LWVSJ Observer Corps*: County Council November 7, 2023
The Council approved a letter of commitment for a Climate Planning Grant.
During public comment three citizens spoke mainly addressing the Zylstra Trail in the 6-year Transportation in improvement Plan (TIP). Another eighteen spoke during the public hearing for the TIP; most opposed to the trail. Many were property owners along San Juan Valley Road, who said the trail would harm rural character and agricultural activities; questioned the value of the project to the community; deplored the cost and complained of a lack of consultation by the County with those affected directly. A few spoke in favor of improving and possibly widening roads and of public support for bike and pedestrian projects. The decisions on the TIP and the Annual Construction Program were held over to November 27 to allow Council time to consider all the input.
The Council held public hearings on the 2024 property tax levies for Land Conservation Futures, County Roads, and Current Expense. The draft ordinances are awaiting clearance with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and were held over until November 27.
The Council discussed elements of the 2024-2025 biennial budget process. During the first three quarters of the year the County collected 66% percent of projected revenue and spent 47.8% of projected expenses. A budget amendment for this year will cover $243 thousand in emergency expenses and $1.05m supplemental revenue/spending from new grants, with a total change of $1.3 million. The projection for 2023 is for revenue to be slightly more and spending a bit lower than budgeted. This will draw cash reserves down less than planned, however budget projections for 2024-2025 show higher increases in expenses than in revenue, which could bring reserves below the targeted 10%. The draft Capital Improvement budget is roughly $13 million for 2024 and $11 Million for 2025. The grants manager reviewed current grants and expected remaining funds from Covid assistance of about $700k.
The Council set a public hearing for adopting the 2045 population projection for the Comprehensive Plan Update for December 12. The Planning Department recommends the State’s median projection for the county of 23,014, an increase of about 5000. Planners recommend accommodating 50% of the growth in the three Urban Growth Areas in the next Comp Plan.
The Council reviewed a revised contract for the County Health Officer that details duties and performance criteria. Council members will be attending a state-wide convention for County Council members in Spokane next week.
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.