HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024/04/15 MASON COUNTY CITIZENS' COMMISSION ON SALARIES FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS (Salary Commission)
Draft Meeting Agenda
Building 9, 423 North 5t"Street,Shelton and Zoom
Monday, April 15, 2024
5:30 p.m.
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/I/83062381384?pwd=2hmldlAUQiOZY4lQwLhzV12YY07M2K.1
1) Call toOrder—ChairJimMorrell
2) Roll Call
3) Adoption of April 8, 2024 minutes
4) Review of Salary Considerations—Working Draft
5) Review Responses for Perspectives Received from Memo to Elected Officials
6) Continued from 4/8/24 Salary Review by Position in the following groups and order.
a. Assessor,Auditor, Clerk, Coroner,Treasurer
b. County Commissioner
C. Sheriff
7) Question/Answer/Discussion Period for Salary Commission
8) Public Comment
3 minutes per person, 15-minute time limit;time may be adjusted by consensus of the Salary Commission
Public comment and testimony can be provided in person, via Zoom, e-mail dlzkmasoncoun wa.gov or mail to the
Commissioners'Office at 411 N 51"St,Shelton, WA 98584;or call(360)427-9670 ext. 419.
9) Calendar
a. Next Meeting—April 22, 2024, 5:30 p.m.—Commission Chambers
10) Adjourn
J:\BOARDS\Salary Commission\Agendas\2024-04-15.docx
PAGE 1
Mason County Elected Officials-Salary Considerations
(Compensation Philosophy for Salary Commission)
Update:April 9,2024—WORKING DRAFT
The following is a working list of considerations for establishing the salary for Mason County Elected
Officials.As the Commission reviews all elected officials salaries,this list is meant to capture thoughts
about what is ultimately built into these decisions.These considerations will be reviewed and modified
along the course of this work.These considerations will also be a foundation for work going forward in
future years about the rationale used.
List of Considerations:
• Equity between elected officials positions based on things such as:
o Responsibilities
o Salaries relative to other positions, for example:
■ Equal to or as a percentage (%) of County Commissioners
■ Percentage (%) of Superior Court Judges
■ Percentage (%) of Under Sheriff,for Sheriffs
■ Use of comparable counties
• Cost of living
o From County HR:
■ Cost of living adjustment for all statewide elected officials of 4% in 2023 and 3%
in 2024
• Inflation
• Attractability for prepared and capable people to consider running for office.
o Want people to fill these positions and feel that they are properly compensated
• Stepping salary increases
o Immediately(1-step, all at one time) or over 2-steps (May 1;Jan. 1)
o If 2-step: 50%/50%for step 1 or 75%/25%for step 2
• Consider recent history of salary increases ("Elected Official Salary Resolution History(2013-
present)
o Historic raises have capped Cty. Commissioner Salares at 1%since at least 2013
• Elected officials positions are not necessarily in all cases transferrable to jobs outside of county
government
• Consideration of how increases will be perceived by voters as well as all residents
• Consideration of rep and non-rep staff percentage salary increases
Salary Considerations-Working Draft
PAGE 2
One Page Summary of Comparable Counties 4/5/2024
*=County Manager/Administrator
County
Assessor Auditor Clerk Coroner Commissioner Sheriff Treasurer
1 Mason $ 87,456 $ 87,456 $ 87,456 $ 87,456 $ 87,456 $ 160,226 $ 87,456
2
3 Clallam* $ 108,684 $ 108,684 $ 108,684 $ 156,516 $ 108,684
4 Cowlitz $ 108,696 $ 108,696 $ 108,696 $ 108,696 $ 97,715 $ 134,542 $ 108,696
5 Kittitas $ 101,519 $ 101,519 $ 104,564 $ 104,564 $ 106,084 $ 125,535 $ 104,564
6 Grays Harbor(*) $ 90,676 $ 90,676 $ 90,676 $ 94,889 $ 90,676 $ 168,699 $ 90,676
7 Island* $ 97,189 $ 97,189 $ 97,189 $ 97,189 $ 107,985 $ 135,799 $ 97,189
8 Jefferson* $ 110,391 $ 110,391 $ 110,391 $ 106,282 $ 142,108 $ 110,391
9 Lewis* $ 96,915 $ 96,915 $ 96,915 $ 96,915 $ 98,801 $ 144,839 $ 96,915
10 Skagit $ 141,304 $ 141,304 $ 141,304 $ 141,304 $ 141,304 $ 184,782 $ 141,304
11 Walla Walla $ 89,143 $ 89,143 $ 89,143 $ 89,143 $ 89,143 $ 118,630 $ 89,143
12 Median $ 101,519 $ 101,519 $ 100,877 $ 97,189 $ 106,084 $ 142,108 $ 104,564
13 Mason%Above/(Below)Median -13.9% -13.9% -13.3% -10.0% -17.6% 12.7% -16.4%
16
Cowltiz&Jefferson Increased Jan
Notes: Cty have a salary 1
range,used RPP high-
17 point
18
PAGE 3
INCREASED for 7/1/24 Superior
Court Increase or 3%Statewide County
19 Elected Cost of Living Assessor Auditor Clerk Coroner Commissioner Sheriff Treasurer
20 Mason $ 87,456 $ 87,456 $ 87,456 $ 87,456 $ 87,456 $ 160,226 $ 87,456
21 pre-7/1/2023 7/1/2023 7/1/2024
is 2024 CoL
WCCSEO-Superior Court Judges adjustment for
7/1/2024(RPP Adj) $ 203,169 $ 217,391 $ 228,261 3% statewide elected
22 officials
Clallam*,
AS-50%;AD-50%;CC-50%;S-
23 72%;T-50% $ 114,131 $ 114,131 $ 114,131 $ 164,348 $ 114,131
Cowlitz,
AS-50%;AD-50%;CL-50%;CR-
24 50%;CC=50%;5-65%;T-50% $ 114,131 $ 114,131 $ 114,131 $ 114,131 $ 114,131 $ 148,370 $ 114,131
25 Kittitas $ 104,565 $ 104,565 $ 107,701 $ 107,701 $ 109,267 $ 129,301 $ 107,701
Grays Harbor(*), (97%)
AS-43%;AD-43%;CL-43%;CR-
26 45%;CC=43%;S-80%;T-43% $ 95,208 $ 95,208 $ 95,208 $ 99,636 $ 95,208 $ 177,131 $ 95,208
Island*(97%)
AD-46%;CL-46%;CR-46%;CC-
27 51%;T-46% $ 101,850 $ 101,850 $ 101,850 $ 101,850 $ 112,921 $ 141,704 $ 93,396
28 Jefferson* $ 113,703 $ 113,703 $ 113,703 $ 109,470 $ 139,873 $ 100,105
Lewis*,(98%)
AS-46%;AD-45.5%;CL-45.5%;
29 CR-45.5%;5-68%;T-45.5% $ 101,782 $ 101,782 $ 101,782 $ 101,782 $ 99,730 $ 152,113 $ 101,782
Skagit,(96%)
AS-65%;AD-65%;CL-65%;CR-
30 65%;CC-65%;S-85%;T-65% $ 142,435 $ 142,435 $ 142,435 $ 142,435 $ 142,435 $ 186,261 $ 142,435
31 Walla Walla,46%(98%) $ 89,981 $ 89,981 $ 89,981 $ 89,981 $ 89,981 $ 119,745 $ 89,981
32 Median $ 104,565 $ 104,565 $ 104,775 $ 101,850 $ 109,470 $ 148,370 $ 101,782
33 Mason%Above/(Below)Median -16.4% -16.4% -16.5% -14.1% -20.1% 8.0% -14.1%
36
37
PAGE 4
38 Target Salary=Median(using 7/1/2024 Comparables)
39
40 Current Salary $ 87,456 $ 87,456 $ 87,456 $ 87,456 $ 87,456
41 Median $ 104,565 $ 104,565 $ 104,775 $ 101,850 $ 101,782
42 Difference $ (17,109) $ (17,109) $ (17,319) $ (14,394) $ (14,326)
43 1-Step Increase $ 17,109 $ 17,109 $ 17,319 $ 14,394 $ 14,326
44 %Increase,1-Step 19.56% 19.56% 19.80% 16.46% 16.38%
45 2-Step Increase(50/50)
46 5/1/2024 $ 8,554.29 $ 8,554.29 $ 8,659.74 $ 7,197.03 $ 7,162.79
47 9.78% 9.78% 9.90% 8.23% 8.19%
48 1/1/2024 $ 8,554.29 $ 8,554.29 $ 8,659.74 $ 7,197.03 $ 7,162.79
49 9.78% 9.78% 9.90% 8.23% 8.19%
50 2-Step Increase(75/25)
51 5/1/2024 $ 12,831 $ 12,831 $ 12,990 $ 10,796 $ 10,744
52 14.67% 14.67% 14.85% 12.34% 12.29%
53 1/1/2024 $ 4,277 $ 4,277 $ 4,330 $ 3,599 $ 3,581
54 4.89% 4.89% 4.95% 4.11% 4.10%
55
56 Average Median $ 103,507 $ 103,507 $ 103,507 $ 103,507 $ 103,507
57 Difference $ (16,051) $ (16,051) $ (16,051) $ (16,051) $ (16,051)
58 1-Step Increase $ 16,051 $ 16,051 $ 16,051 $ 16,051 $ 16,051
59 %Increase,1-Step 18.35% 18.35% 18.35% 18.35% 18.35%
60 2-Step Increase(50/50)
61 5/1/2024 $ 8,026 $ 8,026 $ 8,026 $ 8,026 $ 8,026
62 9.18% 9.18% 9.18% 9.18% 9.18%
63 1/1/2024 $ 8,026 $ 8,026 $ 8,026 $ 8,026 $ 8,026
64 9.18% 9.18% 9.18% 9.18% 9.18%
65 2-Step Increase(75/25)
66 5/1/2024 $ 12,038 $ 12,038 $ 12,038 $ 12,038 $ 12,038
67 13.77% 13.77% 13.77% 13.77% 13.77%
68 1/1/2024 $ 4,013 $ 4,013 $ 4,013 $ 4,013 $ 4,013
69 4.59% 4.59% 4.59% 4.59% 4.59%
70
71
PAGE 5
72 Target Salary=Median(using 7/1/2024 Comparables)
COUNTY COMMISSIONERONLY County
73 Assessor Auditor Clerk Coroner Commissioner Sheriff Treasurer
74 Current Salary $ 87,456
75 Median $ 109,470
76 Difference
77 1-Step Increase $ 22,014
78 %Increase,1 Step 25.17%
79 2-Step Increase(50/50)
80 5/1/2024 $ 11,007
81 12.59%
82 1/1/2024 $ 11,007
83 12.59%
84 2-Step Increase(75/25) Rp
85 5/1/2024 $ 16,511
86 18.88%
87 1/1/2024 $ 5,504
88
89
90 Average Median
91 Difference
92 1 Step Increase
93 %Increase,1 Step
94 2 Step Increase(50/50)
95 5/1/2024
96
97 1/1/2024
98
99 2 Step Increase(75/25)
100 5/1/2024
101
102 1/1/21
103
104
105
PAGE 6
106 Target Salary=Median(using 7/1/2024 Comparables)
ALL POSITIONS
107 (except Sherriff) Assessor Auditor Clerk Coroner Commissioner Sheriff Treasurer
108 Current Salary $ 87,456 $ 87,456 $ 87,456 $ 87,456 $ 87,456 $ 87,456
109 Median $ 104,565 $ 104,565 $ 104,775 $ 101,850 $ 109,470 $ 101,782
110 Difference $ (17,109) $ (17,109) $ (17,319) $ (14,394) $ (22,014) $ (14,326)
111 1-Step Increase $ 17,109 $ 17,109 $ 17,319 $ 14,394 $ 22,014 $ 14,326
112 %Increase,1-Step 19.56% 19.56% 19.80% 16.46% 25.17% 16.38%
113 2-Step Increase(50/50)
114 5/1/2024 $ 8,554.29 $ 8,554.29 $ 8,659.74 $ 7,197.03 $ 11,007.23 $ 7,162.79
115 9.78% 9.78% 9.90% 8.23% 12.59% 8.19%
116 1/1/2024 $ 8,554.29 $ 8,554.29 $ 8,659.74 $ 7,197.03 $ 11,007.23 $ 7,162.79
117 9.78% 9.78% 9.90% 8.23% 12.59%
118 2-Step Increase(75/25)
119 5/1/2024 $ 12,831 $ 12,831 $ 12,990 $ 10,796 $ 16,511 $ 10,744
120 14.67% 14.67% 14.85% 12.34% 18.88% 12.29%
121 1/1/2024 $ 4,277 $ 4,277 $ 4,330 $ 3,599 $ 5,504 $ 3,581
122 1 4.89% 4.89% 4.95% 4.11% 6.29% 4.10%
123
124 Average Median $ 104,501 $ 104,501 $ 104,501 $ 104,501 $ 104,501 $ 104,501
125 Difference $ (17,045) $ (17,045) $ (17,045) $ (17,045) $ (17,045) $ (17,045)
126 1-Step Increase $ 17,045 $ 17,045 $ 17,045 $ 17,045 $ 17,045 $ 17,045
127 %Increase,1-Step 19.49% 19.49% 19.49% 19.49% 19.49% 19.49%
128 2-Step Increase(50/50)
129 5/1/2024 $ 8,523 $ 8,523 $ 8,523 $ 8,523 $ 8,523 $ 8,523
130 9.74% 9.74% 9.74% 9.74% 9.74% 9.74%
131 1/1/2024 $ 8,523 $ 8,523 $ 8,523 $ 8,523 $ 8,523 $ 8,523
132 9.74% 9.74% 9.74% 9.74% 9.74% 9.74%
133 2-Step Increase(75/25)
134 5/1/2024 $ 12,784 $ 12,784 $ 12,784 $ 12,784 $ 12,784 $ 12,784
135 14.62% 14.62% 14.62% 14.62% 14.62% 14.62%
136 1/1/2024 $ 4,261 $ 4,261 $ 4,261 $ 4,261 $ 4,261 $ 4,261
137 1 4.87% 4.87% 4.87% 4.87% 4.87% 4.87%
PAGE 7
MASON COUNTY CITIZENS'COMMISSION ON SALARIES FORELECTED OFFICIALS
(Salary Commission)
Meeting Minutes
411 North 51'Street,Shelton and Zoom
Monday,April 8, 2024
Meeting was held hybrid—in-person and via Zoom. Members in attendance:Jim Morrell, Chair;
Leeland Wells,Vice-Chair; Mary Jo Cady—Secretary;Jann Goodpaster, Matt Mallery, Devin Ferner,
Brent Frahm, Richard Wilson, Roger Lewis, and Braden Sisk.
Also in attendance: Mark Neary, County Administrator and McKenzie Smith, Clerk of the Board.
Chair Jim Morrell called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. and roll call was taken.
Adoption of April 1,2024 Minutes
Mary Jo/Jann moved and seconded to approve the April 1, 2024 Salary Commission minutes with
the correction of"the new comparable counties keep Cowlitz and Skagit and add Kittitas and Walla
Walla" Motion carried.
Adoption of By-Laws
Jim suggested waiting on amending the By-Laws further until the salaries are reviewed. The Salary
Commission may meet in June or July to confirm the list of salary considerations and determine
future decisions. Auditor Duenkel added that the Salary Commission should not worry about
coinciding with County salary decisions and that he would draw by lottery in the same manner—off
of voter registrations.
Lee/Brent moved and seconded to approve Section IV of the Salary Commission By-Laws as
written. Motion carried.
Request for Perspectives Memo to Mason County Elected Officials
Jim discussed the Request for Perspectives memo. Mary Jo emphasized looking at the positions
themselves, not the individuals, and suggested listing the nine comparable counties the Salary
Commission will be using. Walla Walla's unincorporated population is 18,000; Kittitas is 23,000;
and Mason County is 55,000. Jim added that the Salary Commission will also look at the total
budget, assessed values,full-time employees (FTEs), and more. A fourth question should be added
asking for an estimated number of hours worked in a typical week. Auditor Duenkel added that
questions should center around,when assigning a salary based on position,what the position truly
entails and asked the Salary Commission to consider what the proper motivations are when
running for office.
Auditor Duenkel left the meeting at 6:12 p.m.
Jim suggested the verbiage"in your experience how many hours does this position require in a
typical week"for question number four. Question number two could include"and your counter
parts in comparable counties"with the counties.
PAGE 8
Mary Jo/Lee moved and seconded to mail out the Perspectives Memo to Mason County Elected
Officials. Motion carried. Devin opposed.
Review of Salary Considerations
Jim drafted a list of Salary Considerations.
Salary Review by Position
Jim shared a one-page summary of the nine comparable counties for Elected Official positions and
salaries. Mark added that the Salary Commission can make immediate salary adjustments. Lee
included that the Superior Court Judge salary will increase by 3% on July 1, 2024. Mary pointed out
an error on the Grays Harbor Sheriff salary,the salary should be$177,130.
The Salary Commission took a 10-minute break.
Jim discussed first reviewing the salaries of the Assessor,Auditor, Clerk, Coroner, and Treasurer;
then the Commissioners; and finally,the Sheriff. Brent suggested implementing the new salary
over a two-year period in two equal amounts to lessen the financial blowback. The first increase
would be May 1, 2024 and the second increase would be January 1, 2025. Mary Jo recommended
implementing the increase all at once and asked if the Assessor,Auditor, Clerk, Coroner, County
Commissioners, and Treasurer salaries would remain equal. Matt shared concerns around Elected
Officials getting a high wage increase and other positions not and potential bow waves. Jim also
suggested two equal increases to get salaries to the median amount of the nine comparable
counties. Mark included the first salary decision would be effective immediately, subsequent
decisions would be effective the next January 1. The Budget Manager could utilize information for
budget projections. Jim suggested putting together the current salaries as well as the amounts and
percentages if the salary is increased in one step and if increased in two steps.
Question/Answer/Discussion period for Salary Commission
No additional questions, answers, or discussions.
Public Comment—there was no public comment.
Adjourn—the meeting was adjourned at 7:29 p.m.
Minutes submitted by: McKenzie Smith
MASON COUNTY CITIZENS'COMMISSION ON SALARIES FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS
Jim Morrell, Chair
PAGE 9
Mason County Elected Officials-Salary Considerations
(Compensation Philosophy for Salary Commission)
Update:April 9,2024—WORKING DRAFT
The following is a working list of considerations for establishing the salary for Mason County Elected
Officials.As the Commission reviews all elected officials salaries,this list is meant to capture thoughts
about what is ultimately built into these decisions.These considerations will be reviewed and modified
along the course of this work.These considerations will also be a foundation for work going forward in
future years about the rationale used.
List of Considerations:
• Equity between elected officials positions based on things such as:
o Responsibilities
o Salaries relative to other positions, for example:
■ Equal to or as a percentage (%) of County Commissioners
■ Percentage (%) of Superior Court Judges
■ Percentage (%) of Under Sheriff,for Sheriffs
■ Use of comparable counties
• Cost of living
o From County HR:
■ Cost of living adjustment for all statewide elected officials of 4% in 2023 and 3%
in 2024
• Inflation
• Attractability for prepared and capable people to consider running for office.
o Want people to fill these positions and feel that they are properly compensated
• Stepping salary increases
o Immediately(1-step, all at one time) or over 2-steps (May 1;Jan. 1)
o If 2-step: 50%/50%for step 1 or 75%/25%for step 2
• Consider recent history of salary increases ("Elected Official Salary Resolution History(2013-
present)
o Historic raises have capped Cty. Commissioner Salares at 1%since at least 2013
• Elected officials positions are not necessarily in all cases transferrable to jobs outside of county
government
• Consideration of how increases will be perceived by voters as well as all residents
• Consideration of rep and non-rep staff percentage salary increases
Salary Considerations-Working Draft
PAGE 10
To: Mason County Elected Officials
From: Jim Morrell, Chair
Mason County Citizens' Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials (Salary Commission)
Date: April 8, 2024
Re: Request for Your Perspective
The Salary Commission began meeting on March 26, 2024 with a second meeting on April 1, 2024.The
Salary Commission is interested in your perspective on the salary you are paid as an elected official.
Please provide brief(150-200 word) responses to the following questions:
1) Please describe your job function and responsibilities.
2) How do you feel your salary compares with other Mason County Elected Officials and other
Elected Officials in comparable counties (Clallam, Cowlitz, Kittitas, Grays Harbor, Island,
Jefferson, Lewis, Skagit, and Walla Walla)?
3) Are you satisfied with your current role, and do you believe the salary you receive attracts viable
people to consider running for your position?
4) In your experience, how many hours does this position require in a typical week?
Please e-mail your responses to Diane Zoren (dlz@masoncountywa.gov) and CC McKenzie Smith
(msmith@masoncountywa.gov) no later than Thursday,April 11, 2024.
PAGE 11
ASSESSOR
To: Mason County Elected Officials
From: Jim Morrell, Chair
Mason County Citizens' Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials (Salary Commission)
Date: April 8, 2024
Re: Request for Your Perspective
The Salary Commission began meeting on March 26, 2024 with a second meeting on April 1, 2024.The
Salary Commission is interested in your perspective on the salary you are paid as an elected official.
Please provide brief(150-200 word) responses to the following questions:
1) Please describe your job function and responsibilities.
The assessor's primary duty is determining the taxable value of all real and personal property
within their jurisdiction for the equitable distribution of property taxes. Responsible for acting
on all building permits issued each year.The process is governed by state law and reviewed by
the Department of Revenue to promote uniform taxation according to Article VII of the
Washington State Constitution. Real property is valued every year based on an analysis of sales
and a physical inspection at least once every six years. Business personal property is valued
every year based on the depreciated cost of business assets identified by the business owner.
Any taxpayer who disagrees with the value determined by the assessor has the right to appeal
the valuation to the County Board of Equalization,therefore we are tasked w/defending these
protested values at the BOE hearings. The assessor calculates the levy for each district using the
lesser of the budget requested by the district and certain levy limits imposed by statute.The
assessor maintains a public record, known as the assessment roll, listing ownership, description,
tax code area, location, and the assessed valuation for all property within the county. As
required by law,the Assessor prepares, possesses, and updates a complete set of maps drawn
from legal descriptions, to indicate all parcel configurations for land in the County. Assessor
records include information about when a parcel is sold or divided,when boundary lines change,
and when new plats are created.The assessor also maintains a detailed series of maps showing
all properties within the county. This office also administers senior/disability property tax
exemptions, deferral, and forest or agriculture programs.
2) How do you feel your salary compares with other Mason County Elected Officials and other
Elected Officials in comparable counties(Clallam,Cowlitz, Kittitas,Grays Harbor, Island,
Jefferson, Lewis,Skagit, and Walla Walla)?
I have wondered why the elected officials are not more in line with the higher steps non-
represented in Mason County. Some elected officials Chief Deputies with time in their position
are making more than the elected position. Mason is below almost all the comparable counties.
Skagit had an increase from 113,818 in 2022 to 141,304 in 2024. Most of these comparable
counties have elected positions as 50%of the Superior court judge's salary.
PAGE 12
3) Are you satisfied with your current role, and do you believe the salary you receive attracts
viable people to consider running for your position?
I am satisfied with my current role however I have had many people say they would not run for
this position at the current salary with all the responsibility and what is going on in the world.
With the staff at 13 (including myself)from 21 when I started in the office (1991),this elected
position is a working one. If you review my job descriptions, I can step in and fill most of them if
needed in case of an emergency.
4) In your experience, how many hours does this position require in a typical week?
50-60 hours.
Please e-mail your responses to Diane Zoren (dlz@masoncountywa.gov) and CC McKenzie Smith
(msmith@masoncountywa.gov) no later than Thursday,April 11, 2012.
PAGE 13
MANDATED SERVICES - ASSESSOR'S OFFICE
Tax Assessment (RCW Title 84 — WAC 458) Administration (RCW Title 84 — WAC 458)
• Annual Revaluation of Property (RCW 84.41 & • Public Records (RCW 42.56.070)
WAC 450-07-015) o Ownership/Taxpayer of Record (RCW
• Coordination & Direction of the Department of 84.40)
Revenue (DOR) (RCW 84.08) o Property Legal Descriptions (RCW
• Listing of Property (RCW 84.40)
84.40.160 & WAC 390-24-200)
o Real & Personal (RCW 84.36.005)
• Land Segregations (WAC 458-07-035)
o Mobile Home Records (RCW 36.21.090 &
• Maps & Parcels (RCW 84.40.160)
RCW 46.12; 46.44, & RCW 82.50) • Property Tax Relief Programs
• Physical Inspection (RCW 84.41.041) o Senior Citizen & Disabled Persons (RCW
o Access to Property Required (RCW 84.40.025) 84.36)
o Qualifications of Assessing (RCW 36.21.015) o Deferrals (RCW 84.37)
• Market Analysis (RCW 84.41.041) o Current Use (RCW 84.34 & WAC 458.30)
• Building Permits (RCW 36.21.070; 080, 090) o Forestland (RCW 84.33)
o New Construction (WAC 458-12-342; 343) o Destroyed Property (RCW 36.21.080 &
• Personal Property Assessments (RCW 84.40.060;
RCW 84.70)
065 & RCW 84.40.185; 190)
• Refunds (RCW 84.48.065)
• Notice of Change in Value (RCW 84.40.045 & WAC
• Tax Levy Calculations (RCW 84.52)
458-12-360) o Taxing District Boundaries (RCW 84.09)
• Appeals (RCW 84.48.150) o DOR Annual Reports (RCW 36.21)
vprmm�wo Board o Equalization (BOE) (RCW 84.48.010) o Certification of Assessments (RCW
84.48.130)
PAGE 14
AUDITOR
To: Mason County Elected Officials
From: Jim Morrell, Chair
Mason County Citizens' Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials (Salary Commission)
Date: April 8, 2024
Re: Request for Your Perspective
The Salary Commission began meeting on March 26, 2024 with a second meeting on April 1, 2024.The
Salary Commission is interested in your perspective on the salary you are paid as an elected official.
Please provide brief(150-200 word) responses to the following questions:
1) Please describe your job function and responsibilities.
The county auditor has a wide array of responsibilities defined in statute. At a high level,the
county auditor is the chief financial officer of the county and is responsible for financial
oversight, development of the preliminary county budget, and county annual report. The
auditor is also responsible for vehicle/vessel licensing at Auditor's Office and through 2
subagents (one in Shelton, one in Belfair) as well as recording and archiving official documents
(deeds, titles, marriage licenses, etc.). The county auditor is ex officio deputy of the State
Auditor. The county auditor is also the ex-officio, the supervisor of all primaries and elections in
the county and chair of the canvassing board responsible for election certification. Later this
year,this Auditor's Office will be providing US Passport Service.
I urge the Salary Commission to review these statutes below which cover most but not all the
auditor's responsibilities (Attachment A). Other responsibilities can be found throughout
Washington State Law.
2) How do you feel your salary compares with other Mason County Elected Officials and other
Elected Officials in comparable counties(Clallam,Cowlitz, Kittitas,Grays Harbor, Island,
Jefferson, Lewis,Skagit, and Walla Walla)?
I have not reviewed the salaries for auditors in the list of counties provided so I don't have an
opinion. You may want to consider how Thurston County's salary commission adjusted their
auditor's salary relative to that of other county elected officials last year to gain insights into
how they view the auditor's role and statement of work.
3) Are you satisfied with your current role, and do you believe the salary you receive attracts
viable people to consider running for your position?
I love my job. I love People of Mason County and it is an absolute honor to server them. I don't
know if the current county auditor salary attracts viable people to run for this elective
office. Frankly,this is an improper consideration. Elected officials are different than
government staff positions. Being an elected official is about PUBLIC SERVICE, not financial
PAGE 15
reward. I would never vote for anyone that ran for elective office to better their financial
position. It's absolutely the wrong motivator. Politicians who are motivated by financial gain
can be corrupted.
4) In your experience, how many hours does this position require in a typical week?
Everyday is an opportunity to do something good for the people. I take my job in service to the
people of Mason County seriously, and easily dedicate 50-60+ hours a week to I do what I can to
serve the people. It's what the people hired me to do.
Please e-mail your responses to Diane Zoren (dlz@masoncountywa.gov) and CC McKenzie Smith
(msmith@masoncountywa.gov) no later than Thursday,April 11, 2012.
PAGE 16
Chapter 36.22 RCW COUNTY AUDITOR
Sections
36.22.010 Duties of auditor.
The county auditor:
(1) Shall be recorder of deeds and other instruments in writing which by law are to be filed and recorded
in and for the county for which he or she is elected;
(2) Shall keep an account current with the county treasurer, charge all money received as shown by
receipts issued and credit all disbursements paid out according to the record of settlement of the
treasurer with the legislative authority;
(3) Shall make out and transmit to the state auditor a statement of the state fund account with the
county in accordance with standards developed by the state auditor.The statement must be available to
the public;
(4) Shall make available a complete exhibit of the prior-year finances of the county including, but not
limited to, a statement of financial condition and financial operation in accordance with standards
developed by the state auditor.This exhibit shall be made available after the financial records are closed
for the prior year;
(5) Shall make out a register of all warrants legally authorized and directed to be issued by the legislative
body at any regular or special meeting.The auditor shall make the data available to the county
treasurer.The auditor shall retain the original of the register of warrants for future reference;
(6)...
Sign all orders made and warrants issued by order of the legislative authority for the payment of money;
Record the reports of the county treasurer of the receipts and disbursements of the county;
Preserve and file all accounts acted upon by the legislative authority;
Preserve and file all petitions and applications for franchises and record the action of the legislative
authority thereon;
Record all orders levying taxes;
Perform all other duties required by any rule or order of the legislative authority.
36.22.030 May administer oaths.
36.22.040 Duty to audit claims against county.
36.22.050 Issuance of warrants—Multiple warrants.
36.22.060 Record of warrants.
36.22.070 Original claims to be retained.
36.22.080 Claims of auditor.
36.22.090 Warrants of political subdivisions.
36.22.100 Cancellation of unclaimed warrants.
36.22.110 Auditor cannot act as attorney or lobbyist.
36.22.120 Temporary clerk may be appointed.
36.22.140 Auditor or charter county financial officer—Ex officio deputy state auditor.
36.22.160 Copying, preserving, and indexing documents.
36.22.170 Surcharge for preservation of historical documents—Distribution of revenue to county
and state treasurer—Creation of account.
36.22.175 Surcharge for local government archives and records management—Records
management training—Eastern Washington regional facility.
36.22.181 Surcharge for prosecution of mortgage lending fraud—Transmittal to state treasurer.
36.22.185 Covenant homeownership program assessment.
PAGE 17
36.22.190 Distribution of funds.
36.22.200 Action for change of name—Filing and recording.
36.22.210 Process servers—Registration—Fees.
36.22.215 Process servers—Social security numbers.
36.22.220 Election assistants, deputies—Appointment, qualifications.
36.22.230 Election assistants, deputies—Additional qualifications.
36.22.240 Surcharge for growth management planning and review—Increasing residential building
capacity.
36.22.250 Document recording surcharge.
RCW 36.40.040 Preliminary budget.
Upon receipt of the estimates the county auditor or chief financial officer designated in a charter county
shall prepare the county budget which shall set forth the complete financial program of the county for
the ensuing fiscal year, showing the expenditure program and the sources of revenue by which it is to be
financed.
The revenue section shall set forth the estimated receipts from sources other than taxation for each
office, department, service, or institution for the ensuing fiscal year,the actual receipts for the first six
months of the current fiscal year and the actual receipts for the last completed fiscal year, the estimated
surplus at the close of the current fiscal year and the amount proposed to be raised by taxation.
The expenditure section shall set forth in comparative and tabular form by offices, departments,
services, and institutions the estimated expenditures for the ensuing fiscal year,the appropriations for
the current fiscal year, the actual expenditures for the first six months of the current fiscal year including
all contracts or other obligations against current appropriations, and the actual expenditures for the last
completed fiscal year.
All estimates of receipts and expenditures for the ensuing year shall be fully detailed in the annual
budget and shall be classified and segregated according to a standard classification of accounts to be
adopted and prescribed by the state auditor after consultation with the Washington state association of
counties and the Washington state association of county officials.
The county auditor or chief financial officer designated in a charter county shall set forth separately in
the annual budget to be submitted to the county legislative authority the total amount of emergency
warrants issued during the preceding fiscal year,together with a statement showing the amount issued
for each emergency, and the legislative authority shall include in the annual tax levy, a levy sufficient to
raise an amount equal to the total of such warrants: PROVIDED,That the legislative authority may fund
the warrants or any part thereof into bonds instead of including them in the budget levy.
RCW 36.40.050 Revision by county commissioners.
The budget shall be submitted by the auditor or chief financial officer designated in a charter county to
the board of county commissioners on or before the first Tuesday in September of each year.The board
shall thereupon consider the same in detail, making any revisions or additions it deems advisable.
RCW 36.40.210 Monthly report.
On or before the twenty-fifth day of each month the auditor shall submit or make available to the board
of county commissioners a report showing the expenditures and liabilities against each separate budget
appropriation incurred during the preceding calendar month and like information for the whole of the
current fiscal year to the first day of said month,together with the unexpended and unencumbered
PAGE 18
balance of each appropriation. He or she shall also set forth the receipts from taxes and from sources
other than taxation for the same periods.
RCW 29A.04.216 County auditor—Duties—Exceptions.
The county auditor of each county shall be ex officio the supervisor of all primaries and elections,
general or special, and it shall be the county auditor's duty to provide places for holding such
primaries and elections;to provide the supplies and materials necessary for the conduct of
elections; and to publish and post notices of calling such primaries and elections in the manner
provided by law.The auditor shall also apportion to the county, each city,town, or district, and to
the state of Washington, its share of the expense of such primaries and elections.This section
does not apply to general or special elections for any city,town, or district that is not subject to
RCW 29A.04.321 and 29A.04.330, but all such elections must be held and conducted at the time,
in the manner, and by the officials (with such notice, requirements for filing for office, and
certifications by local officers) as provided and required by the laws governing such elections.
State and federal offices are to be considered one entity for purposes of election cost proration and
reimbursement.
PAGE 19
CLERK
To: Mason County Elected Officials
From: Jim Morrell, Chair
Mason County Citizens' Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials (Salary Commission)
Date: April 8, 2024
Re: Request for Your Perspective
The Salary Commission began meeting on March 26, 2024 with a second meeting on April 1, 2024.The
Salary Commission is interested in your perspective on the salary you are paid as an elected official.
Please provide brief(150-200 word) responses to the following questions:
1) Please describe your job function and responsibilities.
I run the office managing twelve people including, but not limited to, eight case types. Other
duties include jury services for Superior, District, and Municipal courts; processing employee
payroll; accounts payable; accounts receivable; all financial reporting including reconciliation of
checking and savings accounts; daily deposits; remittance to the Treasurer; restitution
payments; submitting reports through Odyssey including trust accounts; general ledger posting
reports; accounting reports; checking registry reports; auditing reports; ledger summary reports;
batch receipt exceptions reports; and opening cases and receiving documents of existing cases.
I am also in charge of all functions including search warrants and replications.
2) How do you feel your salary compares with other Mason County Elected Officials and other
Elected Officials in comparable counties(Clallam,Cowlitz, Kittitas,Grays Harbor, Island,
Jefferson, Lewis,Skagit, and Walla Walla)?
We are extremely low by a significant amount, 3-5%.
3) Are you satisfied with your current role, and do you believe the salary you receive attracts
viable people to consider running for your position?
Somedays yes, somedays no.
4) In your experience, how many hours does this position require in a typical week?
I work between 50-80 hours per week.
Please e-mail your responses to Diane Zoren (dlz@masoncountywa.gov) and CC McKenzie Smith
(msmith@masoncountywa.gov) no later than Thursday,April 11, 2012.
PAGE 20
COMMISSIONER DISTRICT I
To: Mason County Elected Officials
From: Jim Morrell, Chair
Mason County Citizens' Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials (Salary Commission)
Date: April 8, 2024
Re: Request for Your Perspective
The Salary Commission began meeting on March 26, 2024 with a second meeting on April 1, 2024.The
Salary Commission is interested in your perspective on the salary you are paid as an elected official.
Please provide brief(150-200 word) responses to the following questions:
1) Please describe your job function and responsibilities.
I'm sorry but it's not possible to describe my job in under 200 words. I must know about each,
and every department listed under us in the organizational chart. I must balance a $180 Million-
dollar budget, so also must fully understand all departments not directly under me. I deal with
rules and regulations that impact them, dollars that fund them, how they are managed,their
legislative role, a quasi-judicial role, plus so much more. I have to know every aspect of their
budgets including where the money comes from. where the money is going. Can the funds be
legally spent here?Where is the best place to invest funds? I represent the county in ways that
are unimaginable. Helping a neighbor, a community or even another government entity. A 6:00
a.m. meeting in Tahuya or home at midnight after a forum. Seattle for breakfast and Olympia for
lunch. Spokane or Walla Walla for a 3-day Risk Pool, regulatory, legal, or environmental
committee meeting. If you are not at the table,you are on the menu. I had 4 a.m. constituent
calls during Covid. Standing on the streets between BLM and the Patriots during the protests. I
work 60-80 hours every week and missed less than six meetings in 12 years.
2) How do you feel your salary compares with other Mason County Elected Officials and other
Elected Officials in comparable counties(Clallam,Cowlitz, Kittitas,Grays Harbor, Island,
Jefferson, Lewis,Skagit, and Walla Walla)?
I don't know. I do know that another County Commissioner complained to me about doing 4
committees when I was doing 12. At the time one Commissioner was refusing to do committee
work, so I picked up most of them. This was 10 years ago. I was working on all these
committees, working 60-80 hours a week, and making$72K a year. Not complaining but made
more than 3x that amount before taking this job.
3) Are you satisfied with your current role, and do you believe the salary you receive attracts
viable people to consider running for your position?
The year I ran was 2012 and at the time all 3 positions were up for election. We had at least 9
people running and only 2 actually had a job. No, I do not think it pays enough to get the quality
people needed to do an outstanding job. If it did, more qualified people would have been
PAGE 21
running.There is an old saying, "You get what you pay for". Luckily, some will stand up and do it
as a labor of love, but you cannot always count on it.
4) In your experience, how many hours does this position require in a typical week?
Minimum is 40 but usually 60 to 80 hours each and every week.There are no such things as
weekends or evenings off.The need is always there.
Please e-mail your responses to Diane Zoren (dlz@masoncountywa.gov) and CC McKenzie Smith
(msmith@masoncountywa.gov) no later than Thursday,April 11, 2012.
PAGE 22
COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 2
To: Mason County Elected Officials
From: Jim Morrell, Chair
Mason County Citizens' Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials (Salary Commission)
Date: April 8, 2024
Re: Request for Your Perspective
The Salary Commission began meeting on March 26, 2024 with a second meeting on April 1, 2024.The
Salary Commission is interested in your perspective on the salary you are paid as an elected official.
Please provide brief(150-200 word) responses to the following questions:
1) Please describe your job function and responsibilities.
The roles and responsibilities for commissioners outlined in statue provide a floor, however the
job is complex and has a broad scope in practice. As a two-term commissioner, I recognize and
value the work of all elected officials within the County government, however the role of
commissioner is unique in that it includes legislative, executive, and quasi-judicial functions and
has both internal and external responsibilities. Internally, we operate as a legislative authority
that sets the entire$180,000,000 budget and personnel policies that govern the roughly 400
County employees in every office. In addition to those critical functions,we also manage the
County's roads and utilities, planning, zoning, building, and fire marshal, public health to include
housing and homelessness, substance use and prevention, communicable disease, and
environmental health including restaurant inspections, solid waste, water quality, and vector
programs. We also oversee the maintenance of all of the County's facilities and parks. We
oversee veteran's services, LEOFF insurance services, civil service, and Board of Equalization.
Additionally,we are responsible for the County's IT network and risk management program and
emergency management.This list is not exhaustive and evolves as needs arise. Externally, we
each serve on a variety of boards dealing with issues like environmental conservation and
restoration, infrastructure development and funding, behavioral health services, public safety
services like Macecom. Commissioners also serve on boards representing the interests of
counties statewide and by appointment of the governor.This is all before we get into civic
organizations like Rotary and Kiwanis or other organizations serving the interests of our
constituents.Again, this is simply a snapshot and not exhaustive. Finally, while Mason County
employs a County Administrator,we do not have individual support staff assigned to us like in
many other counties.
2) How do you feel your salary compares with other Mason County Elected Officials and other
Elected Officials in comparable counties(Clallam,Cowlitz, Kittitas,Grays Harbor, Island,
Jefferson, Lewis,Skagit, and Walla Walla)?
The data you have presented shows that the Mason County Commission lags far behind our
comparable counties.
PAGE 23
3) Are you satisfied with your current role, and do you believe the salary you receive attracts
viable people to consider running for your position?
While I am satisfied in my role, I believe it is vital to pay a salary commensurate with the scope
of responsibilities. Whether or not someone who runs for this office is qualified will ultimately
fall to the voters to decide. Like every other job,you attract quality candidates by paying quality
wages.
4) In your experience, how many hours does this position require in a typical week?
This position does not punch a timecard because it is not a staff position in the County.This
position requires you to work as many hours as it takes to complete the responsibilities I listed
above.
Please e-mail your responses to Diane Zoren (dlz@masoncountywa.gov) and CC McKenzie Smith
(msmith@masoncountywa.gov) no later than Thursday,April 11, 2012.
PAGE 24
COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 3
To: Mason County Elected Officials
From: Jim Morrell, Chair
Mason County Citizens' Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials (Salary Commission)
Date: April 8, 2024
Re: Request for Your Perspective
The Salary Commission began meeting on March 26, 2024 with a second meeting on April 1, 2024.The
Salary Commission is interested in your perspective on the salary you are paid as an elected official.
Please provide brief(150-200 word) responses to the following questions:
1) Please describe your job function and responsibilities.
To fully explain the job of a Commissioner, I would need more than the 200-word limit.The
statutory requirements can be found in the RCW's and MRSC for Elected positions which are
applicable state-wide. What is unique about Commissioners is that we are responsible for
adopting the entire County budget which is almost$52M in 2024—all departments and elected
officials. Once we adopt a balanced budget, (annual requirement) it is up to the elected officials
to manage and operate their office within their budget. We have to understand not only the
General Fund which finances most elected officials' budgets but also all the special funds
totaling over$73M, (about 20). Commissioners are directly responsible for Public Health (family
health and environmental health—septic's,water quality, restaurant safety); Community
Development (planning and building code/permits); Public Works (roads); Utilities (Mason
County has 2 water/sewer plants and 2 water systems); Landfill; Parks and Trails (we have 20);
Facilities; Emergency Management, Human Resources, Budget& Finance, Information
Technology, County Administration and in cooperation with WSU, the Extension Office. In
addition to the statutory requirements and the county responsibilities, I serve on 15 different
committees for our county and the state and serve as the Chair and the Executive Team on
several of them. We also need to keep an eye on the State as they like to send unfunded
requirements to local governments.
2) How do you feel your salary compares with other Mason County Elected Officials and other
Elected Officials in comparable counties(Clallam,Cowlitz, Kittitas,Grays Harbor, Island,
Jefferson, Lewis,Skagit, and Walla Walla)?
No opinion.
3) Are you satisfied with your current role, and do you believe the salary you receive attracts
viable people to consider running for your position?
I absolutely love my role and my ability to help others. I've had several opponents, so I'm
hoping they had the same desire to serve. It's important to have competitive salaries so we
PAGE 25
attract candidates who can dedicate 100%of their time to the county.
4) In your experience, how many hours does this position require in a typical week?
It's hard to put a number to that. I'd have to say as many as you want and as many as needed. I
work 40+ hours a week; sometimes more. Many of the committees meet in the early morning,
afternoon/evening and many require out-of-town travel. Because it's important to know my
community, I attend many in-county functions that are in the evenings and weekends. I think it's
also worth noting that since Covid, many of my meetings are remote and back-to-back
throughout the day, evenings and weekends. Covid was a completely different topic as I was in
the office 7 days a week while there was so much unknown and still tried to keep the county
operating.
Please e-mail your responses to Diane Zoren (dlz@masoncountywa.gov) and CC McKenzie Smith
(msmith@masoncountywa.gov) no later than Thursday,April 11, 2012.
PAGE 26
CORONER
To: Mason County Elected Officials
From: Jim Morrell, Chair
Mason County Citizens' Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials (Salary Commission)
Date: April 8, 2024
Re: Request for Your Perspective
The Salary Commission began meeting on March 26, 2024 with a second meeting on April 1, 2024.The
Salary Commission is interested in your perspective on the salary you are paid as an elected official.
Please provide brief(150-200 word) responses to the following questions:
1) Please describe your job function and responsibilities.
As the elected coroner I am responsible for determining the cause and manner of death when it
may be sudden, unexpected, suspicious, or natural. In Mason County,the coroner responds to
all deaths that occur in the county outside of a hospital, nursing home, or hospice setting.There
is an exception, we will respond to these deaths if they appear unnatural, or the decedent is
indigent. Washington state RCW 68.50.10,The county coroner has jurisdiction over bodies of all
deceased persons who come to their death suddenly when in apparent good health without
medical attendance within the thirty-six hours preceding death; or where the circumstances of
death indicate death was caused by unnatural or unlawful means; or where death occurs under
suspicious circumstances.The Mason County Coroner performs forensic medicolegal death
investigations on all these cases. Per RCW 36.24.205,the county coroner must be trained and
certified through the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission and continually
maintain that certification through continuing education. Additionally, per RCW 36.24.210 The
Coroner's office must be Nationally accredited by either the International Association of
Coroners and Medical Examiners or the National Association of Medical Examiners no later than
July 1, 2025, and maintain continued accreditation thereafter.The Mason County Coroner's
office is actively in the accreditation process with the International Association of Coroners and
Medical Examiners. I am certified through the State of Washington as a Medicolegal Forensic
Death Investigator. Additionally, I am Nationally board-certified through the American Board of
Medicolegal Death Investigators as a forensic medicolegal death investigator, which holds high
standards.This means elected coroners are certified in pathology for forensic death
investigation, crime scene investigation and management, Sudden unexplained infant death
investigation, child death and homicide, fire fatalities,traffic fatalities, suicidal deaths,
drownings, accidental deaths, drug deaths, and Mass fatalities. Although we are not typically
doctors,we are medically trained. Mason County contracts with a forensic pathologist who
performs our county's autopsies. Not all death scene investigations require an autopsy to be
performed. It is at the sole discretion of the elected coroner. Furthermore, coroners often assist
in the autopsies.The pathologist gives their opinion on their findings; however, the coroner has
the final say in determining the cause and manner of death and signs the death certificate. We
investigate all jurisdictional deaths in Mason County.We do not rely on any other County
coroners or medical examiner's office to do our investigations; we are not a prosecutor/coroner
PAGE 27
county and should not be compared to one.
The duties of the coroner encompass a range of tasks,we conduct a forensic death scene
investigation, analyze medical records, collect forensic evidence, photograph the death scene,
collect blood and other specimens on the scene for toxicology reports,we work closely with law
enforcement and other agencies during or investigation.The elected coroner possesses a deep
understanding of anatomy, pathology, and forensic sciences.An elected coroner testifies in the
court of law regarding their forensic death investigations. Moreover,the coroner consistently
interacts with bereaved families, offering support, compassion, and clarity throughout the
investigative process.Transparency, impartiality, and adherence to ethical standards are
paramount in this role to maintain public trust and uphold the integrity of death investigations.
The elected coroner plays a key role in ensuring justice, accountability, and public safety within
our community.
Under RCW 36.24.010 The coroner shall perform the duties of the sheriff in all cases where the
sheriff is interested or otherwise incapacitated from serving, and whenever the coroner acts as
sheriff he or she shall possess the powers and perform all the duties of sheriff, and shall be
liable on his or her official bond in like manner as the sheriff would be, and shall be entitled to
the same fees as are allowed by law to the sheriff for similar services.
2) How do you feel your salary compares with other Mason County Elected Officials and other
Elected Officials in comparable counties(Clallam,Cowlitz, Kittitas,Grays Harbor, Island,
Jefferson, Lewis,Skagit, and Walla Walla)?
As a Mason County Elected Official, it is difficult to compare my job to that of other officials
within the county due to the vastly different job descriptions and responsibilities we each hold.
However, one elected official that I find similarities with is the Sheriff. Both the Sheriff and I
work in investigative agencies, responding to emergency scenes and conducting investigations.
Additionally, both positions require us to be available 24/7 and ready to respond to any
situation that arises.
One issue that I have noticed when comparing our salaries to those of other counties is that
Mason County seems to be behind in comparable salaries. Despite serving not only Mason
County residents but also individuals passing through or on vacation in the area, our salaries do
not always reflect the workload and responsibilities that we carry. When examining call volume
data from other comparable counties, it is evident that Mason County is on par with the average
number of scene investigations conducted. However,the discrepancy in salaries remains a
concern that needs to be addressed to ensure fair compensation for the work we do. I have
attached the number of scene investigations for other counties. I did not include Clallam or
Jefferson County due to them being a prosecutor/coroner system which is not comparable.
Scene investigations per county for one year. Data picked from 2022-2023 county statistics.
Skagit 174, Cowlitz 291, Kittitas 128, Grays Harbor 217, Island County 70, Walla Walla 308, Lewis
235, and Mason County 215. As of 2024,we have already exceeded the 2023 numbers to date.
PAGE 28
3) Are you satisfied with your current role, and do you believe the salary you receive attracts
viable people to consider running for your position?
I am thoroughly satisfied with my current role as the Mason County Coroner. Despite taking a
slight pay cut from my previous position as a Deputy Coroner in Kitsap County, I am passionate
about serving the community in which I was born and raised. My decision to come to Mason
County was driven by my love for this community and my desire to elevate the coroner's office
to meet the challenges of our changing times.
While I may argue that the salary for this position is not competitive enough to attract qualified
individuals,true public service goes beyond monetary incentives.The work that we do as
coroners is vital to ensuring justice and closure for families in times of loss. It requires
dedication, empathy, and a strong commitment to serving the community.
I take pride in the work that I do and the impact that I can make in the lives of those who have
experienced loss. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Mason County Coroner, and I
am dedicated to continuing to improve the office and provide the highest level of service to our
community.
4) In your experience, how many hours does this position require in a typical week?
The hours that I spend in the position I am in greatly vary due to the nature of my role as a
Coroner. I am present during regular business hours Monday through Friday to assist with any
inquiries or tasks that may arise. However, my responsibilities do not end there. I am also on call
24 hours a day, seven days a week, and often find myself being called out on weekends or
woken up at all hours of the night to address urgent matters.
On average I would say I dedicate approximately 60 hours a week to my position.There are
times when this number may increase, depending on the volume of work or emergencies that
require my immediate attention. I am the first point of contact for our office as well as must be
available for consultation with my two full-time deputy coroners 24/7. For example, last week
our office had five death investigations in less than 24 hours
Thank you for your time. Our job is misunderstood or confusing. Please feel free to contact me if
you have any questions or need further explanation of the duties of the coroner.
Please e-mail your responses to Diane Zoren (dlz@masoncountywa.gov) and CC McKenzie Smith
(msmith@masoncountywa.gov) no later than Thursday,April 11, 2012.
PAGE 29
SHERIFF
To: Mason County Elected Officials
From: Jim Morrell, Chair
Mason County Citizens' Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials (Salary Commission)
Date: April 8, 2024
Re: Request for Your Perspective
The Salary Commission began meeting on March 26, 2024 with a second meeting on April 1, 2024.The
Salary Commission is interested in your perspective on the salary you are paid as an elected official.
Please provide brief(150-200 word) responses to the following questions:
1) Please describe your job function and responsibilities.
"Washington State statutes provide that "The Sheriff is the Chief Executive Officer and
conservator of the peace of the county."The law assigns certain general duties to the sheriff
and these duties are governed by literally hundreds of statutes and judicial opinions, all
intended to protect our citizens and safeguard their rights." (Washington Association of County
Officials, handbook- pp 14, ninth addition 2017)
The Sheriff is the only elected official that has employees working every moment of every day,
both on the streets to answer calls for service and in the jail to guard and care for those who
are incarcerated.The Sheriff has the largest number of employees in the county and often
deals with the highest liability issues of all the elected officials. The Sheriff has the highest level
of responsibility in the county to include:
1. Manage a small city called a Jail to include medical,feeding, services, and safety.
2. Civil Division that processes licenses, permits,fingerprints, subpoenas, Civil process,
public records, and statistical data.
3. Investigative division that handles, major crimes, Sex Offender, evidence handling,
polygraph, Crisis Negotiations, background investigation and internal investigations
4. Patrol division that includes:
a. SWAT
b. School Resource officer
c. Search and rescue for the National Park, National Forest, all the waterways in
the county and other
d. Traffic enforcement/collision investigations
e. K-9 unit
f. Special Operations Unit that handles High angle and swift water rescues
g. Marine Patrol
h. Media relations
i. Block watch
j. All crimes that occur in two Washington State Prisons in Mason County
PAGE 30
k. 13 schools from Matlock to Sand hill
2) How do you feel your salary compares with other Mason County Elected Officials and other
Elected Officials in comparable counties(Clallam,Cowlitz, Kittitas,Grays Harbor, Island,
Jefferson, Lewis,Skagit, and Walla Walla)?
I have never looked at other Sheriff's salaries, so I do not know.
3) Are you satisfied with your current role, and do you believe the salary you receive attracts
viable people to consider running for your position?
Yes,that would depend on the individual. I think it is "OK."
4) In your experience, how many hours does this position require in a typical week?
I imagine that will depend on the individual who is in the Office.
I am completely invested in the safety of our community and hearing from my citizens. Sheriffs
are the ONLY elected law enforcement officials in the world who work directly for the citizens
and not for another elected politician. I take that very seriously; therefore, I feel the
responsibility of being available to hear and address the concerns of those who elected me.
I do not track my hours, but my wife would tell you that I work on average of 60+ hours a week
to include many weekends, evenings, and early morning events in the community. My wife
retired early so she could go with me to many of these events and we would be able to see each
other.
Please e-mail your responses to Diane Zoren (dlz@masoncountywa.gov) and CC McKenzie Smith
(msmith@masoncountywa.gov) no later than Thursday,April 11, 2012.
PAGE 31
TREASURER
To: Mason County Elected Officials
From: Jim Morrell, Chair
Mason County Citizens' Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials (Salary Commission)
Date: April 8, 2024
Re: Request for Your Perspective
The Salary Commission began meeting on March 26, 2024 with a second meeting on April 1, 2024.The
Salary Commission is interested in your perspective on the salary you are paid as an elected official.
Please provide brief(150-200 word) responses to the following questions:
1) Please describe your job function and responsibilities.
The County Treasurer holds a key position of public trust in the financial affairs of local
government. Primary responsibilities: the billing and collection of real and personal property
taxes (including foreclosure and distraint proceeding for the sale at public auctions), special
assessments, gambling taxes, and other miscellaneous revenue; receipting and accounting for all
funds and deposits of revenue for the state, county, and junior taxing districts; depositing and
investing of all funds for the county and junior taxing districts; managing the cash flow of the
county and junior taxing districts; coordinating banking services for the county and junior taxing
districts; collecting excise tax on the sale or transfer of real property and mobile homes; and
administering short-and long-term debt financing for the county and junior taxing districts.
2) How do you feel your salary compares with other Mason County Elected Officials and other
Elected Officials in comparable counties(Clallam,Cowlitz, Kittitas,Grays Harbor, Island,
Jefferson, Lewis,Skagit, and Walla Walla)?
I've reviewed the current salaries for other Treasurers within our comparable counties and the
Mason County Treasurer had one of the lowest salaries.
3) Are you satisfied with your current role, and do you believe the salary you receive attracts
viable people to consider running for your position?
I am satisfied with my current role, but not the salary—I do not feel the salary would attract
viable candidates for the position.
4) In your experience, how many hours does this position require in a typical week?
40 hours weekly at a minimum, 50 hours weekly or more during tax season (April & October).
Please e-mail your responses to Diane Zoren (dlz@masoncountywa.gov) and CC McKenzie Smith
(msmith@masoncountywa.gov) no later than Thursday,April 11, 2012.
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