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January Hill Notes
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Attorney General Rob McKenna speaks to WSAC Legislative Steering Committee members about anti-gang legislation. |
As part of last week's Legislative Steering Committee Meeting, WSAC was honored to have Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna present details about his proposed anti-gang legislation and requested ongoing partnership with Washington's counties.
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Commissioenr Kevin Bouchey (left) and WSAC Policy Director Brian Enslow sign in to testify in support of HB1126. Photo by Ross Courtney used by permission of The Yakima Herald. |
The week prior, Yakima County Commissioner Kevin Bouchey testified on behalf of his county in support of HB 1126, introduced at the request of AG McKenna and sponsored by Rep. Charles Ross. Among other items, the bill would allow counties and cities to regulate gang activity in community neighborhoods and increase sentencing allowances.
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State of the State Address
Submitted by Mason County Commissioner Lynda Ring Erickson, Past President
Earlier this month you undoubtedly watched or heard excerpts of Governor Gregoire's State of the State address. I was honored to be in the audience. We should be pleased as an association that the Governor included counties and cities as her guests. It was a limited group and it shows the quality of our communication and ongoing partnership with the Governor's office.
After the speech, I had the opportunity to talk with a number of
Legislators and Department Directors about the issues facing counties.
Representative Steve Tharinger, and Clallam County Commissioner, made a special point of telling me that he wants to work with WSAC on county issues. I was also able to touch bases with John Batiste, Chief of the State Patrol; Eldon Vail, Secretary of the Department of Corrections;
Paula Hammond, Secretary of the Department of Transportation; members of the Governor's staff; and Mike McCarty, Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Washington Cities.
As we all know, this will be a difficult session. I want to thank the
WSAC staff for all they have done to help our Association increase the
profile of counties at the state legislative level during the past
several years. |
| Results Announced for Association's Special Election |
Last week all Washington State Association of Counties members had the opportunity to vote in a special election to determine two recently vacated positions.
The polls closed at 5:00 pm on Friday and this morning the Elections Oversight Committee certified the following election results:
National Association of Counties Board of Directors Top 12 Position
Commissioner Laura Merrill, Pend Oreille County
Western Region Representative
Commissioner Ken Dahlstedt, Skagit County
WSAC would like to thank all of the candiates for their willingness to serve and each of the Elections Oversight Committee members President John Koster, Past President Dean Burton and Past President Lynda Ring Erickson. |
| Report on NACo Presidents & Executive Directors Meeting |
Washington D.C. - January 12-14, 2011
Respectfully Submitted by WSAC President John Koster, Snohomish County Wednesday Eric Johnson and I spent all day on the hill meeting in the offices of nearly every member of the State delegation...with the exception of Representatives Dicks and Reichert and Senator Cantwell. Eric and I met with Senator Cantwell's legislative director on Friday.
With the Majority change in the House there is some uncertainty....earmarks are not likely to be part of the budget, although the Senator's offices indicated they will still be taking requests.... Feb 14th the President's budget will be released. The Pentagon is being asked to take a 10% cut, so there are expectations other agencies will need to do at least that much. There seems to be agreement on reauthorization of the Federal Surface Transportation Program/ Aviation Reauthorization....and the EPA has agreed to a delay in the tailoring rule regarding emissions. ...
Thursday was the filled with meetings all day, which included Roy Kientiz, Under Secretary for Policy, Office of the Secretary, US Department of Transportation; Dallas Tonsager, Under Secretary for Rural Development, US Department of Agriculture; and Mary Wakefield, Administrator, Health Resources and Services Administration, US Department of Health and Human Services. The afternoon started with remarks by Curtiss Clark, Global Director Regional and Local Government, IBM Public Sector expounding on leadership problem solving and creative leadership. We then participated in three roundtable sessions with Q &A regarding legislative expectations/budgets in Agriculture, Health, and Transportation.
Friday morning we wrapped things up in the Dirksen Senate Office Building with Ray Scheppach, National Governor's Association Executive Director (who is an economist) and Ron Sims, Deputy Secretary, US Department of Housing and Urban Development. |
| Clark and Ferry Counties Pass Dedicated Tax Increases |
Despite, and as a result of, the recession two County Board of Commissioners recently passed tax increases to support critical services for their citizens that have been ravaged by state budget cuts.
In December, Clark County Commissioners increased the general fund property tax levy by one percent for public health services. This will replace more than a half million dollars in funding annually for a public health department that over the past four years has had to drastically cut its budget by $11 million, lay off staff, and shift some services to community organizations.
Ferry County Commissioners wrestled with the decision of imposing a 0.1 percent sales tax increase to support mental health and chemical dependency services for its citizens. On December 27, they passed the increase on a two to one vote.
The tax is expected to generate between $30,000 - $45,000 per year and, while not entirely, will help replace some of the deep budget cuts the county's mental health program has endured. The resolution passed by the Ferry County Commissioners comes with a 10-year sunset clause.
Resources:
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| NACo Brings Conferences to the Pacific Northwest | |
Chelan County to Host 2011 Western Interstate Region Conference
Washington's Counties have a rare opportunity to experience two NACo conferences in our backyard in 2011.
"I hope WSAC members will avail themselves to the proximity of these NACo events and attend either one or both," said Skamania County Commissioner Paul Pearce, WSAC Vice President. "As fellow members, we should support Chelan County's hosting of WIR. Those who have not been able to travel to NACo's Annual Conference in the past can now easily participate in the event. The accessibility of both conferences is a real benefit for WSAC members."
NACo 2011 Western Interstate Region Conference
May 18 - 20, 2011
Chelan County/Wenatchee, Washington
Registration is now open through NACo's member website
NACo's Western Interstate Region Conference focuses on public lands and other issues critical to the western region of the United States. It provides county officials with the opportunity to hear speakers, discuss legislation, and network with other officials to exchange information on those issues.
SAVE THE DATES
NACo 2011 Annual Conference and Exposition
July 15-19, 2011
Multnomah County/Portland, Oregon
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Counties, cities to receive $23.4 million for stormwater-control projects
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The state Department of Ecology (Ecology) has announced the list of 43 cities and counties that will get a share of $23.4 million to plan, design and build stormwater retrofit and low-impact development facility projects.
The Fiscal Year 2011 Stormwater Retrofit and LID (low-impact development) Competitive Grants grant program was available to counties, cities and ports covered by the state's municipal stormwater permit.
"These needed projects will help protect our streams, lakes and Puget Sound from polluted stormwater runoff, and they will provide jobs that kick-start local economies," said Ecology Director Ted Sturdevant. "It's one of the many ways that Ecology supports environmental projects in local communities." Gerry O'Keefe, Puget Sound Partnership Acting Executive Director said, "This money, and the projects it will support, is a big step in the right direction for Puget Sound. Our local partners deserve credit for their innovation in addressing stormwater challenges. The funding represents commitment for recovery of Puget Sound by the Department of Ecology and the Legislature, consistent with the Governor's priority." Ecology received 101 applications adding up to $59.5 million in requests, signifying a greater need than the $23.4 million program could meet. The $23.4 million grant program is the second half of $54 million appropriated by the 2010 Legislature to assist local governments with stormwater needs. It was derived from the state building construction account. Earlier in 2010, Ecology distributed the first half of the funding -- $23.5 million -- to all 116 local jurisdictions subject to municipal stormwater regulations in the Municipal Stormwater Capacity Grants Program. The funding was directed by the Legislature to assist local governments build staffing capacity, improve stormwater research, data management capabilities, and water quality monitoring. Twenty-one of the grant recipients are using the money for stormwater facility construction, which includes retrofit of existing facilities and low-impact development techniques. Since 2005, local governments have received $105 million for stormwater needs from state funding and from the federal 2009 American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.
Resources: List of counties, cities receiving Stormwater Retrofit and LID Competitive Grants (begins on page 17)
List of counties, cities who received competitive grants in 2010
Stormwater grant overview and investment map
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Federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
Implementation of provisions of the Federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act have begun across the country, with the majority of changes to be completed at the state level in 2014. |
On January 18, Governor Chris Gregoire and Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler sent a letter (linked below) to the state's Congressional delegation about the benefits of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in Washington state. As the letter notes: "Among the provisions of the ACA already implemented in our state - and already providing greater stability and security to our residents - are the following:
- Children with significant health care needs may no longer be turned away for insurance coverage;
- Young adults, perhaps just out of college or otherwise still looking for work, may now remain on their parents' health plan until the age of 26;
- Those seeking preventive care under their insurance plan are now doing so with no costsharing; preventing and identifying chronic illness early when it is less expensive to treat;
- Seniors are now paying less for needed prescription drugs.
While the practical value of these is obvious, the peace of mind that they bring, which repeal of the ACA would eliminate, is immeasurable."
National Update:
The National Association of Counties has also provided us with the latest updates on recent developments related to the Affordable Care Act.
Health Center Planning Grants
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has announced the availability of funding to support the development of comprehensive primary care health centers. HRSA anticipates that up to $10 million may be available to support approximately 125 HCPGs in FY 2011. HRSA is offering Health Center Planning Grants to expand the current safety net on a national basis by targeting health center planning and developmental efforts in areas not currently served by a section 330 funded health center and/or in areas of unmet need. Eligible applicants include public or nonprofit private entities, including tribal, faith-based and community-based organizations. Applications are due March 18, 2
Office of Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight Moves
On January 5 Health & Human Services announced that the Office of Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (OCIIO), which issues regulations and implements many of the provisions of the health reform law that address private health insurance, will move from the Office of the Secretary and be incorporated into the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. OCIIO will be renamed the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight.
Health Center Planning Grants
Office of Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight
NACo Health Reform Implementation Website |
| County Officials Sought to Serve on WSU Extension Restructuring and Refinement Task Force | |
WSAC President John Koster is seeking county elected and appointed officials to represent WSAC on a short term Task Force to look at restructuring and refining extension structure and service delivery. Appointed WSAC members will join together with WSU staff, faculty, and administrators in exploring options and potential solutions.
As most of you know WSU Extension delivers a wide variety of educational programs and services in each of the 39 counties. WSU and our counties are challenged by both rising service expectations and decreasing resources to deliver these program services.
If you are interested in serving in this capacity, please contact WSAC Executive Director Eric Johnson at 360-489-3013 or ejohnson@wacounties.org by Friday, February 11th.
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Washington Transportation Plan 2030
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The Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) recently completed the update to the Washington Transportation Plan and presented the plan to the senate and house transportation committees. The state transportation plan, which is required to be updated every four years, is intended to provide guidance in the development of transportation policies over the next 20 years.
The transportation plan, last updated in 2006, provides policy guidance for all transportation jurisdictions, including state, regional and local levels. The Washington State Legislature has established six transportation policy goals: economic vitality; preservation; safety; mobility; environment; and stewardship. These policy goals are addressed in the plan with background and policy context, strategies and recommended actions.
The summary, liked to below, focuses on how the transportation plan addresses and potentially affects local governments and in particular counties.
To read the summary, CLICK HERE. |
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| Featured Event |
Labor Relations Forum: Getting on the Same Page
February 17
11 am - 2 pm
Red Lion Olympia
Designed for county legislative elected officials and county staff who are involved with labor relations and negotiations
County speakers include Nancy Buonanno Grennan, Kitsap County Administrator, and Glenn Olson, Clark County
Register Today
$65/person includes lunch
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Co-sponsored by Association of Washington Cities and the County Training Institute (provides three elective credits) |
| Member Notes | |
At its January 26 meeting, the WSAC Board of Directors appointed Commissioner Bob Koch, Franklin County, to the County Road Administration Board. They also appointed Councilmember Dave Somers, Snohomish County Chair, as an alternate to the Shorelines Hearings Board.
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President John Koster has appointed Adams County Commissioner Rudy Plager Chair of the Columbia River Commissioners' Policy Advisory Committee (PAG). The Commissioners' PAG will meet February 9th in Moses Lake. For more details contact Brad Banks. | |
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| State News | |
The Legislature has put into place a temporary amnesty program(February 1 through April 30, 2011) that directs the Department of Revenue to waive penalties and interest for qualifying businesses for a variety of taxes including local sales and use taxes.
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King and Skagit Counties were recipients of a portion of $100 million in bonds that were recently authorized by the Department of Commerce's Bond Cap Allocation Program. The county projects include a transfer station, energy savings retrofit projects, and stormwater related construction.
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Late last month, the Department of Information Services released the Washington State Broadband Program's report on the broadband needs and capabilities of our state.
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