HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024/09/05 - Special Board of Mason County Commissioners
35' Legislative Delegation Meeting
100 W Public Works Drive
;Ysf Shelton, WA 98584
September 5, 2024
1. Call to Order—The Chairperson called the delegation meeting to order at 2:32 p.m.
2. Discussion on Sexually Violent Predators(SVPs)
Representative Dan Griffey discussed a comprehensive six-week violent predator program aimed at
transitioning individuals deemed dangerous to society through a gradual step-down process and
advocated for giving counties greater veto power in zoning decisions related to Secure Community
Transition Facilities(SCTFs). Also highlighted were the challenges of balancing public safety with
constitutional requirements for transitioning individuals from civil commitment centers back to the
community. Cmmr.Neatherlin stressed the importance of safety in the siting of SCTFs, expressing
discomfort with community reintegration processes as currently structured. There is a need for
alternative approaches to ensure higher security facilities are not placed directly in communities.
3. Transportation and Infrastructure
Belfair Bypass
Scheduled to begin moving dirt in 2026,with discussions focusing on transportation processes
aligning with the bypass plans.
Johns Prairie/Highway 3
Rep. Griffey shared oval roundabout designs were proposed as a cost-effective and geographically
feasible solution for transportation improvements in the area. However,there is not a lot of land,and
the geography is poor. Rep. Griffey emphasized prioritizing this project as it could serve as a freight
corridor bypass to Shelton,enhancing economic and transportation efficiency.
General Challenges
Rep. Griffey discussed rising costs,with transportation projects facing 40% overages statewide.
Loretta added there are growing liabilities from over 3,300 culverts and a bridge inventory that has
increased from 67 to over 90 in recent years as well as concerns about the impact of heavier electric
vehicles on road maintenance and design standards. Looking ahead,there is a bigger deficit.
4. Economic Development and Housing
Property Tax Adjustments
Rep. Griffey and Cmmr.Neatherlin discussed lifting the current 1%property tax cap to address
housing shortages and inflationary pressures while balancing affordability for residents.
Childcare
Rep. Couture highlighted the lack of childcare availability in rural areas,particularly communities
under 100,000 population and advocated for local licensing policies to match community needs,while
ensuring compliance with federal safety and security standards. David Windom pointed out
workforce shortages and the financial burden on families,with some paying$33,000436,000
annually for childcare. One proposal is reducing educational degree requirements for childcare
workers and focusing on certification-based pathways instead. Rep. Griffey added that certification
requirements should be changed.
5. Justice and Public Safety
Jail Study
The draft report identified a need for crisis stabilization units to address mental health and substance
use disorder(SUD) cases, alongside traditional incarceration options. Proposed modifications include
adding specialized treatment spaces for detox and medical triage, exploring partnerships with tribal
communities to share resources and costs, and modernizing existing facilities to improve operations
and workforce retention.Rep. Couture also touched on the staffing issue across the state for jails,
public defense,and prosecutors. Mark shared the County is discussing the existing Jail facility—if it
can be added on to or if a new one needs built. David included that a lot of mental health or SUD
individuals are dropped off at the hospital. Other existing behavioral health or SUD facilities are
financially difficult to operate because they do not cover their own costs. Rep.Couture suggested
partnering with the Tribes and pooling resources.
David added that SUD treatment camps can cost as much as$30,000. These camps have no oversight
and are not licensed through DCYF.
Law Enforcement Support
Rep. Griffey advocated for increasing law enforcement and prosecutor budgets by 30%to address
staffing shortages and emphasized the need for legal reforms to address property rights and squatting
issues,streamlining court processes to resolve disputes faster.
6. Community Projects and Priorities
Mason Lake Campground Acquisition
Green Diamond offered to sell the Mason Lake Campground to the County. The Commissioners
discussed prioritizing the purchase to preserve the site for public use,with potential funding from
Real Estate Excise Tax(REET) and state support. Cmmr. Shutty noted the risk of the property being
developed into housing if not acquired for community use.
Department of Children,Youth, and Families(DCYF)
Rep. Couture outlined a need for reforms to reduce child fatalities and fentanyl-related deaths,
highlighting workforce shortages as a critical issue and proposed greater flexibility in block grant use
for evidence-based juvenile justice programs and diversion initiatives to reduce recidivism. DCYF is
planning a walkout due to Collective Bargaining Agreement(CBA)negotiations.
7. Workforce and Community Needs
Vulnerable Adults
Mark Neary shared the vulnerable adult definition is so restrictive that individuals who are vulnerable
do not have access because do not meet specific criteria per RCW. David added that a lot cannot be
addressed for those between age 25-60.
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Healthcare Access
David raised concerns about rural hospitals,with 51%of critical assets at risk of closure and 30%of
hospitals ceasing obstetrics services.
Workforce Development
The impact of childcare shortages on the workforce,with a lack of capacity hindering economic
recovery was highlighted. Discussions focused on bridging the policy gap between highly regulated
small businesses and publicly subsidized K-12-style childcare systems.
8. Meeting adjourned at 4:20 p.m.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ATTEST: MASON COUNTY,WASHINGTON
McKenzie Snuth, CIA of the Board Sharon Trask, Chair
Pat Tar well,Vice-Chair
4Rdy Neat lin,Commissioner
3 September 5 , 2024 Delegation Minutes