, doing evictions, doing sheriff sales,
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and other types of activities. The revenue generated should pay for the cost of that
program.
He is concerned about the amount of overtime money that is available. He
kept two positions vacant to offset the overtime spent last year. With additional
deputies, overtime should be reduced. However, more deputies result in more
arrests, which result in more time in court.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape two, side A.)
Elfo continued to state that more deputies have to go to court to testify at
suppression hearings. He asked for an additional $123,000 from last year. The
budget for 2002 was over $220,000. They need help in that area, or he will have
to request a supplemental budget in the middle of the year.
He has some new unfunded mandates. The law enforcement officers and fire
fighters (LEOFF) retirement program has expanded the dental benefit for certain
retirees to full dental care. There are 28 retirees still under the LEOFF I program.
He may have to request a supplemental budget in the middle of the year to cover
it.
The federal government is requiring the County's radio repeater to go from
high band to low band. He requested $9,000 for this $90,000 project. He is going
to try and make this change over a few years. He can make it this year without
that $9,000, but he will ask for the money next year.
Regarding the jail, the inmates are more dangerous and violent. He is
concerned for the safety of deputies and inmates. Chief Jones would discuss these
issues.
There are 4,000 outstanding arrest warrants in Whatcom County that can't
be served. There are 700 people sentenced to jail that can't serve the sentence.
These people can't get on with their lives. He will see if more qualify for jail
alternative programs. Last year, 1,757 arrest warrants expired. These statistics
are only for District Court, not municipal court. These problems are long -term, and
they need a well- coordinated response. They are in dire need to fix the jail
problem.
Wendy Jones, Chief of Corrections, stated she appreciates the
recommendations from the administration. One concern is for more positions for
clerical help and corrections officers. Having clerical personal at the Jail
Alternatives Division would free up the corrections officers to do the work they
should be doing.
She had asked for an increased rate of equipment revolve and rental (ER &R)
cost to start saving for the fleet. She asked that $6,000 be reinstated to cover the
current vehicles they have.
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The last thing is reinstating overtime money. If an officer is out of the office,
she needs to cover the shifts. The overtime used is to cover for vacation and sick
relief and because staffing is low. Also, two officers will be on military leave for
most of the year next year. That leaves two positions vacant that she cannot fill.
They need to cover those shifts primarily with overtime. Beginning next year, they
will be doing major changes to the control booth. The transition period during
construction will necessitate shutting down sections of the jail. She will need
additional staff to safely lock and unlock doors manually.
Elfo stated that if there is a major crime, it's common to see 200 to 300
hours of overtime for one incident. He tries to include additional deputy presence
during large community events. Thirty hours of training per year is mandated from
the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs. He wants to minimize the
amount of time he pulls people off street duty to go to training.
McShane asked what happens if the Council doesn't approve additional
funding for overtime. Elfo stated he will have to cut positions and decrease
services. They are providing only the most essential services right now.
Neil Clement, Emergency Management Division Manager, stated homeland
security is the biggest task now. A lot of grants are coming in. One challenge is to
use the grant funds most responsibly. The State strategy is to improve intelligence
gathering and sharing within the realm of counter - terrorism, to improve the
capacities of health departments and hospitals, and to do the planning, training,
exercising, and equipping of emergency responders. Emergency management will
continue to be the focal point for the next several years. A key to building this
capacity is to better deal with bio- terrorism and contagious diseases.
Brenner asked if they can expect more federal funds. Clement stated they
can. He's got four or five different grants right now. There are nine regions in the
State. Whatcom County is in region one.
Brenner asked if they get preference for grants because of Whatcom
County's border location. Clement stated he's asked for that preference, but it's
not being made a factor.
Brenner asked if the Border Patrol is getting extra funding. Clement stated it
is. There is a complete culture shift as all the security departments meld into the
federal Homeland Security Department.
Elfo stated the Border Patrol is going from having 30 agents in Whatcom
County to having 200 agents.
Marvin Wolff, Washington State Jail Industries Board Chairman, submitted
information (on file). The jail offender work crews provide a value of over $1
million in services to the County. Each crew that does work does work on behalf of
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the County while providing needed services to the City of Bellingham and works on
stream reclamation. The Sheriff and Chief of Corrections already covered most of
his points. There are presently deputies who go out on patrol without backup,
which potentially causes liability for the County if there is an injury to the deputy or
citizen. That liability can result in millions of dollars in lawsuits.
The response times in the county are extremely long in some areas. The
eastern area of the county has a serious problem. It needs deputies in that area.
Several years ago, the Blue Ribbon Panel on criminal justice determined needs that
have not changed since then. There is a decrease in efficiency due to increased
workload without an increase in staffing. Increase efficiency with increased
technology.
The overcrowding in the jail is very serious. There is potential for injury to
officers and inmates. One lawsuit can cause tremendous financial damage to the
County. Using alternative programs will help reduce the jail population. Each work
crew learns work ethic and work skills. The recidivism rate among those people is
less than the rate of those in the jail.
Citizens are concerned about safety in the county. They are concerned about
people being released from the jail. The jail used to be comprised of 60 -70 percent
misdemeanants and the rest felons. Now it's reversed. Those released cause a
hazard to the community.
Sherry Scalf, Maple Falls Citizens Association Member, stated she supports
the Sheriff. The Sheriff needs help with finances. Residents are tired of waking up
to gunfire and smelling methamphetamine cooking. Something needs to be done.
Gayle Pattenaude, Laurel, stated she been attending the Sheriff's Office
Citizen Academy. She has a lot of respect for the deputies. She's concerned that
these men put their lives on the line every day. They should be protected by
having more backup and proper equipment. The jail is terribly understaffed. The
men who work in the jail aren't safe. Government should support the law
enforcement officers. The money can be found somewhere.
Norma Kirchan, Maple Falls Citizen Association, stated many of the citizens in
her community are taxpayers. They are frightened about what's going on in the
neighborhood. They also worry about the safety of the deputies and corrections
officers. She asked the Council to do what it can to provide the Sheriff what he
needs. The citizens are also trying to do their part to help. Don't fund new
carpeting in the courthouse until the safety issue is taken care of.
Mary Stars, Maple Falls Citizens Association, asked the Council to support the
Sheriff.
Brenner stated she's heard different standards about the number of deputies
per capita that is safe. Elfo stated the 2002 Law and Justice Study used standards
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for rural sheriff's offices. They are below that standard. He will provide information
on what that standard is. There are a lot of factors, such as distance between
patrol areas. They have a low population in the rural areas, but the distance to that
area is great. They are also a suburban police department when they cover Sudden
Valley, Birch Bay, and other similar areas. As building continues, so will the
demand for services. Since the 2000 study, the call load has gone up seven
percent per year. The study said they were 28 deputies short in 2002. The Council
added eight deputies, but only six positions were filled due to the need for
overtime.
Caskey- Schreiber asked about the number of deputies requested. Elfo stated
the administration approved a resident deputy for east county, and one other
deputy for methamphetamine lab enforcement. He requested two deputies for
methamphetamine enforcement. He can't send one deputy to respond to
methamphetamine calls.
Caskey- Schreiber asked if anyone has done the volunteer services
coordinator work or if it's something new. Elfo stated it is new. It is like a reserve
force of deputies and will also supplement office help and use volunteers in other
areas of the agency. When recruiting volunteers, they need a point of contact.
Roy asked if the Drug Task Force is made up of deputies working in the field
to respond to the increase of methamphetamine labs in isolated places. Elfo stated
two uniformed deputies will be in the car, coordinate information with the Drug
Task Force, investigate citizen tips and information from other deputies, and
discourage drug activity in Whatcom County. The existing Drug Task Force is about
90 percent focused on methamphetamine eradication. They've gone from having
two methamphetamine labs in 2001 to a projected 60 by the end of this year.
Those deputies will be on the street, in uniform, in the communities, addressing
neighborhood drug problems.
Roy asked for information on the cost versus savings of the volunteer
coordinator position. Elfo stated there is a relationship. A reserve force of 30
deputies, each working 300 hours per year, will equal about seven full -time
positions.
McShane asked what's going on in general statewide and nationally to reduce
the methamphetamine problem. Elfo stated there are now limits to how much
Sudafed, a component of the methamphetamine drug, can be purchased at one
time. It's a homegrown problem. They have made a video to educate store
owners. Tight squeezes in other counties to the south have pushed the labs north
to Whatcom County.
Crawford asked if a reserve program would cost money for things other than
the coordinator, such as equipment. Elfo stated he would ask the volunteers to
provide their own equipment. The office will provide a radio. The Deputy Guild has
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worked with him to get the program going. With reasonable assurance that this
won't replace deputy jobs, this will benefit the deputies.
Crawford asked if there will be a limit to the use of a reserve officer. Elfo
stated the plan is to double the number of cars, with one full time deputy and one
reserve officer. There are special events and inmate transport that reserve
deputies can work on.
Crawford asked the status and effect of Lummi jail. Elfo stated they are not
proceeding with the plan, but a private jail company proposed a 1,500 -bed jail
facility to bring in outside inmates. There are concerns about that proposal.
Crawford stated he's excited about having the methamphetamine officer. He
asked how much of that time will be spent on coordination of activities with the
Methamphetamine Action Team and other organizations. Elfo stated he works with
this group. The action team will work on education and prevention.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape two, side 8.)
Nelson stated there are increases in the Sheriff's Office budget from 2000 on.
He asked where the funding could come from to help support the Sheriff clean up
the county the way he needs to. Elfo stated the County can't limit itself to looking
at additional revenue sources. There are other taxing options available.
Nelson asked if an ongoing or onetime revenue source is needed. Elfo stated
he needs ongoing revenue source. They have to keep up with the demands.
Nelson asked if they should be looking at additional taxes for the general
public to vote on. Elfo stated that's the Council's decision. He would support a tax
if that were what it took. People's lives are in danger. People will end up paying
the cost one way or another.
Nelson stated they are going to need community support for the jail and for
the Sheriff's Office. Elfo stated he is educating the public on these issues.
Caskey- Schreiber stated the County Council also has the ability to increase
revenues with the real estate excise tax (REET) by one - quarter percent, which
would bring in an additional $1.5 million. It can supplement the general fund, and
free up money for the Sheriff's Office.
Nelson stated increased levels of services would also have impacts on other
departments, such as the Prosecuting Attorney. He asked if Sheriff Elfo has
considered that. Elfo stated he has considered it. There may be an impact in
certain other areas. The two deputies on the methamphetamine strike force may
stumble onto something that provides sufficient grounds for an arrest, they will
make an arrest. The end result is to make this county an unpleasant place for that
activity to occur and discourage those people from coming here. There might be an
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initial increase in other areas, but it will level off. Certain people living in Paradise,
are committing crimes all across the county. They're sporadically being caught.
When it becomes an unwelcome place for those people because of more arrests,
there will be an initial upswing of arrests, but it will level off. People know they can
do what they want and not have any consequences because they know they won't
get into the jail. When those people start going to jail, crime will level off once
those people realize the consequences of their crimes.
Executive's Office
This presentation was postponed to Thursday, October 30, 2003.
County Council Office
This presentation was postponed to Thursday, October 30, 2003.
(Clerk's Note: The Committee recessed for a 55- minute lunch break at 12:15
P.M.)
Superior Court /Clerk
N.F. Jackson, Superior Court Clerk, stated his budget is status quo. They will
continue adult drug court, funded by outside sources, through 2004. Without
additional funding, the drug court will cease to exist beginning in 2005.
The budget objectives included applications for a juvenile drug court and
family treatment drug court. Those applications have failed. It's doubtful those
efforts can continue. Most of the juvenile offenders get treatment paid for
somewhere else. There are funds coming through the State for treatment. There
is nothing for program administration. The federal portion of family treatment has
operated from in -kind contributions. He doesn't know if it will continue.
Roy stated councilmembers lobbied senators and representatives. She would
like more information on these courts so she can continue lobbying. It's very
successful and important. Jackson stated the adult drug court has three funding
sources. They are in the last months of those grants, which won't be renewed.
There are no new program changes to the Superior Court. There is a modest
increase in case filings. The number of felonies is up. A courthouse facilitator is
entirely funded by filing fee surcharges. Two of those facilitators are seeing 6,000
people per year.
McShane stated drug court has been successful. He's concerned the money
will dry up. He asked for a projection of what sort of costs to criminal justice
systems might result without the drug court. Jackson stated drug court graduates
are not coming back into the system. As a guess, the Prosecutor's Office would
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have 20 or 30 additional cases. The effect on families and victims is immeasurable.
A better source of funding would be from the State. He's not sure of the exact
figure, but it costs either nine or 16 times more to leave them in the criminal justice
system. He'll research and provide information on the cost savings.
Crawford stated they've got to salvage this program somehow. Jackson
stated he's looking for more grants, but he's not hopeful. Strategies are being
developed to continue drug courts. Whatcom County has historically not raised
taxes, but taxes are a source that they could use.
They've digitized all court proceedings in District Court and in three Superior
Courts. It's the prelude to video arraignments, so the jail no longer needs to
transport inmates to the courthouse in groups. There is considerable security risk
and labor to doing that. Courts have been having those people appear
electronically for routine court appearances. The cost for equipment installation is
one -time, fairly modest, and would save labor in the jail. He will continue to push
for courthouse security.
Roy asked if there is an ASR for courthouse security. Jackson stated there
was not from Superior Court. The courthouse has the equipment. The cost comes
from ongoing operations, specially staffing a position.
Caskey- Schreiber asked about the full time temporary jail interviewer
position. She asked if this was ever funded before and if it's an identified need.
Jackson stated that position is being funded out of temporary help. It has been for
a long time. The employee's duty is to be in the jail daily, but the employer can't
go to the jail. The employee is now doing non -jail work in the office. He is hiring
temporary employees for 18 to 24 months to do the jail work. This ASR would
have made it a regular position instead of having to use temporary employees if it
was approved.
Caskey- Schreiber asked the cost difference. Desler stated they need to go
into executive session to discuss this issue further.
Jackson stated there's still hope that the issue may resolve itself. He concurs
with the administration's decision to let it work itself out to the extent it is able to.
Prosecuting Attorney's Office
Dave McEachran, Prosecuting Attorney, stated one ASR relates to an
attorney position. He would also discuss some of the challenges they are facing
and the concerns he has about the pattern of crimes he is seeing. This year they
started with 10 homicides. He described the specific cases. They've had a number
of continuances, which have to get done.
One goal is to get enough resources so the caseload average per attorney
would decrease. This has not happened. The caseload is going up. The number of
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felonies has gone up 25 percent. There is an increase in District Court filings.
Those cases also went up 25 percent. They have stabilized the increase now to the
end of the year with an increase between 14 and 15 percent. When they see
increases, they looks for causes. In District Court, they've added officers. Every
time an officer is added, it adds cases. The State Patrol has been very busy. He
submitted a handout (on file) of his Power Point presentation. The number of cases
in juvenile court has stabilized, and he transferred an attorney from juvenile court
into the felony division. He tries to transfer attorneys around to meet the demand.
The caseload in District Court is rising due to population increases and added
enforcement. They are within the standard of 400 cases per attorney per year for
juvenile court.
The prosecuting attorney's staffing levels are much less than the public
defender's. The Public Defender's Department handles only the cases that are
indigent while his office handles all cases. The Public Defender's Department has
the same number of attorneys as the Prosecuting Attorney's Office, with fewer
cases. It's taking longer to get through the cases. The attorneys on his staff are
outnumbered, three -to -one. Six more attorneys would give him parity with the
Public Defender's Department. He's not asking for that. He definitely needs one
attorney. If they don't balance the system, the cases will take longer to get
through the system. He wants the number of attorneys to be equal.
Roy asked if the prosecuting attorneys' and public defenders' cases are equal
in terms of preparation time. McEachran stated he has more time invested before
the case is filed, and the law enforcement will work with the prosecutors. The
public defenders interact with the defender. He works with the victims. As the
prosecutor, he has to have his witnesses ready. The time spent is about equal.
McShane asked if there are comparisons from other counties. McEachran
stated he can research that question.
Caskey- Schreiber stated the Council will lobby for funding for the federal
cases that the County prosecutes. She asked about information about border
arrests. McEachran stated there are about 150 felony border cases per year. He
estimated the cost at $2.2 million per year. Representative Larson has the bill
before Congress to get that money.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape three, side A.)
McEachran continued to state that they are seeing more crimes involving
guns and very dangerous people. They can't afford to let these people into the
community. In addition to the violence, he is concerned about the
methamphetamine drug cases. The number of border drug cases remains the same.
There was a jump in the number of local drug cases. The quantities are much
larger and the violence is increasing.
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Fleetwood asked the reason for the increase in the meth cases in 2002.
McEachran stated the labs have been working their way north from California.
There have been several cases where children are exposed to the labs. It's an easy
drug for the people to make.
Caskey- Schreiber asked the cost to the County of prosecuting the border
cases. McEachran stated he could provide that information.
Roy asked if there are cases they don't prosecute because of staffing issues,
or if Mr. McEachran prosecutes everything he can. McEachran stated he doesn't
prosecute some property cases. He tries to assess the risk to the community. He
also doesn't prosecute bad check cases, and uses an alternative program instead.
Roy asked if they would prosecute more or spend more time on current cases
if they had more attorneys. McEachran stated he won't lower the standards.
Roy asked which law enforcement agencies, except the Border Patrol, the
County gets cases from, such as the City of Bellingham. McEachran stated he
prosecutes cases from the Sheriff's Office, every municipality in the county, and the
State Patrol.
Roy stated she would like to look at information on the overall performance
of the number of deputies and the results.
Fleetwood asked how the overburdened caseload manifests itself on the
prosecutors. McEachran stated the prosecutors work late. They are on -call all the
time. They are very stressed. They work very hard. They are pressured to get an
average of one case done every day.
He asked the Council to reconsider the ASR for the additional attorney.
(Clerk's Note: Discussion continued below.)
Public Defender's Office
Jon Ostlund, Public Defender, submitted information (on file). One of his
ASR's was reduced, and another was denied. He put in an ASR for one full -time
equivalent (FTE) attorney. This summer, he asked the Council to add a temporary
attorney for the remainder of the year. The Council approved the request. That
gives him 13 full time positions and one temporary attorney.
His office is divided into three divisions, by court. There are three attorneys
assigned to District Court to handle 1,500 cases this year. The standard of
Washington State and National Bar Associations is for 300 cases per attorney per
year. Juvenile court has less than 2.5 FTE attorneys. The juvenile criminal cases
have been decreasing the last few years. The total caseload works out to 350
cases per year, and 700 probation violations. There is one attorney for juvenile
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civil cases. She handles about 200 cases per year, not including the contempt
cases. The dependency cases last several years. The parental termination cases
take a lot of time and resources. There are no standards for juvenile civil cases.
He has eight attorneys assigned to adult felonies, including the half time he
spends on these cases. His adult felony attorneys handle about 214 cases per year.
If they had to eliminate this temporary attorney, the caseload would increase to
250 cases per attorney per year. One attorney works in drug court and also works
felony cases. Drug court is a wonderful program, but they get no federal money for
it. It takes about 25 to 30 percent of an attorney's time.
There are seven homicide cases pending trial. The main problem is getting
the resources and time to prepare the homicide cases for trial. They all take a
tremendous amount of work. The cases get continued because the non - homicide
felony cases must be handled as they come in.
He asked for this FTE position, or an increase in the extra help fund to
maintain the position as a temporary position. The only place he can decrease staff
is in the adult felony court. The numbers of attorneys in the other courts are
already at their minimum.
An attorney can only spends 1,700 hours per case per year. With 214 cases
per year, only eight hours are spent on each felony case. The national average is
12 to 15 hours per felony cases. Conflict attorneys spend an average of 11 to 17
hours per case, not including homicide cases. Eight hours per case is not enough.
The other ASR is for professional services court evaluations. The
administration approved partial funding. He's had to ask his attorneys to defer
spending money in preparing homicide cases until next year. They are delaying
this year's expenses to next year. The seven homicide cases they have now will all
require professional services, such as DNA testing.
Caskey- Schreiber asked if it's the Council's intent to approve the budget on
November 5, when they won't know the results of the EMS levy. Desler stated the
budget is built on the assumption that the levy won't pass.
Roy stated they will need to have further budget discussions once they know
the results of the levy vote.
Nelson stated the expenditures requested by the Public Defender are not
one -time expenditures. They are ongoing expenditures. He asked the increase is
adequate to meet the increased emphasis the administration is placing on meth
labs in the county. Ostlund stated he doesn't know because he doesn't know how
many cases that focus would bring to his office. The percentage of cases he gets
from that type of activity is slightly less than other types of activity. There is a
greater number of those arrested that can higher private attorneys.
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Nelson asked if Ostlund is concerned if the Sheriff's Office gets additional
staff for meth lab enforcement. Ostlund stated there will be some increase in his
workload.
McEachran stated that whenever officers are added, there is an impact to the
courts. He feels those impacts immediately.
Ostlund stated that he tries to budget within historical work levels, not
projected workloads. That keeps his requests down, but he is always budgeting to
the edge of available funding.
Law Library
McEachran asked to increase the Law Library approved ASR from $2,500 to
$5,000.
Caskey- Schreiber stated the University of Washington law library just
received several million dollars from the Gates Foundation. She asked if the
Whatcom County library has access to that resource. McEachran stated they have
access to the books, not money. The attorney's are really using electronic
research. The public is also using the law library.
Roy asked if there will be a time when it won't be necessary to keep
purchasing books. McEachran stated that's true to a large degree. They still need
some volumes to take into court. They only get one or two sets of the Revised
Code of Washington (RCW). They are effectively using online research. The law
library is doing that also, but it's nice to have some of the volumes on hand.
Roy asked if the County buy the prosecutors and defense attorneys laptop
computers. McEachran stated he's replacing the desktop computers with laptop
computers.
Juvenile Court /Probation /Detention
Steve Paus, Juvenile Court Administrator, stated the juvenile population has
risen a small amount since 1996. The number of juvenile arrests have gone down.
There is more court activity, but fewer arrests. Cases are divided according to risk.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape three, side 8.)
Paus continued to state that the caseload is handled by one person who
works closely with the families. It's less of a community supervision model and
more of a monitoring model. There are more high -risk kids coming through the
system than before. Community supervision sentences ordered this year total 826.
it's projected to be 991 by the end of the year.
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There has been a decrease in State and other grants by approximately
$75,000, which is 12 percent. The staff level is also reduced by two. One position
was a grant- funded person. The other position eliminated was one detention
officer.
Expenditures increased modestly. Some cost centers have been folded into
other cost centers, not eliminated.
They worked hard this year with detention staff and the union. Staffing
schedules have been changed to become more flexible. Sick leave and overtime
use have been reduced.
Caskey- Schreiber asked about the education specialist position that was
reduced. Paus stated this was a person who worked with kids both in and out of
detention. The staff in detention is still the same.
The Juvenile Justice Center is a detention alternative. A problem with
detention is that it disconnects the kids from the schools. They have a difficult time
being accepted back into the public school. He wants to emphasize more time on
education and vocational work experience in the future.
The Region Three Detention and Juvenile Courts have a $20,000 grant to
provide a presentation from people in Multnomah County on what they did
regarding their overcrowding situation in detention and disproportionate minority
confinement. The team will have representatives from the court commissioners,
the prosecutors, the public defender, juvenile court administration, schools, and
social services representatives. He asked a councilmember to join them. They will
look at the kids they are putting into detention, who needs to be there, and
alternatives to lock -up.
Brenner stated she's heard complaints that the education component has
really been glorified babysitting. She asked how they ensure the education
component is truly educational. Paus stated the Juvenile Justice Center is a
transitional point, not a substitute for school. He contracted with Home Port
Learning Center, which helps the kids earn credit. Lots of kids work on their
general educational development (GED) credentials, and transfer to the technical
college to finish their GED's.
Brenner asked for statistics. Paus stated he would provide that information.
They do risk assessment at six months and 12 months.
Nelson stated they talked last year about helping with skill development.
Paus stated they looked at the youth that leave community supervision but still
have financial obligations. A process is set up for collecting that information.
That's been working well. Part of detention alternative is to have agreement
amongst the players, especially the Public Defender and Prosecutor.
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Crawford asked about the facility at the Civic Center. Paus stated he gets
complaints about it being freezing cold. He doesn't know what can be done. There
is a problem with the heat and air conditioning.
Crawford asked about the structure itself. He's concerned that there is wear
and tear in a building that is worn and torn anyway. Paus stated part of the
facilities plan is to expand into where the Public Defender used to be for a
classroom and other uses. The space is empty now.
One of his ASR's is for a data system. If requested, he can provide a
demonstration on the data system.
What- Comm /Council of Governments /Medic One /All Other Non - Departmental
Nelson asked about item 43 regarding bonds. Desler stated that was part of
the refinance of the bonds the County did in April. A final, residual amount of
$1,000 had to be paid.
Nelson asked about item 48 regarding salaries. Desler stated it is the
amount necessary to pay the annual increase in salaries and wages.
Caskey- Schreiber asked about Alcoa funding. Desler stated the County
anticipates a contribution to the County of over $300,000. It was a negotiated item
with the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). This is the last year the County
will receive this funding.
Crawford asked about page ten of the non - department ASR's regarding
strategic planning. Desler stated he would like to have a discussion with the
Council and department heads this spring to rebuild the County's strategic plan for
the next couple of years.
Nelson asked if every non - department request was considered, and if any
were denied. Desler stated the Jazz Festival asked for $5,000 or $10,000 that the
administration was not able to support because it's a new request. They usually
pay for the cost of the Law and Justice Council in the non - departmental category.
That $10,000 will be added to the technical corrections information.
Crawford asked what they funded last year for the Law and Justice Council.
Desler stated the County provided $10,000 for clerical support.
The Council concurred that it would like an update from the Law and Justice
Council.
Roy asked why the Convention and Visitor's Bureau receives much more
funding than the Chamber of Commerce or other similar organizations. Desler
stated the summary is on page 114. For many years, the County has supported
the Convention and Visitor's Bureau from a convention center fund, which is a two
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percent tax on hotel /motel sales in the unincorporated areas. The County supports
the efforts of the Belli ngham /Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The purpose of the fund is to foster tourism.
Roy asked if there is money left over for other tourism efforts. Desler stated
there is some other funding available.
Caskey- Schreiber asked about the decrease in the morgue funding. Desler
stated the administration renegotiated a long -term lease agreement. The County is
getting more money from the State Office of Forensic Examinations in
reimbursements for certain autopsies.
Brenner stated funding goes down for Womencare Shelter and up for the
Domestic Violence Commission. Desler stated that in 2002, Womencare Shelter
wanted additional funds to pay for a few one -time upgrades in 2003. The Domestic
Violence Commission asked for an increase so the City contribution matches the
City of Bellingham's contribution.
Brian Shessler, for the Agricultural Preservation Committee, stated he would
speak regarding starling control. They've been getting matching contributions from
several organizations, including the Farm Bureau, the Dairy Federation, and
individual contributions. They are happy with the way things are going. The
number of birds trapped and killed each year changes due to migratory and
weather conditions. This year, 17,000 starlings were killed since May or June.
Considering that eliminates nesting pairs, there are about 100,000 birds total killed
this year so far. British Columbia won't institute a program, which would be
effective in controlling local populations.
Jessica Staton, Lydia Place Board of Directors, thanked the councilmembers
for the $10,000 of support. It's a wise County investment. Former residents come
back and contribute to the program and the community. A former resident is now a
board member. They are requesting funding for the children's therapeutic
program.
Shannon Vaughn, Lydia Place Board of Directors President, stated the
preponderance of residents are victims of domestic violence. The program helps
kids who are delayed developmentally. It also helps to stop the cycle of violence.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape four, side A.)
Vaughn continued to state there's a component for the mothers that
addresses parenting. That's what the County would fund. If they can change the
cycle of violence, it has a long -term benefit.
Caskey- Schreiber asked if they participate in a toy drive at Christmas.
Vaughn stated the agency is involved with private companies.
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Roy asked if therapists volunteer. Vaughn stated they've not been involved
in providing therapists in the past. They refer to other services in the community.
Rod Posher, Economic Development Council (EDC), thanked the Council for
its support. Earlier this month, the EDC Board met to look at goals for the next five
years and will develop a work plan. There will be a marketing program and
outreach for the entire county. There will be more involvement by the EDC in the
smaller cities. The EDC will add a seat on the Board of Directors to include small
cities. The EDC is planning a new website to focus on commercial real estate
brokers to provide demographic data for people who potentially want to locate a
business in the area.
McShane asked about outreach for more Economic Development Investment
(EDI) Board applications. Posher stated they have delivered copies of the program
and application forms to various locations around the county. There are three
applications in process. Of the three, two involve direct business retention or
expansion efforts. Another project involves a Canadian company locating in
Whatcom County. As of now, the plan isn't yet firm. Also, the website will include
more detailed information on the EDI program and the overall business incentives
that are available in Whatcom County. They have to do more matchmaking
between projects and the public entities that would be involved to make the
projects happen. As they begin to attract more business, they will see more of that
matchmaking occur. That program is one of the best incentives Whatcom County
has to offer.
Caskey- Schreiber stated a project like the Farmer's Market expansion is a
way to stimulate investment in the area. There are many business owners who
bring their produce to the market. Posher stated agriculture is a business. There
may be an opportunity to work with the Farmer's Market. In the past, he's been
able to use public dollars for a grower's market that was looking for a public
location. That may be an opportunity locally.
Brian Hunter, Mt. Baker Theater, thanked the Council for the $5,000 the
County contributes for the theater's educational program.
Roy asked if there is a fee for the groups who participate in the educational
program. Hunter stated the fee is $4 per student. The majority of the fees come
from the Parent Teacher Associations.
Caskey- Schreiber asked if there is a way to waive the fee. Hunter stated
they have waived the fee on occasion. Usually the schools find a way to fund the
service.
Leslie Brewster, Whatcom Symphony Orchestra Executive Director, thanked
the Council for its support. Whatcom County is fortunate to have the quality of this
orchestra. Most of the orchestra musicians are professionals who volunteer their
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time. Ticket sales don't cover the cost of the productions. They give the schools
free concerts and educate the students about music.
Fleetwood asked if all the musicians are local residents. Brewster stated
some are from Canada or the San Juan Islands.
Fleetwood asked if they are of all ages. Brewster stated the musicians are
aged from 18 to 80. She is also marketing the orchestra to the residents of the
San Juan Islands.
Caskey- Schreiber thanked Ms. Brewster for doing the outreach program to
students.
Roy asked if Skagit County has a venue or orchestra. Brewster stated Skagit
County has a smaller orchestra with its own concert hall.
Gordon Rodgers, Council of Governments, thanked the Council for its
support. He hoped the Council would continue to support the Council of
Governments.
Crawford asked if the post transportation summit is funded by Alcoa.
Rodgers stated it's not. Two years ago, there was a summit sponsored by
Community Health Partnership. Everyone at the summit agreed that something
should be done to plan for transportation in the county that would provide greater
connectivity and better alternatives for transportation. A steering committee
worked on those issues for two years. The Council of Governments was requested
to take a leadership role and provide administrative support for that ongoing effort,
which included establishing a Community Transportation Advisory Group. The
advisory group has been developed. These funds are for continued support of that
work.
Desler stated they are using Alcoa dollars for that service. Alcoa has agreed
to fund this service.
Nelson asked if the legislative specialist is the grant writer. Rodgers stated it
is not. It is used for the lobbyist that supports Whatcom County in Olympia during
the legislative session. They've used this lobbyist for about six years. The position
is funded by all the jurisdictional entities in the county. The position of grant writer
never materialized.
Caskey- Schreiber asked if the County is going to have to make decisions
about these programs next year when the Alcoa funding is gone. Desler stated the
commitment for this program was to support it for 2003 and 2004. That work has
support from the City of Bellingham and the Whatcom Transportation Authority
(WTA). The Council will see reports about the results of this advisory committee.
By the end of next year, they'll have a chance to see the next phase. The COG
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may continue to do other things. The County will no longer have to fund this
particular item.
Regarding other Alcoa- funded items, the administration anticipates funding
some of those items, such as Lydia Place, that are focused on social services.
Caskey- Schreiber asked if the COG will bring forward a transportation plan
that incorporates the Highway 9 truck route. Rodgers stated the plan will not
directly incorporate that route.
The original intent of the summit work was that it not be a finite process, but
that it be an ongoing process for the citizens of the community to provide
meaningful input into how transportation decisions are made. The County has said
it will provide these funds for two years. That doesn't mean the COG won't ask for
more. After the two -year period, they hope to be self- sufficient through grants and
other funding.
Caskey- Schreiber asked if Joe Rutan participates.
Crawford stated Jeff Monsen attends every once in a while. The State has a
designation for regional transportation planning organization. Whatcom County has
delegated that role to the COG. The COG has that role and the role of metropolitan
transportation planning organization. The Council participates in the COG boards.
He asked about the lobbyist for Washington D.C. Rodgers stated that lobbyist was
in place for about a year and a half. It was paid for by a consortium of local
governments. Last year, that group decided to no longer fund that position.
Roy stated she's always been confused about the exact role of COG. She
asked if the COG's coordination efforts extend beyond transportation issues. Before
she was on the County Council, she was involved in a coastal zone management
grant group and remembers the COG being involved. Rodgers stated that
involvement was a rare instances. Sometimes the community asks the COG to
become involved in a project. In some instances, the COG simply acts as a pass -
through agency for the grant. That was the situation with the coastal zone
management grant. COG worked with the State Department of Ecology and the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to acquire the grant.
Most of the funds went out to the program. They may look at an implantation
phase of that program. The final project looks like it will be well- respected and lead
to some implementation for Birch Bay.
Roy stated the COG representative was extremely helpful in that program.
She asked if the COG is open to talking about those kinds of community activities.
Rodgers stated they are. It's not rare to get those kinds of requests.
Crawford stated he'd like to see an expanded role for COG in doing regional
planning, countywide planning, and working with the small cities. Unfortunately,
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this County Council doesn't often work with the Lynden City Council, as an
example. The COG could play a role in facilitating that type of interaction.
Desler stated the COG can perform a number of duties in the area of solid
waste, law enforcement, and law and justice. However, both the strength and
weakness of the COG is that it's a voluntary organization. All the parties have to
agree. That's difficult to do.
Caskey- Schreiber stated she'd like to hear more throughout the year about
what the COG is doing. She'd like more regular reporting from the County
councilmembers who are involved with COG.
Desler stated the COG is an incubator in the community for systems and
programs. It should continue to do that.
Rodgers stated staff is always willing to provide reports and presentations to
the Council.
(Discussion of What- Comm /Council of Governments /Medic One /All Other Non -
Departmental continued below.)
District Court Probation
Bruce Van Glubt, District Court and Probation Administrator, stated District
Court Probation has had a very good year. One reason is because they've made
good hiring decisions. The department has been fully staffed the entire year, for
the first time in 13 years. Staff solved a significant computer problem. The
database now works very quickly. They continue to have specialized caseloads,
including domestic violence. They have developed policies and procedures,
standardized the frequency of contacts and field visits, and are in the middle of a
study to gauge the effectiveness of the unit. The University of Washington is
interested in a research project based on his program.
The department continues to do risk assessment of misdemeanant offenders.
The program is organized to identify the low -risk offenders and put them in one
caseload, separate from high -risk offenders. They have implemented the substance
abuse unit and conducted over 300 evaluations. Five to eight percent of those
clients have been indigent.
They coordinate regular quarterly meetings with the local probation
departments and the domestic violence batterer's programs. He is initiating similar
meetings with substance abuse providers. The system works better, helps with
victim safety, and holds the offender more accountable. He submitted information
on district court probations referrals received this year (on file).
(Clerk's Note: End of tape four, side 8.)
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Crawford asked if crimes in Bellingham are listed separately. Van Glubt
stated Bellingham and all municipal courts contract with him for probation services.
Caskey- Schreiber stated the urinalysis (UI) tests increased by 1,000 for 2001
to 2002, then increased only minimally in 2003. Van Glubt stated his department
collects the sample and ships the sample to the State contracted lab. He doesn't
know the reason for the substantial increase between 2001 and 2002. One
explanation may be that it became an easier tool to use. The impact of jail
overcrowding on his office is that instead of going to jail, people are receiving a
probation sentence. That may be another explanation for the increase in UI tests.
District Court
Bruce Van Glubt, District Court and Probation Administrator, thanked the
Council for the digital recording equipment approved last year. District Court has
had a good year, but is struggling. The number of cases filed went up 29 percent
from 2001 to 2003, equaling 5,500 new infraction cases. They're very labor
intensive. There is a lot of paperwork involved. District Court will bring in over $2
million in current expense revenue. He submitted information (on file) on court
filings by case type. They have yet to see the full impact of the local 40 percent
increase in the State Patrol that was implemented on July 1. He anticipates that as
they go into 2004, there will be a large increase in infractions. That same increase
will take place if the Sheriff's Office receives new deputies. All the increases in
infractions result in the need for more clerical work. The department is processing
more paperwork and documents. He's analyzed and optimized the workflow in the
department. Staff has aggressively used volunteers. They will exceed last year's
revenues by about six percent.
He asked the Council to approve the administration's recommendation for a
full -time position in his office. His staff is having a difficult time answering the
phone, is not processing all bankruptcy cases, and people are lined up out the door.
They are years behind in closing out cases. He can't absorb any more workload.
Caskey- Schreiber asked if adding Sheriff's deputies would eventually add to
the District Court workload. Van Glubt stated it might. New deputies write a lot of
traffic tickets. That's how they get their start. That impacts his office.
Nelson stated last year they talked about a backlog in fines that were not
collected. Van Glubt stated the amnesty program ran for two months last year.
They collected about $130,000 to $140,000 in revenue they would not have
otherwise seen. The court can withdraw any case from collections at any time. To
be effective, an amnesty program can only be run every five to seven years.
Nelson asked about paying tickets online. Van Glubt stated they talked
about using credit cards over the phone. They were not able to show that they
could bring in more revenue than they would have achieved otherwise. There is
still a credit card option.
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Desler stated they have to consider the effect of adding deputies to other
departments. For every additional deputy they add, they have to add $60,000 to
the rest of the law and justice system.
Crawford asked if the administration included the extra $120,000 to the
budget to accommodate the two new deputies it is recommending. Desler stated
the administration needs to add a clerk to District Court. There were 12 people in
District Court Probation. Today, if this is approved, there will be 35 people. That is
the nature of the system as population increases. The administration looked at
other elements of the system. The Council added another prosecutor mid -year last
year that continues this year. The Council also added a temporary part time
position to the Public Defender's Office.
Roy stated she would like to see a breakdown of how the $60,000 is applied
to the system. If a higher police presence is in a neighborhood, it will reduce the
number of arrests because the increased police presence will reduce crime. She
would like to see the impacts to the system from having an increased number of
deputies.
Caskey- Schreiber stated they can't turn their backs on entire communities,
such as Kendall, that don't feel safe. If the emergency medical service (EMS) levy
passes, they have to look at the entire law and justice system and make an overall
system improvement. They have a responsibility to address public safety, which
isn't happening in Kendall. There is no respect for law there because there is no
law out there. As an elected person, she can't ignore that serious problem.
What- Comm /Council of Governments /Medic One /All Other Non - Departmental
(Continued from above.)
Joy Keenan, Whatcom Volunteer Center, stated the volunteer center has
almost 350 partner agencies that provide 400 opportunities. They've got 3,500
volunteer skills and interests in the database. She appreciated the support the
County provides.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 4:47 p.m.
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Service Committee - 2004 Budget, 10/28/03, Page 33
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
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WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk Sam Crawford, Committee Chair
Finance and Administrative Service Committee - 2004 Budget, 10/28/03, Page 34