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Home My WebLink About2025/09/29 - BriefingBoard of Mason County Commissioners' Briefing Minutes Mason County Commission Chambers, 411 N 5th Street, Shelton, WA 98584 Week of September 29, 2025 Monday, September 29, 2025 9:00 A.M. Closed Session — RCW 42.30.140(4) Labor Discussion Commissioners Neatherlin, Tarzwell, and Trask met in closed session for labor negotiation from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Travis Adams, Chris Pinkston, Kayla Brinckmeyer, Kim Monroe and Cabot Dow were also in attendance. 10:00 A.M. Executive Session - RCW 42.30.110 (1)(c) Real Estate Commissioners Neatherlin, Tarzwell, and Trask met in executive session for real estate from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Travis Adams and Chris Pinkston were also in attendance. 10:30 A.M. Community Development — Kell Rowen Commissioners Neatherlin, Tarzwell, and Trask were in attendance. • Kell Rowen presented a news release for four open positions on the Mason County Historic Preservation Commission. Approved to move forward. 10:35 A.M. Public Health — David Windom Commissioners Neatherlin, Tarzwell, and Trask were in attendance. • Ian Tracy presented an application from Jodi Cote for an open position on the Board of Health. Cmmrs. would like to interview Ms. Cote. • Mr. Tracy requested a workshop to develop and adopt a plan and policy for the distribution of Opioid Settlement funds, currently totaling more than $1.4 million, in accordance with settlement requirements. A workshop will be scheduled at a future briefing. • Mr. Tracy presented an application from Arthur Whitson for the Clean Water District Advisory Committee (CWDAC) open position. Approved to move forward. • Mr. Tracy requested approval of the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) subcontract with Olympic Health & Recovery Services in the amount of $832,408 from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027. Cmmr. Neatherlin requested additional discussion regarding the contract at a later date when Melissa Casey is available for questions. Approved to move forward. • Cmmr. Tarzwell reported receiving photos and videos of vehicles being dismantled on a property at Lanskey Drive and referred the information to Mr. Tracy for code compliance review. Mr. Tracy will investigate and report back. 10:45 A.M. 11:45 A.M. Public Defense —Angela Avery Commissioners Neatherlin, Tarzwell, and Trask were in attendance. • Angela Avery provided a presentation regarding Indigent Defense proposed implementations of 2026 caseload standards. Central Services — Travis Adams Commissioners Neatherlin Tarzwell, and Trask were in attendance. • Abe Gardner and Fire Chief Bakken presented a North Mason Fire Authority sustaining psychiatric services through long term funding. Cmmr's will discuss a plan and policy for the distribution of Opioid Settlement funds at a future briefing. • Mr. Adams requested approval to set a public hearing on October 28, 2025 at 9:15 a.m. to recieve public comment on the withdrawal of identified Squaxin Island Tribe parcels from the South Mason Fire & Rescue District. Approved to move forward. • Marissa Newby reported on the Mason Conservation District's plan to restore 12.6 acres along Swift Creek in the Skokomish River Watershed. She requested clarification on whether any restrictions exist that could prevent the restoration, noting the need to review property history and secure a restoration agreement. The project is grant -funded and ready to proceed once a landowner certification form is completed. While the grant period is four years, the goal is to begin as soon as possible. September 29, 2025 I Page 1 of 3 Board of Mason County Commissioners' Briefing Minutes Mason County Commission Chambers, 411 N 5'h Street, Shelton, WA 98584 • Ms. Beierle presented the 2026 proposed summary budget which includes the current maintenance level budget: General Fund — the Beginning Fund Balance $24 million; Revenues $46,630,556; Total General Fund $70,630,556; salaries and benefits $38,191,286; operating $18,984,019; Expenditures $70,630,556; total from ending fund balance $10,544,749; and full-time employees (FTEs) 289.12. 12:40 P.M. Community Development — Kell Rowen Commissioners Neatherlin, Tarzwell, and Trask were in attendance. Kell presented the proposed amendments to Mason County Code Chapter 5.18 Temporary Outdoor Public Events (TOPE). Staff and the Board reviewed proposed revisions to the Temporary Outdoor Public Event ordinance. Discussion focused on clarifying that permits apply only to commercial or paid events, while private, non-commercial gatherings would not require a permit. The Board emphasized the need to clearly define "commercial event," adjust language from "shall" to "may," and remove ambiguous enforcement terms to protect private property rights. Staff noted the intent of the TOPE is to provide a legal process for hosting temporary events while ensuring public safety coordination with fire and emergency services. The public hearing scheduled for September 30, 2025, at 9:15 a.m. will be rescheduled to October 14, 2025, at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, September 23, 2025 8:30 A.M. Executive Session - RCW 42.30.110 (1)(i) Litigation Commissioners Neatherlin, Tarzwell, and Trask met in executive session for litigation from 8:30 — 8:45 a.m. Travis Adams, Christopher Pinkston, Cami Olson, Nichole Wilston and Tim Whitehead were in attendance. 10:00 A.M. Pre -Budget Utilities Rates Workshop Commissioners Neatherlin, Tarzwell, and Trask were in attendance. Stephanie Buhrman continued the pre -budget utility rate workshop and recommended a 5- year rate structure: in year 1 (2026) increase sewer utilities by 10% and water utilities by 20%; Years 2-5 (2027-2030) increase by CPI-U with a minimum 3% and maximum 5% for all utilities except Rustlewood water. Stephanie reviewed recommended rates and budget summary overviews for North Bay Case Inlet sewer, Rustlewood sewer, Rustlewood water, Beards Cove water, and Belfair sewer. Respectfully submitted, atol 61647) McKenzie Smith, Clerk of the Board Prepared by Cami Olson September 29, 2025 I Page 2 of 3 Board of Mason County Commissioners' Briefing Minutes Mason County Commission Chambers, 411 N 5th Street, Shelton, WA 98584 BOARD OF MASON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Sharon Trask, Pat Tarzwell, Chair Vice -Chair Rd'ndy Neatherlin, Commissioner September 29, 2025 I Page 3 of 3