LWVSJ Observer Corps*: County Council August 8, 2023
New employees introduced included the female Sheriff’s Deputy Rion Brandt, Human Services Manager Jami Mitchell, Aging and Family Coordinator Tyler Connell, and Environmental Health Specialist Kate Combs.
During Public Access Linda Southwell and her attorney made the case for her comprehensive plan amendment request for a property on Lopez with a different density than surrounding properties. Heather Stansbury of the Orcas Housing Coalition spoke in support of the 1/10 of 1% sales tax for affordable housing and the need for housing services funding. Port of Friday Harbor Director Todd Nicholson thanked the County for support in the commercial barge landing replacement project at Shipyard Cove.
Human Resources Director Angie Baird and Manager Corey Moriyama described current HR staff roles, priorities, and projects, including creating a new HR information system, metrics, and database. They made the case for a new staff position, noting that normal HR staffing is 2-3 staff per 100 employees and the county currently has three staff for 282 employees. The Council approved the request for an additional HR generalist position. The HR team presented initial drafts of proposed EEO and inclusion policies and a Code of Conduct.
County Auditor Warmenhoven presented the first half financial review. Things are on target, with revenue running ahead of expenses with 46% of budgeted revenue collected and 36.5% of budgeted expenditures occurring, with most line items around the 50% mark. Interest revenue is running well ahead of projections due to higher interest rates.
The Council approved Home Fund supplemental recommendations of the Housing Advisory Committee, backfilling funding gaps on existing projects for a total of $2.115 million to OPAL, Lopez Community Land Trust, and Housing Lopez. Housing Program Coordinator Ryan Page presented language for an updated Housing Plan to provide guidance for the proposed 1/10 of 1% tax for affordable housing which would have 60% be allocated to the Housing Fund for construction and 40% for housing services at Non-profits. There was discussion of how broadly or narrowly to target the housing services portion. There is an October 17 deadline for action to begin tax collection on January 1, 2024. The Council approved a $120k affordable housing grant to Opal for the proposed Pea Patch cottages.
The Planning Department presented two of three amendment requests for the Comprehensive Plan. The Council asked for further review of the Southwell request on Lopez, approved the County Works request on Lopez, and postponed the 3rdto the August 22 meeting.
The Council approved some actions and activities to mark the County’s upcoming 150th anniversary celebration. The County Council has a joint meeting with the Friday Harbor Town Council at the Brickworks on September 19.
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization encourages informed participation in government. The Observer Corps attends and takes notes at government meetings to expand public understanding of public policy and decisions. The notes do not necessarily reflect the views of the League or its members.