HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025/12/01 - BriefingBoard of Mason County Commissioners' Briefing Minutes
Mason County Commission Chambers, 411 N 5th Street, Shelton, WA 98584
Week of December 1, 2025
Monday, December I, 2025
9:00 A.M. Public Hearing to take public comment on the adoption of the 2026 Mason County
Budget
Jennifer Beierle presented and listed RCW guidelines for Public Hearing and the publication of the
preliminary budget to the public. There was a notated discrepancy in Full -Time Employee (FTE) count
for the Sheriff's Office, it should be 104.5. The revenue and expense balances were listed, as well as
County FTEs. The updated fund balance projection for 2025 shows the County should end with 24
million dollars in budget, true cash end should be 22 million dollars based on this year and past six -
year expenditures. Jennifer recommended the adoption of the budget.
Auditor Steve Duenkel shared his opposition to budget as proposed due to continuing deficit spending
and claimed cuts proposed by Cmmr. Neatherlin will save from heavy cuts next year.
Chris Kay, North Mason, agreed with the Auditor on fiscal responsibility. Spoke about being a victim
of petty crimes such as mail theft, vehicle damage, and shoplifting as well as singular life insurance
payouts impact county. Chris also discussed rural planning for the county notating importance of
ensuring proper staffing of departments.
Cmmr. Neatherlin/Tarzwell moved and seconded to close public comment and continue the
hearing to December 9, 2025, at 9:15 a.m. to consider adoption of the 2026 budget. Motion
carried. Neatherlin-aye; Tarzwell-aye; Trask -nay.
10:00 A.M. PAC Interview — Cynthia Sund
Commissioners Neatherlin, Tarzwell, and Trask were in attendance.
• Commissioners interviewed Cynthia Sund for the Planning Advisory Commission.
10:15 A.M. HPC Interview —Andrea Sigo
Commissioners Neatherlin, Tarzwell, and Trask were in attendance.
• Commissioners interviewed Andrea Sigo for the Historic Preservation Commission.
10:30 A.M.
Community Development — Luke Viscusi
Commissioners Neatherlin, Tarzwell, and Trask were in attendance.
• Luke requested to interview Virginia Feldman for the HPC. Approved to move forward.
10:35 A.M. Public Health — Ian Tracy
Commissioners Neatherlin, Tarzwell, and Trask were in attendance.
• Ian shared the Onsite Septic System (OSS) Rebates news release. Approved to move forward.
10:45 A.M. WSU Extension — Heidi Steinbach
Commissioners Neatherlin, Tarzwell, and Trask were in attendance.
• Heidi discussed the Interagency agreement between Washington State Department of Agriculture and
Mason County and its agent Mason County Noxious Weed Control Board for control of Class A
Noxious Weed giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) in Mason County. Approved to move
forward.
• Heidi shared the Interagency agreement between Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
and Mason County Noxious Weed Control Board to be used for control of noxious and invasive weeds.
Approved to move forward.
10:55 A.M. Public Works — Loretta Swanson
Commissioners Neatherlin, Tarzwell, and Trask were in attendance.
December 1, 2025 I Page 1 of 2
Board of Mason County Commissioners' Briefing Minutes
Mason County Commission Chambers, 411 N 511' Street, Shelton, WA 98584
• Mike Collins shared the request to transfer jurisdiction for Delmore Road to the State of Washington.
Approved to move forward.
11:10A.M.
Support Services — Travis Adams
Commissioners Neatherlin, Tarzwell, and Trask were in attendance.
• John Taylor requested recommendations for funding for the Latimer's Landing float system. Cmmr.
Neatherlin stated that the County needs to reach out to the Squaxin Island Tribe for partnership. Cmmr.
Trask recommended reaching out to the Economic Development Council.
• John discussed Mason County Recreation Area (MCRA) synthetic turf replacement and requested
recommendations for funding.
• John discussed Sandhill Park outfield renovations to be updated for soccer use and requested
recommendations for funding and/or partnering with the school district.
• Kim Monroe shared the November 2025 — December 2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)
for Lieutenants Command Guild representing Mason County Sheriff's Office. Approved to move
forward.
Respectfully submitted,
McKenzie Smith,
Clerk of the Board
Prepared by Christopher Pinkston
BOARD OF MASON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Sharon Trask,
Chair
Pat Tarzwell, Ran. Neatherli
Vice -Chair Commissioner
December 1, 2025 I Page 2 of 2