HomeMy WebLinkAboutres2018-010WHATCOH COUNTY COUNCIL AGENDA BILL NO. 2018 -083
CLEARANCES
Initial
Date
Date Received in Council O ice
Agenda Date
Assigned to:
Originator: a
3119
3/27/2018
Finance /Council
GICiIvIC
Division head:
� 1
A �1 COUNTY
IL
Dept. Head:
Prosecutor:
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Purchasing /Budget
Executive:
TITLE OF DOCUMENT: Claim or State Reimbursement for SSB5472 Ballot Drop Boxes
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution Authoring Filing Claim, Memo from Pros Atty Office, State Reimb Voucher, Spreadsheet of Costs
Incurred
SEPA review required? ( ) Yes ( x ) NO
Should Clerk schedule a hearing? ( ) Yes ( x ) NO
SEPA review completed? ( ) Yes (x ) NO
Requested Date:
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE: (If this item is an ordinance or requires a public
hearing, you must provide the language for use in the required public notice. Be specific and cite RCW or WCC as appropriate. Be
clear in explaining the intent of the action.)
In 2017, the Legislature adopted SSB5472 which expanded the number of ballot drop boxes each county is
required to install in its jurisdiction and the Legislature did not appropriate any financial resources to implement
the bill. This resolution supporting efforts to make voting more accessible to voters in the county also sees the
need for reimbursement for the additional costs incurred pursuant to RCW 43.135.060 (unfunded mandates).
COMMITTEE ACTION. •
COUNCIL ACTION:
3/27/2018: Forwarded to Council for approval
3/27/2018: Approved 6 -0, Sidhu absent, Res. 2018 -010
Related County Contract #:
Related File Numbers:
Ordinance or Resolution Number:
Res. 2018 -010
Please Note: Once adopted and signed, ordinances and resolutions are available for viewing and printing on
the County's website at: www.co.whatcom.wa.us /council.
INTRODUCED:
RESOLUTION NO. 2018 -010
Auditor
AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF A CLAIM WITH THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR UNFUNDED BALLOT BOX MANDATE
Whereas, a fundamental feature of a democracy is a citizen's right to vote.
The right to vote has been described by the United States Supreme Court as
"preservative of all rights." In order for the right to vote to be meaningful, citizens
must have reasonable ballot access; and
Whereas, in 2017, in an effort to increase voter access, the Washington State
Legislature adopted SSB 5472. Laws of 2017, ch. 327, codified as RCW
29A.40.160(15). The bill significantly expands the number of ballot drop boxes each
county is required to install in its jurisdiction; and
Whereas, the Legislature recognized that the initial statewide capital cost to
implement SSB 5472 would be approximately $1,028,000, with ongoing annual
costs estimated at $257,000; and
Whereas, despite recognizing the significant additional cost imposed on
counties by passage of SB 5472, the Legislature did not appropriate any financial
resources to implement the bill; and
Whereas, Whatcom County supports efforts to make voting more accessible
so that citizens have a voice in local, state, and federal elections. In response to
SSB 5472, in 2017, Whatcom County purchased and installed three (3) additional
drop boxes at a cost of $8,012.92. The cost to operate these additional drop boxes
in 2017 was $706.21; and
Whereas, the ongoing annual cost to operate these additional drop boxes is
estimated to be approximately $1,758.00; and
Whereas, pursuant to RCW 43.135.060, the Legislature may not impose
responsibility for new programs or increased levels of service on the County unless it
reimburses the County by specific appropriation for the costs of the new program or
increased level of service; and
Whereas, recognizing the benefit to the public, the County dedicated its
limited financial resources to fund the required additional ballot boxes. These costs,
however, should be borne by the State of Washington.
Page 1
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Whatcom County Council that the
Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney is authorized to file a claim with the State of
Washington, pursuant to chapter 4.92 RCW, requesting an appropriation of funds to
cover the initial capital and ongoing costs resulting from implementation of SSB
5472.
Passed this 2_t,�y��Q,f March
rah , 2018.
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ATTEST: : C'j � COUNTY
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Dana Brovvllp- Davi�y Pi pr the Council
APPROVED AS` s F M.
Royce B - am, Civil Deputy Prosecutor
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WHATCO C U OUNCIL
WHATCOM C U ASHINGTON
Rud Browne, Council Chair