HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpecial Council February 21 1992WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
February 21, 1992
The meeting was called to order at 9 a.m. in the Council Chambers, 1000 N. Forest, 2nd
floor, by Chairperson Dan Warner.
Also present:
Ken Henderson
Bob Imhof
Larry Harris
Marge Laidlaw
Barbara Brenner (late)
Absent:
Dennis Vander Yacht
1. OPTIONS FOR FUNDING COUNTY -WIDE FLOOD PROGRAMS (AB91-
071L)
Warner reviewed the results of the February 7, 1992, meeting.
Topics discussed: Concepts of the groupings suggested as a basis for charging the fees under
Funding Mechanism 2; whether or not to put a minimum fee to be billed (consensus seems
to be that everyone should be assessed); percentage breakdowns for each group; number of
groups to set up; Funding Mechanism 1(which seems to smack of an ad valorem tax); charts
and graphs in the packets; the differentials between the two approaches; whether or not a
cap should be placed on the charges; the effects on affordable housing (the amounts are so
small that the effects are probably negligible); flood management problems created by the
wording in the RCW (storm water and flood control laws conflict); assessments on
properties owned by various cities in the county; - timber land valuations; persons or
departments responsible for administering and defending the program; who would approach
the Indians for their "contributions" which are not included in the projected $23 million;
public hearing processes; time requirements; objections that could be made by multi - parcel
owners.
Persons speaking: Linda Irvin, Program Analyst from the Executive's Office; Randy Watts,
Civil Prosecuting Attorney; Bob Woods, Council Budget Analyst; Henderson; Imhof;
Warner; Laidlaw; Harris; Ed Henken, County Engineer; Dave Bayes, northeast county
resident; Fred Nowicke, Deming Diking District; Bob Knudson, citizen; and Brenner.
Imhof suggested taking the eleven - category list, starting at a $10 fee for those in category
1, then increasing the fee by $5 in each successive category (category 2: $15, category 3: $20,
etc.). This plan would raise approximately $2.3 million. Most people would be paying $20
to $30 per parcel.
In order to assist those who might want to consolidate their contiguous parcels, staff has
been requested to work with Keith Willnauer, County Assessor, to compile an information
packet delineating the process for consolidation.
To clarify, this is'a rate and charge, not a tax; it is not a permanent, forever charge, either.
Result of the special meeting: To introduce at the next regular County Council meeting a
resolution under the flood control program which encompasses the eleven categories of
Funding Mechanism 2 and the fee schedule suggested by Imhof; which requests cooperation
from the Indian tribes, and, if appropriate or necessary, which contains the answers reviewed
delegating the responsibility for administering the fee and its collection.
Irvin will prepare the resolution to be presented at the next Council meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 11 :50 a.m.
ATTEST:
Nancy C Acting Clerk
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NANCX\COUNCII Ml
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Daniel M. Warner, Chairman