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Home My WebLink About2026/04/14 - Elected Official + �,} Mason County Elected Official/Director Meeting Minutes Commission Chambers 411 N 5th St, Shelton, WA 98584 April 14, 2026 10:30 a.m. 1. Call to Order—The Chairperson called the Elected Official meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. 2. Elected Official and Director Updates 4.1 Superior Court—Judge Cobb Judge Cobb reported that Cheryl Green,Family Law Faciliatory,has retired and,Anna Olson has assumed the role. The training overlap during the transition was very helpful and Anna is settling into the position well.Kelly Frazier and the facilities crew have been working to clean and improve the old courthouse,making it more functional. However,the court continues to face challenges with attorney availability,which impacts multiple agencies, including the Sheriffs Office, Prosecuting Attorney and other departments. Judge Cobb also noted that he has reached out to local legislators regarding truancy enforcement, expressing concern that the current process is not _ effective. — 4.2 Prosecutor—Michael Dorcy Mike Dorcy reported that the office has been short-staffed with attorneys from 2018 until recently, but is now back to full staff,which is a positive development. Over the past year and a half,there has also been staff turnover,including the departure of several long-time employees,resulting in a loss of institutional knowledge.At the same time,Mike noted that bringing in new staff offers the benefit of fresh perspectives and opportunities for training.Randy asked if there was anything that could be done to assist,and Mike responded that it will primarily take time to rebuild experience and continuity. 4.3 Assessor—Patti McLean Patti McLean expressed appreciation to her staff for their continued hard work.To assist with Board of Equalization(BOE) appeals,the office has hired an additional field appraiser. She reported the addition of a new television in the lobby that provides educational information to the public,including a tutorial on the inspection process.The resource has been well received.The tax roll was certified on time.For 2026,there have been 175 BOE appeals.Patti noted concerns that the BOE is not consistently following established rules and procedures,which has created additional workload for staff.There has also been an increase in agitated taxpayers,both in the field and at the counter.The office anticipates a rise in applications for the senior and disabled exemption program. Additionally,there has been an influx of title search review requests,as title companies are now directing customers to the Assessor's Office,further increasing workload. Open space classifications and senior exemption accounts are regularly reviewed and audited.Property owners who do not respond to requests for information will be sent certified letters. 4.4 Auditor—Steve Duenkel Steve Duenkel expressed appreciation for the staffs hard work and support.Ballots have been distributed for the April 28,2026,special election,and preparations will soon shift to candidate filing.The office is finalizing new ballot return envelope designs to meet state standards and has installed a new ballot drop box in Matlock,with another planned near Shelton.Efforts continue to expand voter outreach at the county jail.Work is also underway to implement a frozen deed service,complete the 2025 annual report, and fill positions on the salary commission,all while focusing on improving services for the community. 4.5 Clerk—Charles Rhodes Charles Rhodes expressed appreciation for staff,noting a nearly full team with all employees off probation and a balanced mix of experience levels. Significant progress has been made in organizing and managing records, including restructuring file storage to improve accessibility and reduce retrieval times.Efforts are ongoing to digitize records and address space limitations. Updates to the jury management system have improved efficiency,reduced processing issues,and increased response rates. Overall,the office has streamlined operations,improved access to information,and enhanced service to the courts and public. 4.6 Coroner—Jaime Taylor Jaime Taylor expressed appreciation for the dedication of a very small staff,noting that two full- time employees provide round-the-clock coverage,though one position was recently lost due to the mental strain of the work. The office is experiencing increases in both homicides and drug overdoses—particularly involving methamphetamine, including among elderly individuals—which has added significant pressure.Despite these challenges and the emotional toll,staff continue to manage the workload and perform their duties as best they can. 4.7 District Court—Judge Steele Judge Steel reported that the office is currently fully staffed,with one upcoming vacancy that will be filled after implementation of a new case management system. Overall operations are stable, with strong internal staff and effective leadership from the new court administrator.However, significant external challenges remain,including lengthy delays at the state toxicology lab,which are impacting case processing. Concerns were also raised about potential court rule changes that could affect case outcomes and pretrial procedures.Additionally, ongoing shortages in public defense attorneys have resulted in case dismissals due to speedy trial requirements,and the lack of available attorneys statewide continues to pose a serious obstacle to meeting new caseload standards. 4.8 Treasurer—Brittany Pearson Brittany Pearson reported that the office is currently in a very busy period with first-half property taxes due April 30,resulting in high call volumes,counter traffic, and incoming mail. Staff are working as a coordinated team to process payments and keep operations moving efficiently. A recent tax foreclosure sale resulted in 10 parcels being sold. The office also recognized the retirement of a long-term employee,and a promotion was made to fill her supervisory role, leaving a vacancy that is now open for recruitment. Despite the workload and staffing transition,the office reports that operations are stable and staff are effectively managing the peak season. 4.9 Sheriff's Office—Sheriff Spurling Sheriff Spurling thanked the elected officials and staff,emphasizing the importance of their shared role in serving the community and recognizing the long history and legacy of county government. He highlighted concerns regarding proposed legislation(Senate Bill 5974),which he believes could shift authority over elected sheriffs away from voters and toward appointed bodies,and he noted ongoing related legal challenges.He also reported increased workloads in areas such as DUIs and warrants but stated that staffing levels are currently strong and allowing for more proactive policing. He shared appreciation for strong community support, including donations that funded a DARE vehicle, and invited officials to attend upcoming community meetings and town halls, including one scheduled for the 28th at PUD 3. Cmmr.Tarzwell emphasized that addressing derelict and neglected properties must remain a top priority,as improving community appearance is essential to attracting new business and supporting economic growth. The County faces ongoing budget challenges,with limited options to either cut costs or pursue growth and prefers growth through community improvement. Cmmr. Tarzwell 21April 14, 2026 Elected Official / Director Minutes called for coordinated efforts among elected officials to streamline processes,respond to citizen concerns,and prevent these issues from being deprioritized,while acknowledging the need to find ways to operate more efficiently with limited resources to increase revenue. Cmmr.Neatherlin emphasized that addressing problem properties is a top priority with ongoing efforts by a task force and the sheriff's office already in progress. Cmmr. Trask stated that the task force is working and noted that the results may take some time. Cmmr. Tarzwell stated that recent state approval to use Real Estate Excise Tax(REET)funds for abatement will significantly support these efforts. The Commissioners thanked the elected officials and staff for all that they do for Mason County. 3. Adjournment—The meeting adjourned at 10:59 a.m. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ATTEST: MASON COUNTY, WASHINGTON McKenzie Smith, C rk of the Board Pat Tarzwell,Chair Prepared by Cam!Olson Ra y Neath r ' ,Vice-Chair Sharon Trask, Commissioner 3 1 April 14 , 2026 Elected Official / Director Minutes