HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017/08/01 - Regular BOARD OF MASON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' PROCEEDINGS
Mason County Commission Chambers, 411 North 5th Street, Shelton, WA
AUGUST 1, 2017
1. Call to Order—The Chairperson called the regular meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance— Chief Bakken led the flag salute.
3. Roll Call — Present: Commissioner District 1 - Randy Neatherlin; Commissioner District 2— Kevin
Shutty; Commissioner District 3 —Terri Drexler.
4. Correspondence and Organizational Business
4.1 Correspondence
4.1.1 Christine Erica Marbet sent in a letter asking that the Sheriff's budget not be decreased.
4.1.2 Phillip Elder sent a letter regarding property he owns in Dewatto.
4.1.3 Washington Finance Officers Association sent a letter that Theresia Ehrich has earned the
"Professional Finance Office Award"for the State of Washington.
4.1.4 Vickie Wilson reapplied for the Planning Advisory Commission.
4.1.5 The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sent a letter regarding proposed
flood hazard determinations.
4.1.6 Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board sent application for the Harstine Island
Women's Club at 3371 E. Harstine Island Rd N, Shelton, WA.
4.1.7 Lisa Ivey sent a letter regarding property she owns in Dewatto.
4.1.8 Grand Lodge Fraternal Order of Police sent a letter regarding the Sheriff's budget.
4.1.9 John Bolender sent an application for the Housing Authority Board.
5. Open Forum for Citizen Input—
5.1 Tom Davis discussed the support services department noting that he does not see the public
benefit from the department. He said the current expense budget has increased by $10.8 Million.
Tom stated that opposing voices are now not heard in the department and encouraged the Board
to let their staff speak when they disagree with something or have an idea they would like to
move forward.
5.2 Conely Watson thanked Cmmr. Neatherlin for the memorial bench dedicated to former Mason
County Commissioner Jerry Lingle.
5.3 Patricia Vandehey addressed the petition from City of Shelton regarding in regards to increasing
the number of Commissioners. She suggested the County do the same. Cmmr. Neatherlin
thanked Patricia and explained that Mason County would need to be a charter county before that
would be possible.
6. Adoption of Agenda - Cmmr. Neatherlin/Drexler moved and seconded to adopt the agenda
as published. Motion carried unanimously. N-aye; S-aye; D-aye.
7. Approval of Minutes—July 17, 2017 Briefing Minutes; July 18 and July 25, 2017 Regular Minutes
Cmmr. Drexler/Neatherlin moved and seconded to approve the July 17, 2017 briefing
minutes; July 18 and July 25, 2017 regular meeting minutes. Motion carried
unanimously. N-aye; S-aye; D-aye.
8. Approval of Action Agenda:
8.1 Approval of Warrants
Claims Clearing Fund Warrant #s 8050024-8050272 $ 1,818,382.67
Direct Deposit Fund Warrant #s 42626-43022 $ 696,692.59
Salary Clearing Fund Warrant #s 7002935-7002965 $ 530,878.25
Total $ 3,045,953.51
BOARD OF MASON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' PROCEEDINGS
AUGUST 1, 2017 - PAGE 2
8.2 Approval of voicing no objections to the special occasion liquor license application for the Mason
County Senior Activities Association on August 6, 2017, and approval to have the chair sign the
Notice of Liquor License Application from the Washington State Liquor Control Board.
8.3 Approval of contract amendment with Richard Beckman Realty Group, LLC for Real Estate
Services extending the contract for one year to October 24, 2018.
8.4 Approval to purchase 15 copies of Microsoft Office Professional 2016 for all District Court staff
and courtroom computers at a cost of approximately $400 each for a total of$6,000 to be paid
from the Trial Court Improvement Fund.
8.5 Approval of Amendment #14 on contract C17118 between Mason County Public Health and the
State of Washington Department of Health.
8.6 Approval of the 2017-2019 agreement #1763-94262 between the Department of Social and
Health Services, Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery and Mason County Public Health.
8.7 Approval to execute the resolution authorizing Public Works to purchase original equipment
manufacturer (OEM) parts as sole source form Trojan UV to repair the UV disinfections systems
at the North Bay and Belfair Water Reclamation Facilities. (Ex. A)
8.8 Approval to set a hearing for August 22, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. to adopt an ordinance amending
Mason County Code, Section 15.13 and 15.09.030 to decrease reliance on the Hearings Examiner
for reviews that can be conducted administratively.
Cmmr. Drexler/Neatherlin moved and seconded to approve action items 8.1 through
8.8. Motion carried unanimously. N-aye; S-aye; D-aye.
9. Other Business (Department Heads and Elected Officials)- None
10. 9:30 a.m. Public Hearings and Items set for a certain time
10.1 Public Hearing to approve revisions to Chapter 17.03.030 of the Mason County Development
Regulations regarding Development Requirements and Performance Standards. Staff: Dave
Windom. (Ex. B)
Dave Windom announced that last minute changes were done and offered packets to those
interested. He explained that the revisions were edited to ease issues with on-site septic or
group on-site septic systems. He went through the proposed changes within the document
noting that per requests from the Board and the Belfair Chamber of Commerce, the distance
of the public sewer system was changed from 500 feet to 200 feet to better serve locations
that cannot be connected to sewer. The Capital Facilities Charge was changed so it could be
paid upfront at a lower rate and allows the money to be refunded, with interest, if the sewer
does not reach their property within 10 years.
Cmmr. Drexler addressed section 9 noting she likes the transition strategy for large on-site
septic systems. She also noted that the change to 200 feet was not done in several sections.
Tom Davis said that the original objective was to increase the sewer capacity to offset some
long term costs. He questioned how these changes affect that goal. Dave answered that the
proposed changes will allow the areas that cannot access sewer at this time to continue
development until the sewer is within 200 feet.
An unknown female questioned Dave about holding tanks located in Hoodsport. Dave
explained that he is familiar with one of the business in question and that they are currently
doing tests to find out the volume of waste to determine the next step. He did not have any
information on the second area.
BOARD OF MASON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' PROCEEDINGS
AUGUST 1, 2017 - PAGE 3
Conely Watson asked about pocket gopher issues.
Cmmr. Drexler thanked Rep. Griffey for bringing this issue forward to the Legislator and then
addressed the housing crisis not only in Mason County, but also in neighboring counties. She
said she is in favor of these revisions to assist with the need for housing and commercial
development.
Cmmr. Neatherlin voiced his approval for the revisions due to issues in and around the north
end of the County.
Cmmr. Shutty spoke in favor of the revisions adding that this now puts the County in line
with the WAC's and helps make the Belfair Sewer financially stable.
Cmmr. Drexler/Neatherlin moved and seconded to approve revisions to Chapter
17.03.030 of the Mason County Development Regulations regarding Development
Requirements and Performance Standards. Motion carried unanimously. N-aye;
S-aye; D-aye.
10.2 Public Hearing to approve the resolution placing a proposition on the November 7, 2017
general election increasing the Current Expense levy by $2,700,000 and increasing the 2019-
2023 levy amounts by the CPI inflation rate or 1%, whichever is higher; and authorize use of
the 2023 levy amount as the base for computing levies in succeeding years. This is necessary
to retain basic public safety, criminal justice and other essential services. Staff: Frank Pinter
(Ex. C)
Frank Pinter stated that numerous revisions have been made since notice of the hearing was
published. He then read the proposed resolution out loud.
Tom Davis said the resolution proves that the Board did not do what they previously needed
to in order to prevent this issue. He said several things could have been done over the last
four years such as a sales tax increase. Tom spoke to the adopt a park program stating that
he pays his taxes and shouldn't have to pick up litter as a citizen. He went on to discuss how
the levy is going to be used voicing his disagreement.
Beau Bakken spoke on behalf of the Mason County Fire Chiefs Association. He said that the
association is neither for nor against this levy, adding that a levy increase would essentially
cause a proration issue. He told the Board that there is a concern because there is a group of
districts grouped together in a taxing category. This group consists of roads, parks, libraries,
fire districts, and more. Washington State does not allow combined levies to exceed $5.90.
This levy could push the districts closer to proration causing other levies, and possibly
services, to be cut.
Patricia Vandehey said there doesn't seem to be any thought by the Board about finances.
She addressed the fact that the Belfair Sewer is causing the big issues with the County, and
said she hopes the bypass is pushed off because we don't need more debt. Patricia read
from the proposed resolution then questioned why we pay the Economic Development
Council $68,000. She questioned what businesses they have brought to the county and
suggested taking those funds from the EDC for other services that need it.
BOARD OF MASON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' PROCEEDINGS
AUGUST 1, 2017 - PAGE 4
Jerry Eckenrode said she agrees with Tom Davis'testimony adding that more dollars do not
solve the spending problem. She stated that the parks bring a great deal of tourism, so
cutting funding in that area is a bad idea.
Brad Bryant questioned why Washington State and Mason County have no income tax. He
noted that in Virginia he owned 14 acres, whereas here he only owns 1.5 acres and paid the
same amount. Cmmr. Shutty answered that the Washington State Constitution does not
allow income tax, and the voters have voted against it on several occasions.
Kristin Masteller said that she is not excited to have her property tax increase, but on the
other hand she wants services from the County to continue. She said she would like to have
emergency response, live people on phones, and decent roads. She asked the Commission to
pass this resolution, because ultimately, it will be up to the citizens to decide on their ballots.
Cmmr. Neatherlin reminded everyone that criminal justice isn't just the Sheriffs department.
He talked about the cuts made that are affecting the various departments. He spoke to the
road fund and how people think it is just there to use, but it cannot be touched except for
very specific reasons. Cmmr. Neatherlin said that it is up to the people to make a decision
adding that though no deputies were cut in the reductions, declining the levy may require
deeper cuts. He said he will be voting in favor of the increase though he is not in favor of
raising taxes.
Cmmr. Drexler said she would be voting in favor of the resolution because, again, it is up to
the voters. She said that raising property tax increases are better than sales tax increases,
because sales tax requires enough vendors to make that happen.
Cmmr. Shutty thanked everyone that commented. He admitted that the options in front of
the Board are not ideal and asked the residents of Mason County to look at the services
provided. Cmmr. Shutty asked the citizens to sit down and look at everything their money
goes towards. He said he will be voting in favor of adding this levy to the ballot because the
people of Mason County should get to decide how this moves forward. Cmmr. Shutty said he
looks forward to speaking with citizens and also department heads about this issue.
Cmmr. Drexler invited anybody that would like to speak to her to do so. She said her door is
always open. Cmmr. Neatherlin agreed.
Cmmr. Drexler moved and seconded to approve the resolution placing a
proposition on the November 7, 2017 general election increasing the Current
which, if approved would increase property tax by .37 to a rate of$1.77 per
$1000 to maintain criminal justice, public safety, and other essential services.
Motion carried unanimously. N-aye; S-aye; D-aye.
11. Board's Reports and Calendar -The Commissioners reported on meetings attended the past week
and announced their upcoming weekly meetings.
12. Adjournment—The meeting adjourned at 10:41 a.m.
BOARD OF MASON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' PROCEEDINGS
AUGUST 1, 2017 - PAGE S
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ATTEST: MASON COUNTY, WP�SHINGTON
/11
f %
Meli a D , Jerk of the Aoard Kevin Shutty, air
Terri Drexler, Co missioner
Rand Neatherlin, Commissioner
Ex. A
RESOLUTION NO. I
A RESOLUTION WAIVING PUBLIC BIDDING REQUIREMENTS AND APPROVING
A SOLE SOURCE PROCURMENT OF REPLACEMENT
PARTS AND REPAIRS FROM TROJAN UV
WHEREAS, the Belfair and North Bay/Case Inlet Water Reclamation Facilities have ultraviolet
treatment systems that provide necessary disinfection to the wastewater effluent, requiring replacement
parts and services to ensure they operate properly and efficiently.
WHEREAS, Trojan UV is the manufacturer of the Belfair and North Bay/Case Inlet ultraviolet
systems and provides the replacement parts and repair services needed for the Belfair and North
Bay/Case Inlet ultraviolet systems.
WHEREAS, Trojan UV is the manufacturer of the UV systems and the only service provider of the
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts in the State of Washington.
WHEREAS, RCW 39.04.280 specifies exemption to competitive bidding requirements for
purchases that are clearly and legitimately to a single source of supply;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Mason County Commissioners as follows:
1. Trojan UV is a sole source supplier of the OEM manufactured parts for the Belfair and
North Bay/Case Inlet Water Reclamation Facilities.
2. That the County is authorized to purchase without proceeding to secure competitive bids,
estimated at $33,582.93 (includes sales tax).
ADOPTED this 16� day of ( (16'2017
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MASON COUNY, WASHINGTON
6--51 ov�
l
Kevin S utty, Chair
L�
Terri Drexler, Co missioner
ATTEST:
Meli sa Drewry, Clerk of th oard Ran Neatherlin, Commissioner
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Tim Whitehea�, DA
Ex. B
ORDINANCE NUMBER �& " 7
Title 17 - zoning
Amendments to Title 17, Zoning, Chapter 17.03.03o, Development requirements and
performance standards.
ORDINANCE amending Title 17, Zoning, Chapter 17.03.03o, Development Requirements
and Performance standards.
WHEREAS, amendments to Title 17 of the Mason County Code fall under the authority of
Chapter 36.7o and 36.7oA RCW; and
WHEREAS, Mason County adopted Development Requirements and Performance
Standards in 2009 to help foster economic development, accommodate residential growth
in urban growth areas, and discourage suburban sprawl in rural areas of Mason County; and
WHEREAS, these regulations were intended to result in no new development created in
the Belfair and Allyn UGA's that would employ individual or community on-site septic
systems in order to more fully utilize community sewer services and,
WHEREAS, the use of holding tanks as an interim solution was implemented to allow
property development in areas that had no immediate access to sewer services and,
WHEREAS, WAC 246-272A-0240 prohibits the use of holding tanks as a primary means of
providing for residential sewage systems and,
WHEREAS, since its adoption, the County has processed only two applications under these
regulations; and
WHEREAS, the County does not have the means necessary to provide regular pumping of
residential sewage and,
WHEREAS, this Ordinance amends Chapter 17.70, Sections 1.7.70.030 to remove the use of
holding tanks as residential sewage interim solutions and allows for use of individual and
community septic systems as interim solutions for residential development in those areas
of the Belfair and Allyn UGAs not currently served by community sewer systems and ,
WHEREAS, Substitute House Bill 1683 as passed by the legislature and signed by the
Governor on May 16, 2017, allows exceptions to sewer service in the UGAs and,
WHEREAS, the Mason County Planning Advisory Commission conducted a public hearing
on June 19, 2017 and recommended adoption of amendments by the Board of County
Commissioners, and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY ORDAINED that the Board of Commissioners of Mason
County hereby amends the Mason County Code Title 17, Zoning, Chapter 17.03.030,
Development Requirements and performance standards.
DATED this 5� day of 2017.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MASON CO Y,WASHINGTON
ATTEST:
A,)A 1, Kevin`- u y, Chair
Mel ssa ry, Clerk of Board /J
Terri J �, Commissioner
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Randy eatherlin, Co)1nmissioner
Tim Whitehead, Chief DPA
";qe
17.03.030 - Development requirements and performance standards.
The following development requirements and performance standards apply to all property
proposed for development, which is within the boundary of Mason County's Urban Growth
Areas (UGA). No development approval shall be given, and no building permit shall be issued,
unless the proposed development complies with the provisions of this chapter.
(1) New Lots.
(a) No new lots will be created within the boundaries of the Belfair and Allyn UGAs,
which employ individual or community/group on-site sewage disposal systems
except when the following circumstances may apply:
(i) Use of on-site sewer systems as a transitional strategy where there is a
development phasing plan in place (see WAC 365-195-330 [WAC 365-196-3301);
or
(ii) To serve isolated pockets of urban land difficult to serve due to terrain, critical
areas or where the benefit of providing an urban level of service is cost-prohibitive;
or
(iii) Where on-site systems are the best available technology for the circumstances
and are designed to serve urban densities
when .
(b) All residential subdivisions created after the adoption of this chapter shall have a
residential urban density of at least four units/acre.
(c) Location of sewer lines will be prelocated and easements established in
conformance with the sewer analysis plan and as illustrated on the Belfair UGA
Build-Out Sewer Connection Map.
(2) Existing Lots of Record.
(a) No new development or redevelopment on existing lots of record in the Belfair and
Allyn UGAs shall be allowed using individual or community/group on-site septic
systems except that:
(i) New development or redevelopment using an existing (as of April 8, 2008)
approved on-site or community/group system may be allowed provided that no
expansion of the capacity of on-site system is needed to serve the
redevelopment and provided that the public sewer system has not been
extended to within two five-hundred feet of the property line; and
(ii) New development or redevelopment of lots, within the Belfair and Allyn UGAs,
existing as of August 2, 2011, wherein sewer has not been extended to within
ffi e hH RElred foot two hundred feet (200) of the property line may seek
approval for heldi g taRks won-site septic system when:
(1) It complies with all requirements and specifications of the Mason County
Department of Community Services p�'h,abl;Gealth and Human SeNiGes,
M asen Go grit„ Departm ont of. Cnmmi mit y Development and the Mason
County Department of Utilities and Waste Management, and
(2) A binding site plan is submitted which provides for future sewer pipelines
and other utilities in accordance with the Belfair UGA Build-Out Sewer
Connection Map, and
Page 1
(3) Demonstrates that development at the minimum density allowed within
the zone could be achieved once public sewer and/or water would be
available to serve the project site, and
(4) Development of the site shall be consistent with the approved site plan.
The director may allow minor modification to the site plan, provided that
all other regulations and conditions placed on the approval are met, and
(5) Allows as needed pumping seWiGes te be provided by the Masen Geunty
Department of I I}ilities and Waste Management,
and
..epuizrrr�, roTvzrn rrc�r-a rrcry Waste
(6) Agreement of payment E)f menthly fees as established by the MaSGR
County Departmen} r)f Utilities and Waste Management, and
(7) Payment of the Belfair sewer Capital Facilities Charge (CFC) in effect at
the time of commencement of utilization of the onsite septic system
holding k(s),
(i) Should sewer connections not become available within 200 feet from
the property line over a period of 10 years from initial installation of the
septic system, the customer is entitled to a refund of CFC.
(ii) The refund shall be calculated from date of installation and shall
include the original CFC charge plus interest calculated at 2% per year or
based on the Consumer Price Index whichever is lower for the time
period.
NO If the customer elects to receive the refund and sewer becomes
available later, the customer would pay the CFC in effect at the time
sewer becomes available.
and
(8) Agreement to decommission the onsite septic system and connect to
public sewer within ninety days of the public sewer system extending to
within two five hundred feet of the subject property's nearest property line.
The cost of any connection/extension required will be borne by the
property owners. The developer of an extension may collect reasonable
latecomer's fees for off-site improvements.
(9) If a Large Onsite Septic System (LOSS) is constructed in the Belfair UGA
to serve development prior to sewer becoming available. the County shall
be designated as the operator of the LOSS in order to establish a billing
relationship with those served properties and to enable components of
the LOSS to be repurposed as a lift component for connection to sewer.
(10) Subdivisions developed within the UGA but not served initially by sewer
will install sewer mains as an element of road and water system
construction. Capital Facilities Charges shall be waived for such a
development until sewer is available within 200 feet.
(b) All residential, industrial and commercial structures, currently using on-site
disposal systems, will be required to connect to public sewers once a public
system is extended to within two five hundred feet of the closest property line
regardless of the timing of the original on-site installation. The cost of any
Page 2
extension required will be borne by the property owners. The developer of an
extension may collect latecomer's fees for off-site improvements.
(c) All existing permits for the installation of on-site systems, which have been
approved but have not been installed, shall be declared void at such time the
sewer is within two five-hundred feet of the closest property line.
(3) Existing Lot Consolidation or Boundary Adjustment. Within the Belfair and Allyn UGA,
consolidation of existing residential lots to form a single lot greater than eight thousand
square feet will not be allowed except to the extent that site conditions and site
constraints impede the individual development of the lots combined by the
consolidation, in accordance with subsection (2) above.
(Ord. 59-08 Attach. A (part), 2008: Ord. 45-08 Attach. A (part), 2008: Ord. 30-08 Attach. (part),
2008: Ord. 91-07 (part), 2007: Ord. 10-07 (part), 2007: Ord. 108-05 Attach. B (part), 2005).
(Ord. No. 16-09, 3-3-2009; Ord. No. 55-12, Att. A, 7-10-2012)
Footnotes:
--- 0)
WAG 246 272A 0010 "HGIdiRg tank sewage system" means an on site sewage system whiGh
- , ,
and the treatment
and dispec ef
the sewageeneFated
17.03.031 - Binding site plan required in the Belfair UGA (Southern Connection—Long-term
UGA Zone)
(a) Within the Southern Connection—Long-term UGA Zone development may be allowed with
the use of an on-site system when:
(1) Complies with the applicable health regulations and other Mason County building
regulations; e.g. critical areas, stormwater management, etc.
(2) A binding site plan is submitted which provides for future sewer pipelines and other
utilities in accordance with the Belfair UGA Build-Out Sewer Connection Map.
(3) Demonstrates that development at the minimum density allowed within the zone could
be achieved once public sewer and/or water would be available to serve the project
site.
(4) The development density does not exceed one unit/five acres.
(b) The binding site plan prepared under this section and reviewed and approved by the
director, shall address the following: buffers, landscaping, traffic access and parking
standards, sewage disposal provisions, height and scale in relation to surrounding uses and
future uses, vegetation removal, stormwater, potable water, and lot coverage.
(c) Development of the site shall be consistent with the approved site plan. The director may
allow minor modification to the site plan, provided that all other regulations and conditions
placed on the approval are met.
Page 3
(Ord. 59-08 Attach. A (part), 2008: Ord. 45-08 Attach. A (part), 2008: Ord. 30-08 Attach. (part),
2008: Ord. 91-07 (part), 2007: Ord. 10-07 (part), 2007: Ord. 108-05 Attach. B (part), 2005).
(Ord. No. 118-08, 11-4-2008)
Page 4
Ex. C
BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF MASON COUNTY, WASHINGTON
A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE
SUBMISSION OF A PROPOSITION TO THE
QUALIFYING VOTERS OF MASON COUNTY AT THE
NOVEMBER 2017 GENERAL ELECTION FOR THEIR
RATIFICATION OR REJECTION, PROVIDING FOR
AUTHORITY TO LEVY AN INCREASE IN THE RESOLUTION NO. 45-17
REGULAR PROPERTY TAX LEVY
WHEREAS, Mason County is authorized to levy a regular property tax not to exceed
$1.80 per $1,000 of assessed value on the property within the County; and
WHEREAS, Mason County continues to experience a financial crisis resulting from the
cumulative long-term effects of the passage of Initiative 695 which indirectly, drastically reduced
funding for law and justice and public health, and Initiative 747 which limited property tax
increases to 1%, while the average rate of expenditure increases is approaching 3.3%. As a
result, the financial solvency of Mason County is threatened, and in spite of aggressive crippling
reductions, continues to be in peril without prudent and swift revenue adjustments; and
WHEREAS, the Mason County Commissioners responded by taking action to cut
expenses to offset the drastic increase in expenditures and attempt to balance the budget:
• Government expenses in 2017 were cut by $1.7 million or approximately 7.3% of the
Current Expense Fund
• County workforce was reduced by over 27 positions
• Work hours were reduced for some positions
• Offices shortened their hours open to the public as a result of fewer employees
• Commissioners, Elected Officials and Department Heads can make donations to the County
• Commissioners, Elected Officials and Department Heads are requested to eliminate
unnecessary expenses
• Fees for service were adjusted where prudent to recoup the cost of doing business
• The Commissioners will pursue an Adopt-a-Park plan, to help maintain County Parks; and
WHEREAS,these sweeping measures have significantly reduced county government
services, strained internal systems, and left some essential programs underfunded and
understaffed; and
WHEREAS, Mason County Finance Committee has recommended to maintain a reserve
for the current expense fund that is at least equal to 12% of annual expenditures. The reserve
will be used to stabilize county finances during temporary financial shortfalls and unexpected
one-time emergency expenditures. Mason County will avoid using one-time revenue and reserve
funds to support ongoing expenses; and
WHEREAS, in an effort to restore trust with taxpayers and provide financial stability,
Mason County will strive to implement a Balanced Budget Resolution, excluding beginning and
ending fund balances, to ensure expenditures do not exceed revenues in any fiscal year. All fund
balances must be maintained at a level to meet ongoing budgeted obligations without incurring
improper surpluses or deficits; and
WHEREAS, the financial shortfall for 2018 will exceed $4.8 million and the five year
financial forecast shows that despite rigorous budget reductions, Current Expense Fund
expenses will continue to exceed revenues by over $1.8 million per year, completely
exhausting Mason County's cash reserves by 2019; leaving the County's Elected Officials
unable to provide our citizens with fundamental support and services required by law; and
WHEREAS, all Washington State Counties are required to provide similar essential
services. Mason County currently has a property tax rate of$1.4015546 per$1,000 of
assessed value; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners finds that it is necessary to protect the
financial viability of the County Current Expense Fund by allowing the electors to approve or
reject a proposition under RCW 84.55.050(1) to authorize the Board of County Commissioners to
levy the County's regular property tax in an amount that would not exceed the limit factor that
would otherwise be prescribed by RCW 84.52.043 of$1.80; and
WHEREAS, RCW 84.55.050(1) authorizes the County to place a proposition before the
voters to approve permanently an increase in regular property tax levy for 2018. The dollar
amount of the levy will be used for the purpose of computing the limitations for subsequent
levies; and
WHEREAS, the property tax rate is computed based upon the overall total assessed
value of property in the County on January 1. The Mason County Assessor estimates that
the total assessed value of property for January I, 2018 will be increased 5% to 10% but the
final figure will not be determined until later in the year. If the total assessed value of
property is increased 7.5% the dollar rate to raise the same regular levy amount in 2018,
plus the 1% limit factor, would be $1.40 per $1,000 of assessed valuation and the voter-
approved added levy rate to raise an additional $3,400,000 would be $0.37 for a total levy
rate to be collected in 2018 of$1.77 per $1,000 of assessed valuation; and
WHEREAS, the proceeds of the increase in the regular property tax on real property
that would be authorized by the ballot proposition requested below will provide funding for
general fund expenses and services, retaining public safety, criminal justice and other
mandated services provided by the County to its citizens; and
WHEREAS, the proposal set out in this resolution requires approval by a simple majority
of the voters in Mason County; NOW,THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Mason County Commissioners, pursuant to
RCW 84.55.050(1) and RCW 29A.04.321, as follows:
Section 1. The best interests of the citizens of Mason County require the submission
to the qualified voters of the County a proposition to levy regular property taxes above the
limitations established in RCW 84.52.043 for approval or rejection at the general election to
be held November 7, 2017. The proposition shall be to permanently increase the County's
regular property tax levy by $0.37 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for collection in 2018, for
a total rate not to exceed $1.77 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.
Section 2. The proposition would authorize the County to levy the regular property
tax at a rate of $1.77 per $1,000 of assessed valuation on property in the County for
collection in the year 2018. Therefore the proposed increase will generate approximately
$3,400,000 additional revenue for 2018. Revenues from the property tax increases that
would be authorized by the ballot proposition shall be used for the limited purposes of
support of general fund expenses and services including but not limited to retaining public
safety, criminal justice and other mandated services, and, secondarily, begin replenishing
the County's contingency cash reserves.
Section 3. The proposition to be submitted to the electorate of Mason County shall
read substantially as follows:
Proposition No. 1. Levy to Support General Fund Expenses and Services including but not
limited to basic public safety, criminal justice and other mandated services
The Board of Mason County Commissioners adopted Resolution 45-17, concerning voter
approval of its regular property tax levy to maintain Public Safety, Criminal Justice and General Fund
Services. This proposition permanently increases the regular property tax levy by $0.37 to a rate of
$1.77 per$1,000 assessed value for collection in 2018 and authorizes use of the 2018 levy rate as
the base for computing levy limitations in succeeding years; provided by RCW Ch. 84.55.
Should this proposition be Approved / Rejected?
S4-
DATED this I day of 2017.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Mason County, Washington
ATTEST: Y�
Kevin Shu , Commissioner
V
Terri Drexler, Con4issioner
Meli a'/Drewry, Jerk of the Board 2�zk
APPROVED AS TO FORM: Ran Neatherlin, Commissioner
Tim Whitehead, Chief
Deputy
Prosecuting Attorney
Res.C-54-10 Final Page4 of4