HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023/08/28 - Briefing BOARD OF MASON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' BRIEFING MINUTES
Mason County Commission Chambers,411 North 5th Street,Shelton,WA
Week of August 28,2023
Monday,August 28,2023
9:00 A.M. Closed Session—RCW 42.30.140(4)Labor Discussion
Commissioners Neatherlin,Shutty,and Trask met in closed session for labor
negotiation via Zoom from 10:00 a.m.to 11:00 a.m. Mark Neary, Mary Ransier,
Misty Kuhl,Cabot Dow,and Lindsey Smith were also in attendance.
10:00 A.M. Great Peninsula Conservancy—Erik Steffens
Commissioners Neatherlin,Shutty,and Trask were in attendance via Zoom.
• Erik,Conservation Director of the Great Peninsula Conservancy,shared a PowerPoint
presentation on the Tahuya River Project. Topics included project information,phase 1,and
riparian conferral.
10:15 A.M. Port of Allyn—Lary Coppola
Commissioners Neatherlin,Shutty,and Trask were in attendance via Zoom.
• Lary read a letter requesting to modify the$100,000 American Rescue Plan Act(ARPA)fund
contract previously awarded to the Port of Allyn for a well project to include purchase of the
Allyn Carey Community Water System. Tabled.
10:30 A.M. Auditor—Steve Duenkel
Commissioners Neatherlin, Shutty,and Trask were in attendance via Zoom.
• Steve reviewed his request for the Fiscal Year 2024 Information Security Grant funding from
the Secretary of State. Funding is for tabulation and ballot processing room revisions, ballot
drop box relocation,backup generator,Election Day security,an Election's department
vehicle,and a vote center in Belfair. Commissioners shared concerns regarding the vehicle
and asked for firm numbers.
10:35 A.M. Public Works—Loretta Swanson
Utilities& Waste Management
Commissioners Neatherlin, Shutty,and Trask were in attendance via Zoom.
• Mark Neary shared updates on the Harstine Island Bridge project and upcoming items.
10:40 A.M. Support Services—Mark Neary
Commissioners Neatherlin,Shutty,and Trask were in attendance via Zoom.
• Diane Zoren shared a request from Skookum Rotary to use bleachers for Oysterfest.
Approved to move forward.
• Jennifer Beierle shared the July 2023 Financial Report. Current Expense revenue
$26,645,683 at 62%; last year$26,543,191 at 65%. Treasurer Department receipts
$18,299,104 at 64%;last year$19,057,184 at 71%. Current Expense expenditure
$25,157,501 at 52%; last year$22,845,958 at 52%. Six-Year Specific Revenue Streams:
Community Development revenue$1,569,775;Detention and Correction services$41,709;
Current Expense property tax$6,101,769;Road Diversion property tax$640,764;County
Road property tax$6,115,709;Current Expense sales tax$5,221,034;Criminal Justice taxes
$1,245,955;Rural Sales and Use$633,281;Homelessness Prevention filings$299,041;
Lodging tax$485,945;REST 1 and 2$824,602 each. Total collected revenue$5,221,033.97;
revenue budgeted$8.4 million;and projected end of year revenue$9,580,376.95. Current
Expense cash$28,295,626;Special Fund cash$60,196,326. Motor Pool$789,817 at 46.14%.
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Special and Other Funds revenue$34,039,270 at 56%; last year$33,121,087 at 41%. Special
and Other Funds expenditure$27,762,664 at 36%; last year$26,470,225 at 30%.
• Mary Ransier discussed the Memorandum of Understanding with Woodworkers Local Lodge
W38, I.A.M.to correct an error in the salary table for Deputy Public Defender step.
Approved to move forward.
• Mark discussed North Mason building revisions for staffing and individual department plans.
Departments include the Sheriff's Office,Assessor, Auditor,Community Development,and
Public Health,and Treasurer. There are three alternate plans to review:green,orange,and
blue.
Tuesday,August 29,2023
10:00 A.M. Public Works Utility Rates—Loretta Swanson&Richard Dickinson
Commissioners Neatherlin,Shutty,and Trask were in attendance via Zoom.
• Mark presented an overview and summary of the work behind the utility rates. Public Works
employed TDJ Accounting to help develop the utility rates. Enough funds must be collected
to cover the cost of operation,maintenance of utilities,and potential future expansion. The
intent is for development to pay for development. 2°d Quarter Real Estate Excise Tax(BEET)
and.09 Rural Sales and Use Tax has been used for funding certain projects. Long term goals
include protecting customers,not implementing high rate increases, and planning ahead so
utilities are self-sustaining. Loretta added the need to improve on the"look ahead"to forecast
for the next ten years in terms of major maintenance needs and future capital—expansion or
preserving and protecting current infrastructure and ensuring best service possible is being
provided. These future capital needs will further be refined. An affordability analysis
calculator will be shared. 2023 rates and percentage increases were explained. The target is
2%of the median household income. TDJ Accounting created a water rate analysis and
calculator. A three-tiered water billing calculator was proposed. 10-year Capital assumptions
by utility with costs were presented as well as debt summaries. Richard shared the"look
ahead"also needs to consider future regulatory climates. A rate analysis has been completed
and the overall objective is to make the utilities self-sustaining,consider debt ratios,and
affordability of future capital and large maintenance projects. Estimations are based on 62
gallons per day per person. Specific rates for Rustlewood and Beards Cove were discussed.
Cmmr.Neatherlin asked to see options with and without a base rate with a cost per gallon.
Respectfully submitted,
McKenzie Smith,
Clerk of the Board
BOARD OF MASON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Sharon Trask, dy Neatherlin, evin Shutty,
Chair ice-Chair Commission
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