HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024/04/23 - Regular Vt
Board of Mason County Commissioners
Proceedings
Commission Chambers
411 N 5"' St, Shelton, WA 98584
April 23, 2024
1. Call to Order—The Chairperson called the regular meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance—Ron Sergi led the flag salute.
3. Roll Call—Present: Commissioner District 1 —Randy Neatherlin;Commissioner District 2—
Kevin Shutty;Commissioner District 3—Sharon Trask.
4. Correspondence and Organizational Business
4.1 Correspondence
4.1.1 Washington State Liquor and cannabis Board sent in the following:notice of liquor license
application for The Hardware Distillery CO.dba Flywheel,cannabis license renewal
applications,liquor license renewal applications,and special occasion liquor license for
North Mason Rotary Club.
4.1.2 Advisory board application received for the Housing Authority from Peter J.Faire-
Laserimko.
4.1.3 Letter sent from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regarding 2023 EAP updates,
Cushman,Nisqually River,Cowlitz River and Wynoochee Projects.
4.2 Public Defender Peter Jones announced that Rose Boughton received the Washington
Defender Association President's Award. Ron Sergi has previously received this award in
2018. Deputy Public Defenders Ron Sergi and Rose Boughton were each presented a
Certificate of Appreciation and Green Star Award by Commissioners Neatherlin,Trask and
Shutty and thanked for their outstanding work.
4.3 Cmmr. Shutty read the Mental Health Awareness Proclamation.
4.4 Loretta Swanson read the Public Works Week Proclamation.
4.5 Mark Neary read the Washington State Association of Counties Executive Director Eric
Brian Johnson Day Proclamation.
5. Open Forum for Citizen Input
Sandra Cunningham,Allyn,requested a copy of the meeting agenda. The meeting agenda
was provided to the audience. Sandra stated that at a public meeting held in her area a few
weeks ago she had asked questions but hadn't received any answers. Cmmr.Neatherlin explained
that the public hearing scheduled under number 5 of this agenda will take testimony regarding this
topic.
Daniel Hanson,Union,has a short-term rental in Union,and asked the Commissioners to
carefully think about allowing these in both the rural and recreational community. There are
people earning income from these rentals,and from what he reads,there needs to be different
tiers of regulations for different types of communities,such as a person renting out a cabin on
their property as opposed to someone renting out rooms in their homes.
6. Adoption of Agenda
Cmmr.Neatherlin explained that items 8.2 and 8.17 will be removed from the agenda.
Cmmr.Shutty/Task moved and seconded to adopt the agenda as published with the removal of
items 8.2 and 8.17. Motion carried unanimously. N-aye; S-aye;T-aye.
7. Approval of Minutes
No minutes at this time.
8. Approval of Action Agenda
8.1 Approval of Warrants and Treasurer Electronic Remittances
Claims Clearing Fund Warrant#8103333-8103776 $1,160,725.90
Direct Deposit Fund Warrant# 104547-104958 $ 885,081.62
Salary Clearing Fund Warrant#7007981-7008017 $1,189,367.90
8.2 ,
8.3 Approval of letters of thanks to the 351 Legislative District Delegation-the Honorable Senator
MacEwen,Honorable Representative Couture,and Honorable Representative Griffey,during the last
session.
8.4 Approval of a thank you letter to Republic Services for the years of long-haul solid waste transport and
disposal services.
8.5 Approval of the Volunteer Policy Resolution. (Exhibit A,Resolution No.2024-024)
8.6 Approval of the request of Jesse Ogden for Defense&Indemnification coverage assigned by the County
as named defendant in US District Court Case No.2:22-cv-00636-DGE-DWC.
8.7 Approval to declare Mason County a Sasquatch Protection and Refuge Area. (Exhibit B,Resolution
No.2024-025)
8.8 Approval of the Interagency Agreement with WA State Noxious Weed Control Board—FY24 Class A
and B Designate Noxious Weed Eradication Program and for the Chair to sign the grant questionnaire.
8.9 Approval of Amendment No.I to Interagency Agreement(Contract No.K4369)between WA State
Department of Agriculture and Mason County and its Noxious Control Board for an additional$2,000.
8.10 Approval for the Commission point of contact,Commissioner Shutty,to sign the Johnson&Johnson
Opioid Settlement.
8.11 Approval of the County Road closure of Satsop Cloquallum Road at approximately milepost 5.2 from
August 19,2024 until August 30,2024 for culvert replacement.
8.12 Approval of a Resolution amending Resolution 2022-092,increasing grinder pump fees for North
Base/Case Inlet and Belfair Sanitary Sewer System. (Exhibit C,Resolution No.2024-026)
8.13 Approval of the Health Officer contract with Dr. Steven Krager to provide Health Officer services for
Mason County.
8.14 Approval for the Chair to sign Interlocal Agreements for Mason County Public Works Reimbursable
Work,Supplies and Services with Central Mason Fire-EMS,West Mason Fire Authority,Hoodsport
Fire&EMS,Mason County Fire District 12 and Grapeview School District.
8.15 Approval to reallocate the remaining$50,000 ARPA funds from Mason County Fiber Upgrade to
Mason County Sheriffs Office Command Vehicle upfit.
8.16 Approval of Emergency Housing Fund Amendment B to remove$60,000 of unspent funds from Mason
County Admin so a reallocation can be provided to other communities in need.
8.17 Appr-eval te set a Publie Hear-ing fer-Tuesday,Mety 21,2024 at 9!15 a.m.te eensider-rezoning west and
the easo.
8.18 Approval to amend Resolution 2024-002—Salary Commission. (Exhibit D,Resolution No.2024-027)
8.19 Approval of Consolidated Homeless Grant Contract#24-46108-20 Amendment B for reallocating
$215,000 to Community Action Council to pay May and June rent for enrolled households.
Cmmr.Shutty/Trask moved and seconded to approve action items 8.1 through 8.19 with the
removal of item 8.7 and 8.12 for separate discussion and vote. Motion carried unanimously. N-
aye;S-aye;T-aye.
21April 23 , 2024 Commission Minutes
Item 8.7
Cmmr.Trask welcomed Ms.Andrews 51 grade class which was attending the meeting via Zoom and
explained the letter received by Ms.Andrews class requested protection of Sasquatch in Mason County.
QUESTIONS
Dan Burdi asked how the County planned to define Sasquatch and stated that if this came to some kind
of legal action and went to court,the control of what determines a"large animal"could be confusing
and would need more legal explanation before proving the animal was or was not a Sasquatch.
COMMENTS
A student from Ms.Andrews class stated that Bigfoot is an endangered species that needs protection
because other animals want to harm it by stealing its food,and Bigfoot would protect itself and would
fight back if you tried to harm it because it is trying to not get hurt,and that Bigfoot doesn't harm people
often.
Another student explained that Mason County has had 24 Bigfoot sightings,and he believes that if they
allow hunting and what if some of them were real and we could be diminishing them. It would make
them more endangered,and we need to preserve the majestic beauty of Bigfoot.
Cmmr.Trask/Shutty moved and seconded to approve item 8.7 approval to declare Mason County
a Sasquatch protection and refuge Area. Motion carried unanimously.N-aye;S-aye;T-aye.
Cmmr.Shutty thanked Ms.Andrews classes for participating in this process. Cmmr.Trask read a
definition of a Sasquatch and thanked Ms.Andrews class and stated that she has sent their letter to the
Legislature as well to see if something can also be done at the State level. Cmmr.Neatherlin thanked
the class as well and stated that there is a group in Mason County near the Lake Cushman area that has
been searching for Sasquatch.
Item 8.12
QUESTIONS
Sandra Cunningham asked what the grinder pumps and fee pertain to.
Ken VanBuskirk asked if this information was available at the Belfair utility rate meeting and stated that
it would have been nice to have had this information presented at that time.
Richard Dickinson,Utilities and Waste Manager,explained that the increase in grinder pump fees is
because the actual cost to order new pumps has increased and this is to cover those actual costs.
Cmmr.Shutty/Trask moved and approved item 8.12 approval of the Resolution amending
Resolution 2022-092,increasing grinder pump fees for North Base/Case Inlet and Belfair Sanitary
Sewer System. Motion carried unanimously. N-aye;S-aye;T-aye.
9. Other Business(Department Heads and Elected Officials)
Steve Dunkel,Auditor,reminded everyone that today is Election Day,and the ballot items
are the merger of Fire Protection District 3 with 5,and a Fire District 16 EMS levy. Steve
encouraged all who live in those districts to get out and vote.
3 April 23 , 2024 Commission Minutes
10. 9:45 a.m.Public Hearings and Items Set for a Certain Time
Please see above options to provide public testimony. These options are available only while COVID-19 OPMA
meeting restrictions are in place.
10.1 Public Hearing to consider changes to Mason County Code Chapter 13—Utilities and
minor updates to Chapters 2,3 and 17.
Richard Dickenson provided a Power Point presentation of the Water& Sewer Utility
Rate Review and provided a brief background,explaining that the Board of County
Commissioners suspended all 2024 Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers
(CPI-U)rate increases set by Mason County Code Chapter 13 during the annual budget
process to engage customers more fully about their utilities and rate settings. Meetings
were held at Beards Cove,Belfair,North Bay,and Rustlewood. Public comment
included requests for additional detail of staff recommendations,planned water/sewer
projects,consumption history,and the opportunity to view this information in advance
to be able to provide more informed comments to the Commissioners. The new rates
are scheduled to take effect on June 1,2024,unless the Commissioners allow
additional time for comment. If additional comment is allowed,the new rates would
take effect on July 1,2024.
Loretta Swanson provided the budget impact and the need for a rate increase of 4%to
311%. Loretta stated that this will cover operating costs as well as operating and
capital improvement reserves. Staff considered equity amongst rate payors and
established an affordability target.Reasonable rate increases are needed to meet future
goals.
Loretta explained that public outreach included Facebook notifications,public hearing
notice and informational post card mailings,emails to homeowners' associations,and
community meetings. Despite the outreach,the community believes because of the
amount of information,there is not enough time to make informed comments.
Loretta stated that comments from North Bay customers include the belief that future
capital needs should come from new customers,since current customers have already
invested a lot in this utility;the CPI,cost of living and cost-of-living adjustment
(COLA)are out of sync;sewer should be based on water consumption; seniors and
those on fixed income need some type of assistance with their utility bills; and rates are
higher than other utilities. Rustlewood comments included concerns about water
quality and what is being proposed to address that;concerns about low water pressure
in some areas; advocating for a tiered system;a need for more information about what
this money would be spent on;and if you are not at the home and the water is turned
off you should not have to pay a fixed rate for zero water consumption.
Cmmr.Neatherlin asked for an explanation of the separation of the utilities and how
the budget revenue and expenditure is handled. Loretta explained that each utility is
operated as a separate enterprise fund and each pay for its own services. Rustlewood
water and sewer had previously been combined,but they are now separate funds for
water and sewer. A year-end audit is performed for all the utilities and is completed
both internally and externally at the State level. The Belfair and Rustlewood systems
do not operate on a balanced budget so fiscal notes are prepared each year for these
systems. The Belfair financial plan has been successful. Rustlewood has not had a
financial plan,and this is why we are here to improve this system's financial position.
4 April 23 , 2024 Commission Minutes
Stephanie Buhrman,Public Works Finance Manager,provided recommendations for
mid-year 2024 utility rates for North Bay/Case Inlet Sewer,Belfair Sewer,Beards
Cove Water,and Rustlewood Water and Sewer Utilities. Customer feedback included
receiving more inclusive scenarios of what it would take to run utilities. Scenarios
were provided that included being based on the median household income,the
affordability factor of 2-2.5%,provided a rate based on the prior method of calculation,
rate increases using continued County and grant support, and a rate based on water
consumption of up to 700 cubic feet with two tiers from 700 to 1,200 cubic feet and the
second tier above 1,200. Customers were provided consumption history for their
households. A mailer will be sent out soon showing what possible rates would be
based on the previous year's consumption. Providing property tax discounts for seniors
living in those communities will also be considered.
North Bay/Case Inlet Sewer
North Bay/Case Inlet sewer serves 1,435 with a maximum capacity of 2,356,has a
beginning fund balance of$2,237,540, operating budget of$2,843,708 and a 10-year
capital project budget of$13,355,000. Capital projects include conducting necessary
facility expansion to accommodate growth,updating the sewer plan,filter replacement,
replace,upgrade and expand final effluent filters, and an upgrade to computer control
system. The current rate is$124.86,and the recommended rate is$133.48.
A citizen asked what is the projected cost for maintenance this year for North Bay?
Helmuth Seymor III asked if the operating system is still viable and working? Richard
stated that it is still working today,but if upgrades are made to the system,the
operating system may then need to be upgraded. Loretta provided an example of when
a water break at Belfair took out part of the system,the entire system had to be
upgraded due to being unable to replace certain parts.
Stephanie stated that the cost for maintenance this year for North Bay is budgeted for
$600,000. Last year's maintenance was$582,000.
Belfair Sewer
Belfair sewer serves 620 with a maximum capacity of 899,has a beginning fund
balance of$3,664,626,an operating budget of$3,495,262 and a 10-year capital project
budget of$11,122,204.Capital projects include rebuilding some of the pumps,
replacement of outdated dissolved oxygen probes,control screen replacement,airflow
actuators,filter replacements and addition deferred maintenance projects. Two
scenarios were provided. The current rate is$100.80,and the recommended rate is
$107.76.
A constituent asked if duplexes are considered the same as condos. Staff stated those
would be the same.
Ken VanBuskirk asked if the capital project for adding a south connection and an Old
Belfair Highway connection will be completed in 2024. Richard stated that these two
projects are scheduled out beyond 2033.
5 April 23 , 2024 Commission Minutes
Beards Cove Water
Beards Cove water serves 474 out of 521 lots,has a beginning fund balance of
$988,172,an operating budget of$355,731 and a ten-year capital project budget of
$3,376,528. Capital projects include replacing leaking pipes and isolation valves at
Larson Lake Road,updating the water plan,inspection of the reservoir in 2025,
repainting the reservoir in 2027,and replacing approximately 80 isolation valves. Two
scenarios were provided.The current rate is$44.32,and the recommended rate is
$62.54 per month.
Rustlewood Sewer
Rustlewood sewer serves 156 out of 167 lots,has a beginning fund balance of$11,381,
an operating budget of$500,978 and a ten-year capital project budget of$557,849.
The County allocates funds to assist with the operation of this utility and they have also
received grant funding. Ten-year capital expenditures include facility plan updates,
replacement of dissolved oxygen probes,rebuilding lift stations 1,2 and 3,odor control
upgrade,and upgrading process control components. A new permit has been applied
for and additional costs may be incurred during this permit process. Two scenarios
were provided. The current rate is$118.15 and the actual operating rate per customer
would be$251.00. Staff recommends a rate of$126.30 for the customer with the
addition of County and grant funding.
Rustlewood Water
Rustlewood water serves 144 out of 167 lots,has a beginning fund balance of$11,381,
an operating budget of$294,408 and a ten-year capital project budget of$269,703.
Ten-year capital expenditures include reservoir inspection,valve replacement,
pressurization improvements and plan updates. Three scenarios were provided. The
current rate is$44.32,and the staff is recommending a rate of$170.38.
Sandy Cunningham asked why they use"cubic feet"instead of gallons? Stephanie
explained that the system is built to read cubic feet and is 7.48 gallons per cubic feet.
A question was asked,in scenario 4,why the yearly rate increases that way. Staff
explained that customers will pay for what they use,and it will be more equitable.
Mark Neary stated that staff has looked at customers within all utility areas that could
qualify for property tax senior exemptions
Dan Burdick stated that he pulled the data in cubic feet from his meter and there were a
couple of anomalies—in September the reading doubled so clearly there was some
anomalous reading. Is there a method of appeal built into this process or will there
periodically be a large bill received? Staff will create policies and procedures to
address these types of issues. Information will be provided to customers showing
usage history and new rate information. Loretta explained how the meters are
currently read monthly,and a quick review is done to catch any unusual activity before
bills are generated.
COMMENT
6 April 23 , 2024 Commission Minutes
Jeff Carey,Belfair,stated he has extensive history with Allyn sewer. It would have
been nice if the slide presentation had been made available to the public prior to this
hearing. His biggest concern is that there are no Capital Facility Plans,which he
believes is needed. The public is now flying blind to what is happening,and he is
concerned that there is no reserve to take care of these systems,and there is no way to
know where these rates will be going. He believes there needs to be an annual
executive summary provided and a more comprehensive future plan. He does not see
a clear policy about when a developer pays for extension and when the County pays for
extension of services. Allyn seems to have to pay for extensions,yet Belfair seems to
be under a different rule. When looking at the cash balance it doesn't appear that the
rates need to increase. He is concerned that these budgets are not handled correctly.
Dave Ingman,Allyn,recommends that Commissioners look at getting off the consumer
price index(CPI)approach and focus on the individual usage.
Sandy Cunningham stated that removing the consumer price index was good and she
agrees with Dave and believes the CPI should not be the basis for the rates.
Ken VanBuskirk stated that there are households using more than single family
residential homes and it is inequitable and asked if the Commissioners could find a
more equitable way that would be great.
Public comment was also received from Denny Brand, Star Brown,Jeff and Chris
Cizek,Meegan Danby,John Erickson,Thalia Foreman,Lesslie Foss,George Funk,
Howard Hughes,David and Kathy Nelson,Sydne Neves and Kendra Rossi, Cathy
Olsen-Dennis,Jeff Overman, Steven Sherman,and David and Pamela White.
DELIBERATION
Cmmr.Trask thanked all who participated in the workshops and attended this public
hearing and stated that the comments are very helpful in deliberation.
Cmmr. Shutty stated he also appreciates the public comment. Cmmr. Shutty believes
an annual report is a good idea and he believes they should look hard at doing that.
The systems are required,and he is sensitive to the cost for customers and how this
affects them in their everyday lives. The capital facilities plans are important for
planning for the future of these systems. Cmmr. Shutty thanked staff for their
presentation and asked that this hearing be continued to May 7,2024 to review this
information.
Cmmr.Neatherlin stated that he attended all of the public meetings and spoke to
citizens about this process.
Cmmr. Shutty/Trask moved and seconded to continue this Public Hearing to
Tuesday,May 7,2024 at 9:15 a.m. Motion carried unanimously. N-aye;S-aye;T-
aye.
Cmmr. Shutty asked that staff post this information on the website and social media.
11. Board's Calendar and Reports—The Commissioners reported on meetings attended the past
week and announced their upcoming weekly meetings.
71April 23 , 2024 Commission Minutes
12. Adjournment—The meeting adjourned at 11:26 a.m.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ATTEST: MASON COUNTY,WASHINGTON
&1fv1t' (9/4N X,\/,
Cami Olson,Clerk of the Board ka4yNe n, air
Ke m Shutty,Vic -Chair
Sharon Trask,Commissioner
8 April 23 , 2024 Commission Minutes
Exhl bl'4-
Resolution No. ID24-01�-
VOLUNTEER POLICY
WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the Board of Mason County Commissioners for the
coordination of county administrative programs, which is accomplished through the adoption of
Policy; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary and appropriate to create a County-wide Volunteer Policy to
streamline and create consistent programs;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,that the Board of County Commissioners of Mason
County hereby approves the Volunteer Policy. This resolution shall become effective
immediately upon its passage.
DATED this 23rd day of ,2024.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ATTEST: MASON CO NTY,WASHINGTON
nu
McKenzie Sinhil,Cl&k of the Board Ran Neatherlin,C it
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Sharon Trask,Commissioner
Tim hitehead,Chief Deputy Prosecuting
Attorney Kevin Shu Comm ssioner
6o i lbi+
Resolution No. 2024 025
DECLARING MASON COUNTY A SASQUATCH
PROTECTION AND REFUGE AREA
WHEREAS, legend,sightings,purported recent findings, investigation,and recognition by various
counties support the notion that Sasquatch (also known as Bigfoot, Yeti, or Giant Hairy Ape) may exist;
and,
WHEREAS, if such a creature exists, it is not flourishing—given the very unusual event of being
sighted and it is likely an endangered species and is subject to great harm and extinction if it continues to
be unprotected;and,
WHEREAS, Mason County desires that its citizens recognize the need to protect Sasquatch if it
does truly exist;and,
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,that the Board of County Commissioners of Mason
County hereby declare Mason County as a Sasquatch protection and refuge area of which all citizens of
the County are asked to recognize and honor.
DATED this 23rd day of April,2024.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ATTEST: MASON CO ,WASHINGTON
McKenzie Smhh,CIA of the Board Randy Neatherlin,Chair
r
APPROVED AS TO FORM: 0 7 Wve
Kevin Shutty,Vice air
Tim W ief Deputy Prosecuting
Attorney Sharon Trask,Commissioner
'A I b.I
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-Q211
AMENDING RESOLUTION 2022-092
INCREASING GRINDER PUMP FEES FOR
NORTH BAY/CASE INLET AND BELFAIR SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM
WHEREAS,the provisions of water and wastewater utility services and activities within Mason County requires
collection of fees to operate and maintain these facilities;and,
WHEREAS,it is the role and responsibility of Mason County Board of Commissioners to set policy for Water and
Sewer Utility Systems,including monthly service rates,connection and permit fees and other related charges sufficient to cover
the cost of utility operation,debt,and capital improvements;and,
WHEREAS,Commissioners adopted 2022-092 establishing 2023 rates and fees for the County water and sewer
facilities;and,
WHEREAS,the Board of Mason County Commissioners,by this resolution.desire to amend the current fee to increase
the grinder pump fee to cover current cost to the County;and,
NOW THEREFORE,IT IS ESTABLISHED that the new fee schedule shall become effective immediately.
BE OT FURTHER RESOLVED the Board of Mason County Commissioners hereby adopt the new Public Works
utilities rates and fee schedule as shown in Exhibit A.
DATED this lmay of Dnj 2024.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MASON COUN ,WASHINGTON
ATTEST:
A77
_ RA D N THERLIN, hair
MCKENZIE S ITH, erk of the Board
S5,e,,Vr
APPROVED AS TO FORM: KE IN SHU ,Vic Chair
TIM W ITE , "h DPA 'SHARON TRASK,Commissioner
��chibit �
Resolution No.
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF MASON COUNTY
ESTABLISHING THE MASON COUNTY CITIZENS' COMMISSION ON SALARIES
FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS PURSUANT TO RCW 36.17.024
WHEREAS, consistent with the provisions of RCW 36.17.024, the Board of County
Commissioners of Mason County desires to create an independent salary commission to the set the salaries
of the County Commissioners;and,
WHEREAS, consistent with the provisions of RCW 36.17.20, a county commissioner salary
commission conforming with RCW 36.17.24 is authorized to establish the salaries of elected officials of
the county:;and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of County Commissioners of Mason
County as follows:
SECTION 1: ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MASON COUNTY CITIZENS' COMMISSION ON
SALARIES
Consistent with the provisions of RCW 36.17.024 there is hereby created a Mason County Citizens'
Commission on Salaries (Commission)which shall set the salaries of the County Commissioners and the
Assessor, Auditor, Clerk, Coroner, Treasurer and Sheriff based on their study and analysis of the
relationship of the salaries to the duties / statement of work for each office and fix the salary for each
position. Except as provided in this resolution, the Commission shall be solely responsible for its
organization, and shall enjoy the fullest cooperation of all elected officials, departments, and agencies of
the County. The Commission will consist of ten(10)members. The composition of the Commission shall
be as follows:
a. Six of the ten members shall be selected by lot by the County Auditor from among those
registered voters eligible to vote at the time persons are selected for appointment to full terms
on the Commission under Section 2—Terms. The County Auditor shall select two commission
members living in each County Commissioner district. The County Auditor shall establish
policies and procedures for conducting the selection by lot. The policies and procedures shall
include but not be limited to,those for notifying persons selected for and for providing a new
selection from a County Commissioner's district if a person selected from the district declines
appointment to the Commission or,if,following the person's appointment,the persons position
on the Commission becomes vacant before the end of the person's term of appointment.
b. The remaining four of the ten commission members must be residents of Mason County and
shall be appointed by a majority vote of the Board of County Commissioners. The persons
selected under this subsection shall have experience in the field of personnel management or a
related field.
c. Members of the Commission may not include any officer, official, or employee of Mason
County whose salary will be studied in the Commission's responsibilities set forth hereinafter,
nor any"immediate family member: of such officer,official or employee. "Immediate family
member"as used in this subsection means the parents,spouse,siblings,children,or dependent
relatives of the officer, official or employee, whether or not living in the household of the
officer,official,or employee.
SECTION 2:TERMS
Appointments to the Commission shall be for terms of two years with the first term ending December 31,
2026. Thereafter, all members shall serve for two years. No person may be appointed to more than two
such terms.
No member of the Commission shall be removed by the Board of County Commissioners during his or her
term of office unless for cause of incapacity, incompetence, negligence of duty, or malfeasance, or for a
disqualifying change of residence. Removal will require a majority vote of the Board of County
Commissioners.
SECTION 3:VACANCIES
Upon a vacancy in any position on the Commission a successor shall be selected to and appointed to fill
the unexpired term in the same manner as the initial appointment and the appointee shall fill the expired
term. The selection and appointment shall be concluded within thirty days of the date the position becomes
vacant and shall be conducted in the same manner as for the original appointment.
SECTION 4: OFFICERS
The Commission shall elect a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and such other officers as deemed necessary.
The Chair or his or her designee shall preside over all meetings and shall be a voting member of the
Commission.
SECTION 5:RULES REGULATIONS AND ASSISTANCE
The Commission shall be subject to the provisions of the Open Meetings Act Chapter 42.30 RCW. The
Commission shall meet biennially;however,the Commission may meet as frequently as it deems necessary.
It shall keep minutes of all meetings and shall further adopt bylaws for the transaction of business. The
setting of salaries shall be by an affirmative vote of not less than seven members.
The Auditor's Office staff working with the Human Resources Director of the County shall assist the
Commission by providing information and other such assistance as the Commission requests.
SECTION 6: COMPENSATION—EXPENSES
The members of the Commission shall serve without compensation and/or per diem,however they will be
reimbursed for their mileage costs.
SECTION 7:POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION
a. The Commission shall prepare a schedule of salaries for the Board of Commissioners and other
elected officials for the succeeding two calendar years.
b. The Commission shall set salaries of the County Commissioners and other Elected Officials.
Any change in salary shall be filed by the Commission with the County Auditor no later than
May 1, 2024, and no later than May I` every two years thereafter. The Commission Chair
shall sign each salary schedule filed,certifying that the schedules have been prepared and filed
in accordance with this resolution,state law,and any rules,if any,of the Commission.Salaries
filed shall become effective and incorporated into the county budget without further action of
the Board of County Commissioners or the salary commission and become effective January
l"of the following calendar year. If the initial determination of salaries,after the Commission
is formed,results in an increase in the salary to an elected official,that increase shall take effect
immediately upon filing of the salary with the County Auditor payable as follows:30 days after
filing with the County Auditor when no referendum petition is filed; upon a determination by
the County Auditor that a referendum petition is insufficient or invalid;upon approval of a vote
of the people. All subsequent increases in salary shall take effect on January 1$`of the year
following the filing with the County Auditor.
c. Salary increases established by the Commission shall be effective as to all County
Commissioners and Elected Officials regardless of their term in office.
d. The action of fixing the salary of the County Commissioners and Elected Officials shall
supersede any other provision of county ordinance related to budgets or fixing of salaries.
e. Salary decreases established by the Commission shall become effective as to incumbent County
Commissioners and Elected Officials at the commencement of their next subsequent terms in
office.
SECTION 8:REFERENDUM
Salary increases and decreases shall be subject to referendum petition by the people of Mason
County pursuant to the process detailed in RCW 36.17.024(8)(b)(9)and(10).
SECTION 9: SEVERABILITY
If any provision of this resolution or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the
remainder of the resolution or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not
affected.
DATED this )Zrd day of 12024.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ATTEST: MASON COUNTY,WASHINGTON
McKenzie Smith,C erk of the Board RLdybledtherlin,Chair
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Kevin Shutty,Vi -Chair
Tim Whitehead,C ' ty Prosecuting
Attorney Sharon Trask,Commissioner