HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance October 31 1994WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance & Personnel Committee
October 31, 1994
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Committee Chair Alvin
Starkenburg in the Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue.
Also Present: Absent:
Ward Nelson None
Barbara Brenner (late)
Ken Henderson was also present.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
BUDGET HEARINGS FOR THE FOLLOWING DEPARTMENTS: SUPERIOR
COURT /CLERK, DISTRICT COURT /ADULT PROBATION, PROSECUTING
ATTORNEY, SHERIFF /JAIL, PUBLIC DEFENDER, AND JUVENILE
PROBATION.
SUPERIOR COURT
Speakers:
N.F. Jackson, Clerk, Superior Court
Kathy Walker, Prosecuting Attorney
N.F. spoke to the different areas of service in the Superior Court. He pointed out
that Whatcom County has the lowest staffed courthouse in the state. the need for
additional staff, although this has not been asked for at this time, is very great. He
urged the Council put some funding for Criminal Justice back into the 1995 budget and
also asked for funding for Phase III, integration of the AS -400 of the Criminal Justice
Information Sharing Plan.
Discussion /questions and answers then ensued.
Kathy Walker spoke to the AS -400 system.
DISTRICT COURT
Speakers:
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Fred Thompson, District Court Probation, noted that additional positions have
been requested (permanent) and funding means are being sought. Case loads have
increased. The judges have increased the probation fees 66 %, which will allow his
department to bring in additional revenue. He also stated his department concentrates
on three main areas: drinking /driving- related offenses; domestic assaults; and restitution
to victims.
PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
Speakers:
Dave McEachran, Prosecuting Attorney
Kathy Walker, Prosecuting Attorney
Dave McEachran spoke to his department's increase in business. The number of
major cases are expected to continue to increase. The Felony Division is the area
receiving the greatest impact, strangling with the very large load they have (250 cases per
attorney).
Ms. Walker spoke to administrative allocations.
SHERIFF
Speakers:
Dale Brandland, Sheriff
Dave Wareing, Sheriff's Office
Ray Gordon, Chief of Corrections
Sheriff Brandland handed out a brief packet and spoke briefly about domestic
violence. He also requested increased funding. The need for services is greater than the
available funding.
Dave Wareing answered questions regarding property crimes and drug arrests.
Mr. Gordon spoke about correction options in the County, as well as jail medical
care.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Speakers:
Dale Brandland, Sheriff
Neil Clement, Deputy, Emergency Management
Finance Minutes, 10/31/94, Page 2
Sheriff Brandland answered questions. Mr. Clement spoke to volunteer staff and
disaster training.
PUBLIC DEFENDER
Speakers:
Jon Ostlund, Public Defender
N.F. Jackson, Clerk, Superior Court
Mr. Ostlund spoke to his goals regarding representation by his office.
N.F. answered a question regarding welfare guidelines, which are based on state
guidelines.
JUVENILE PROBATION
Speakers:
Gary Wood, Juvenile Court Probation
Bill Van Diest, Detention Manager
Gary Wood spoke to the increase in the numbers of youth crimes, as well as to
his budget. Mr. Van Diest addressed some of the revenue projection questions.
G"I i 1`
The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
Chris Hatch, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
Ramona Reeves, Clerk of the Council
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
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Alvin Starkenburg, Council Mi;
Finance Minutes, 10/31/94, Page 3