After numerous budget meetings with Department Heads and Elected Officials the Commissioners are ready to present a draft budget for 2014. Due to higher than predicted revenues and conservative expenditures in the 2013 budget, we had approximately $1.5 million additional capacity to work with. This was a pleasant change after years of reductions.

 Here is a link to the Budget Director's overview presentation. 

  

 My budget priorities for 2014:

I am pleased to report that this budget meets these goals by adding eight positions in Law and Justice programs including four Sheriff's deputies.  Public Health programs were preserved and vital services for seniors and youth were protected. To improve county systems there's an investment in technology improvements and an agreement to finally offer a modest wage adjustment for staff. The public hearing to adopt the budget is set for October 7th in Coupeville at 6:15pm.

  

Two commissioners agreed to revisit the remaining unmet needs of our Law and Justice programs as were outlined by the Law and Justice committee next year. A majority of the Board also stated the desire to find capacity to open more county offices on Fridays as a benefit to our citizens. Though we did not yet dedicate funding to that, there was agreement to explore options early in 2014.

 ACA Sign ups begin Oct. 1

  

Over the past couple years the Affordable Care Act has begun to be implemented. Young adults can now be covered under their parents plan until age 26, children with pre-existing conditions can no longer be denied coverage, and seniors with high prescription drug costs are saving money. Overall the increases in health care costs are leveling out as a result of these reforms.

  

The next part of the national health care law to be implemented is the statewide insurance exchange. Health Benefit Exchange has created Washington Healthplanfinder - an easily accessible, online marketplace for individuals, families and small businesses to compare and enroll in quality health insurance plans and access important cost savings. Open enrollment starts Tuesday, October 1, 2013. For more information click here to access the website.

If you already have employer-provided insurance, there will likely be no change for you. But for the uninsured there is a big benefit. Getting more people insured in Island County means more folks will have access to preventative care rather than waiting until a health crisis occurs and costing all of us more. This is a public health issue as well as an economic issue for our children, our families, our community. Please help spread the word.

Stop by Oak Harbor High School October 5 and 6 and learn more about what Whidbey has to offer.  Dozens of local businesses and non-profit groups will be there ready to share with you all that they offer for locals and visitors. The more we individually choose to support out local economy, the more resilient our community as a whole will be. Enjoy entertainment, free stuff, food and some surprises over the weekend.

Washington Senators are seeking citizen input about transportation needs. Recently I spoke up at one of their listening sessions to advocate for ferries, local jobs, and the need to maintain this vital infrastructure. As a county totally dependent upon the state for our linkages - both bridges and ferries - your voice is important in this effort.

"The first five feedback forums were extremely educational and positive, and we're very much looking forward to the next five in Spokane, Vancouver, Tacoma, Seattle and Bellingham in October," said Senator Eide, co-chair of the committee. 

The additional Senate transportation feedback forum locations are:

• Oct. 2 - Spokane (Eastern Region) 6-9 p.m.
  • Central Valley High School theater, 821 South Sullivan Road, Spokane Valley
• Oct. 7 - Vancouver (Southwest Region) 6-9 p.m.
  • Department of Transportation Southwest Region Office, 11018 Northeast 51st Circle, Vancouver 98682
• Oct. 9 - Tacoma (Olympic Region) 6-9 p.m.
  • Evergreen Tacoma Campus, Lyceum Hall, 1210 6th Avenue, Tacoma
• Oct. 14 - Seattle 6-9 p.m.
  • King County Courthouse, Room 1001, 516 3rd Avenue, 10th Floor, Seattle
• Oct. 15 - Bellingham 6-9 p.m.
  • Port of Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 355 Harris Avenue, Bellingham

 Those unable to attend a feedback forum in person can submit their comments online at www.senatetranspofeedbackforum.org.