The Courthouse Journal A Joint Publication of the Washington State Association of Counties & Washington Association of County Officials July 28, 2000 Number 15 KING COUNTY COUNCILWOMAN JANE HAGUE ELECTED NACO PRESIDENT; RON SIMS HEADS DEMOCRATIC COUNTY OFFICIALS Congratulations Jane Hague! Congratulations Ron Sims! County officials from across the nation met and elected new national leadership at the National Association of Counties (NACo) 65th Annual Conference, which took place in Mecklenburg County, N.C. from July 14-18. Ten Washington counties were represented among conference delegates voting King County Councilwoman Jane Hague into the office of NACo President on Tuesday, July 18, 2000. Also at the NACo Conference, King County Executive Ron Sims was elected president of the National Democratic County Officials. Other NACo officers elected were: President-elect Javier Gonzales, Commissioner of Santa Fe County (New Mexico); First Vice President Kenneth Mayfield, Commissioner of Dallas County (Texas); and Second Vice President Karen Miller, Commissioner of Boone County (Missouri.). NACo President for the 1999-2000 term, C. Vernon Gray, Council Member of Howard County (Maryland), became Immediate Past President. Miller's election to the Second Vice Presidency puts her on NACo's Executive Committee for the first time and positions her to become NACo President in 2003. Leon County (Florida) Commissioner Rudy Maloy withdrew from the race for Second Vice President. Newly elected President Jane Hague became poised to take the association's number one spot when unanimously voted President-elect of the organization at its 64th Annual Conference in St. Louis, Mo., July 20, 1999. The new head of NACo has served on the County Council for King County - the nation's 11th largest county -- since January 1994. She has chaired the County Council twice and sat on the NACo Board of Directors since 1995. In addition, she has held many other leadership capacities, including: Chair of NACo's Environment, Energy & Land Use Steering Committee in 1996-1997, President of the Washington Association of County Officials in 1991-1992, and member of the WSAC Board of Directors since 1994. Hague is the third Washingtonian to serve as NACo President. She is preceded in the post by Ed Munro, a King County Commissioner (1967-68) and John Horsley, a Kitsap County Commissioner (1986-87). As president of the National Democratic County Officials, Sims will sit on the Democratic National Committee's Central Committee. Sims is also currently vice chair of NACo's Large Urban County Caucus and serves on the Gore 2000 steering committee. Besides Jane Hague, Washington is also represented on NACo's Board of Directors by Snohomish County Councilman Kirke Sievers, Whatcom County Deputy Executive Dewey Desler, and Pierce County Public Works Director John Trent. ************************************** FILING PERIOD FOR CANDIDATES The five-day filing period for candidates for this fall's elections ended today (Friday, July 28). It has been determined that 75 county commissioners are up for election this year, as well as Pierce County Executive and 4 positions on the Pierce County Council. Under Pierce County's charter, the assessor-treasurer position is also to be elected. Three WACO members will be running for unexpired terms: Whitman County Treasurer Bob Lothspeich, Skagit County Treasurer Katie Jungquist, and Grays Harbor County Clerk Rhonda Steinman. In last week's Journal, we listed members of WSAC and WACO who are running for other offices or others of note who are running for county offices. Here's more of a complete list thus far, in no particular order: Yakima County Prosecutor Jeff Sullivan is running for the State Supreme Court. Cowlitz County Prosecutor James Stonier is a candidate for Superior Court Judge. King County Councilman Chris Vance is running for District 9 Congressman. Thurston County Auditor Sam Reed, Snohomish County Auditor Bob Terwilliger and former Clark County Auditor and former Congressman Don Bonker are among a long list of those running for secretary of state. Former Kitsap County Auditor Sherill Huff-Menees is running for District #2 commissioner in Kitsap County. Former State Senator and Pierce County Councilman Ken Madsen is running for Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer. Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer Barbara Gelman is running for Ken Madsen's seat on the County Council. Pierce County Prosecutor John Ladenburg and Pierce County Councilwoman Jan Shabro are running for Pierce County Executive. Pierce County Executive Doug Sutherland is running for Commissioner of Public Lands. Clark County Assessor Ben Gassaway is running for the 49th District Senate seat. Whatcom County Councilman Bob Imhof is running for a House seat in the 42nd District. State Senator Calvin Goings is running for the Pierce County Council Next week, a complete list of filings will appear in The Courthouse Journal. ************************************** I-722 RAISES MANY QUESTIONS - FEW ANSWERS by Fred Saeger, WACO This is the second in a series, pointing out some of the questions and issues that will be faced by county officials if I-722 has enough valid signatures and passes a vote of the public in November. I-722 includes many provisions, so I will discuss different aspects each week. A copy of I-722 was included in the mailing of The Courthouse Journal which was sent out on July 21. If you need another copy, you can contact the WACO office or get one directly from the Secretary of State's web site at Last week, I wrote about the effective date of I-722 and the possibility that tax levies set in 2000 for 2001 collections could be required to comply with I-722. If that is the case, what changes would be made? Sections 5 and 6 make significant changes to the levy process. These sections deal with the maximum increase that jurisdictions can adjust future levies. Currently, the law allows districts to take up to the Implicit Price Deflator (IPD) by majority vote, and in some cases, 106% by a super majority vote, if the district population exceeds 10,000. Those under 10,000 only need a majority vote. Section 6 of the initiative reduces the 106% limitation to 102%, so with its passage, all taxing districts, including the state, will be under a new maximum. If the IPD is less than 2%, a large jurisdiction could take the IPD by a majority vote and if there is a "substantial need," they could take the difference between the IPD and 2%, by a super majority vote. If the IPD was greater than 2%, then the 2% limitation would control from the start and the jurisdiction could take up to 2% only, requiring only a majority vote. In the past, property taxes could go up to 106%, but would now be limited to no more than 102%, or the inflation rate, whichever is lower. Property tax increases for new construction are not changed, but the amount that can be collected in 2001 is complicated because the increase in value from new construction is to be multiplied "by the regular property tax levy rate of that district for the preceding year" (RCW 84.55.010), and that rate may have to be recalculated with passage of I-722. However, that discussion is for next week. Section 7 of I-722 repeals RCW 84.55.092-protection of future levy capacity-commonly called the "banking" or "stockpiling" provision to protect taxing districts' property tax levies. This is the section of law that allows a jurisdiction that does not levy its maximum rate to, in some future year, be able to levy what would have been lawfully allowed had they not reduced their levy in previous years. This is to provide incentive for taxing districts to take only as much as necessary. Prior to the passage of this statute, the taxing districts had to levy the maximum amount once every three years in order to not lose the ability to have an increased future levy. So with the passage of I-722, and assuming it is effective December 7, 2000, it is possible that no increase in levies for collection in 2001 could exceed 102% without a public vote, nor would any increase be allowed by a taxing district under the old "banking" statues. There are no constitutional issues about the changes made in Sections 5, 6, & 7, if they stand alone. A 102% limit is just as constitutional as a 106% limit, and repeal of the banking provision just puts everyone back to where they were when it was first passed. However, if the Supreme Court were to decide that I-722 violated the constitutional prohibition from including multiple subjects in a single measure, then the entire initiative would be tossed out. That's what happened in Judge Alsdorf's ruling on I-695; the whole initiative was tossed out including the cut in the MVET to $30.00 because of the multi-subject prohibition. However, the legislature repassed the $30.00 fee in a separate bill, so it is now law. Any thoughts, ideas, or suggestions on I-722 will be appreciated and I will be more than happy to share thoughts and suggestions with readers of The Courthouse Journal in future weeks. I can be reached at the following numbers: phone/360-753-7319; fax/360-664- 2812; or e-mail at . Note: The purpose of these articles over the next several weeks is to stimulate discussion on the potential impacts of I-722 and get county officials to start thinking about how these issues might be dealt with. No one should take these articles as being hard and fast conclusions, just the thoughts of an individual who has spent a lot of time working on property tax issues. ************************************** GOOD THINGS ************************************** LOCAL GOVERNMENTS COLLABORATING FOR THE BENEFIT OF TAXPAYERS (SUBMITTED BY THE CLARK COUNTY TREASURER'S OFFICE) Until recently, the City of Vancouver and the Clark County Treasurer's Office shared equipment for check payment processing for the payment of water, sewer, tax and assessment bills. Clark Public Utilities also operated identical equipment. This equipment was based on technology developed in the late 1980's. Each agency owned and operated these devices longer than five years. The check remittance processing equipment required substantial changes to correct the millennial (year 2000) bug. The vendor notified all customers that they would not support the equipment for the Y2K changes. Representatives from the City, County and Clark Public Utilities met to explore the alternatives required to resolve this problem and explore any opportunities to share services and reduce costs to the community. Through a cost benefit analysis, it was determined that joint operations would be the most cost-effective process to implement. An image remittance processing system was designed that would meet the needs of all entities involved. With the implementation of the new system, each entity has enhanced customer service, improved cash flow, enhanced interest earnings and reduced processing costs to taxpayers and utility customers. The system, which has been implemented, allows all three governments to process the mail received daily and deposit the checks in the appropriate banks by 2:00 p.m. of the day receipted. The system also requires less manual processing of the mail. Each entity is able to process more work, with fewer employees in a shorter amount of time. The image remittance processing system works to process payments received from customers gathering information from the payment stub and check, imaging the items, and encoding and endorsing the checks for deposit to financial institutions. Online image archiving allows for the check and stub information to be stored in a digital format, making it easier and more efficient to locate a particular transaction. Image remittance processing works in a two-pass mode. The primary objective of pass one is to capture images and extract as much information as possible from the documents. The primary objective of pass two is to encode and endorse checks for deposit to a financial institution. Clark County Treasurer Doug Lasher says that by working together, "the citizens of Clark County, be they taxpayers or ratepayers, have realized an approximate one million dollars in savings from the joint purchase versus individual acquisitions." ************************************** COTCC DEADLINE ************************************** COTCC CERTIFICATION DEADLINE All county officials who have completed WACO's County Officials' Training and Certification Course (COTCC) and are eligible for certification are reminded that the deadline to submit the application to WACO is August 15. Applications were mailed to all eligible candidates last week. Fifty points are given for attendance at the five day course and when combined with points for professional training and experience, qualify county officials for certification by the University of Washington Graduate School of Public Affairs. The applications are reviewed by the WACO Education and Certification Committee before being forwarded to the University. The certificates will be awarded at the WACO Annual Conference in Kennewick in October. Over 200 county officials and department heads have attended the five-day course on the university campus since the program was first offered in 1986. 125 have been certified by the University of Washington. That number does not include the 250 people who have attended the one-day seminars which also qualify for credit that WACO has offered in the past two years. WACO plans to offer another series of one-day seminars on both sides of the state this fall. This year's series will focus on disciplinary actions and termination. The first installment will be offered at the WACO Annual Conference in Kennewick in October. There will be a second track running concurrently with other personnel issues. WACO and the Washington Counties' Risk Pool have partnered in the one-day seminars which have proven especially popular since they require limited travel and are offered without a registration fee. Past attendees are reminded to submit an application for certification to WACO before August 15th. Please call WACO at (360) 753-7319 if you have any questions. ************************************** COUNTY NEWS ************************************** WSAC PRESIDENT NAMES 2000-2001 LEGISLATIVE STEERING COMMITTEE WSAC President Bettie Ingham recently appointed members to comprise the 2000-01 WSAC Legislative Steering Committee. The 42-member committee includes representation from 32 counties. Walla Walla County Commissioner David Carey and Snohomish County Councilwoman Barbara Cothern are the 2000-01 Co-Chairs of the Committee. New members joining for the first time are Yakima County Commissioner (and former legislator) Jim Lewis, Island County Commissioner Bill Thorn and San Juan County Commissioner Darcie Nielsen. All other appointees were members of the 1999-2000 Committee. The Legislative Steering Committee will hold four meetings this fall prior to the WSAC Legislative Conference. Those meetings will take place at the following times and locations: September 8, Ellensburg Best Western 10:00 - 2:00 October 11, Long Beach (in conjunction with Western District meeting) 1:00 - 4:30 October 27, Yakima Oxford Suites 10:00 - 2:00 November 15, Pasco Doubletree Inn 12:00 - 2:30 ************************************** ENVIRONMENT, LAND USE & RESOURCES ************************************** GOVERNORS REACH AGREEMENT ON SALMON RECOVERY APPROACH Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne, Montana Governor Marc Racicot, Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber and Washington Governor Gary Locke this week announced a historic agreement to begin to move the region toward recovery of salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River Basin. "We believe that agreement on a regional approach, consisting of specific federal, state and regional plans that protect both our salmon and our communities, should be reached and accepted by federal and state officials in consultation with tribal leaders no later than January,2001," the governors wrote in a cover letter to the strategy document. "Reaching such agreement, as well as implementing the other recommendations in this document, will enable all of us, together, to begin to fulfill our respective roles and responsibilities and meet the challenge that lies ahead." The governors' announcement coincides with the federal government's release this week of its paper on recovery of salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River Basin listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and a draft biological opinion on recovery of ESA-listed Snake River salmon. Among the governors' specific recommendations: FISH RECOVERY GOAL: "The goal we suggest is protection and restoration of salmonids and other aquatic species to sustainable and harvestable levels meeting the requirements of the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act, the Northwest Power Act and tribal rights under treaties and executive orders while taking into account the need to preserve a sound economy in the Pacific Northwest," the governors wrote. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION: Frustrated by the lack of effective cooperation between state and federal fish and wildlife agencies on fish recovery, the governors recommend that the President designate one official in the region to oversee federal agency fish recovery efforts in the Columbia Basin and serve as the regular point of contact with state, local and tribal governments. HABITAT IMPROVEMENTS: The governors endorse the concept of creating salmon sanctuaries to protect key fish habitats in accordance with state laws and acquiring water and habitat for fish from willing sellers. COLUMBIA RIVER ESTUARY: The governors believe that the federal government must immediately engage the states, tribes and local governments in implementing the National Estuary Program plan for the Lower Columbia River estuary, including creation of salmon sanctuaries. PREDATION BY BIRDS AND MAMMALS: The governors recommend that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service develop a long-term management plan to address predation by fish-eating birds and marine mammals. The attempt to relocate Caspian Terns within the Columbia River estuary was a good start, but not sufficient by itself, the governors said. The governors also support actions to improve the coordination among federal laws that protect fish- eating birds and marine mammals while also protecting the fish those birds and mammals eat. LOCAL INVOLVEMENT: The governors strongly endorse the concept of local planning for recovery of aquatic species. "This concept has the advantage of bringing together local and tribal governments with local citizens to develop and implement local recovery plans," the governors wrote. DAM REMOVAL AND MODIFICATION: Recognizing that the federal government will not at this time recommend breaching the four federal dams on the lower Snake River, the governors said fish recovery efforts "must focus not only on currently accessible habitat, but also look for opportunities to increase the current level of habitat access with all dams remaining in place." The governors also recognize the importance of improving fish passage survival at dams, and in their recommendations commit each state to provide an annual list of priority fish passage projects to the Northwest Power Planning Council for proposed funding, including screening diversions and replacing culverts, as well as removal of, or passage at, tributary dams such as the Condit Dam near the Columbia River in Klickitat County. The governors also support further fish passage improvements at the mainstem Snake and Columbia dams: "We support further modifications to the configuration and operation of the hydrosystem where appropriate and necessary to benefit fish and so long as the modifications do not jeopardize the region's reliable electricity supply." FISH HARVEST: The governors support continuing current levels of tribal ceremonial and subsistence harvest. For commercial and non-treaty sport fisheries, the governors recommend that harvest rates, gear and timing in the mainstem fisheries be consistent with ensuring survival of the species and providing for their eventual recovery when combined with recovery actions in other sectors, such as habitat improvements, hatchery reforms and passage improvements at dams. HATCHERY REFORMS: The governors support redirecting artificial production of fish in the Columbia Basin to continue producing fish for harvest while also using hatcheries to rebuild naturally spawning populations of salmon and steelhead. Specifically, the governors said they support the recommendations in the Northwest Power Planning Council's 1999 Artificial Production Review report to Congress. FUNDING: The governors recognize that fish and wildlife recovery is expensive and that it is likely to become more expensive in the future. BPA ratepayers will have to pay more to address the impact of hydropower dams on fish and wildlife, the governors said, and "we endorse BPA's stated commitment to increase the amount of . . . dollars to support salmon recovery." In addition, the governors called upon Congress to similarly increase federal appropriations, in recognition of the fact that fish and wildlife of the Columbia Basin are national resources. The governors also said the region needs a strong program to ensure a far better accounting of spending on fish and wildlife recovery and called for an annual accountability report to document progress in this regard. The governors presented their recommendations to the regional directors of the National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Reclamation and Bureau of Land Management, as well as to the administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration and the Chairman of the Northwest Power Planning Council. Copies of the recommendations are available at www.governor.wa.gov/esa. Governor Gary Locke expressed sincere hope that the recommendations, along with the federal biological opinion and All-H paper scheduled for release later this week, "will form the beginnings of the region coming together on a long-term, comprehensive and coordinated approach." "As we all know, the most polarizing and divisive issue we face is the fate of the lower Snake River dams," Governor Locke commented. "This document is an agreement to set aside the breaching option for now. We have made that key agreement, and I applaud the other governors' willingness to work with us on these recommendations." "The agreement also issues an endorsement for a strong local effort on behalf of fish recovery. It recognizes that we cannot add more layers to a salmon recovery bureaucracy - adding to the duplication, confusion and frustration at the local level where real recovery must occur. A key component of local recovery plans will be setting water flow levels sufficient for fish recovery and ensuring that water quality standards are set and met on an expedited schedule. To do this, we will need specific funding support from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), which the agreement endorses." ************************************** SALMON RECOVERY FUNDING BOARD TO SEEK $73 MILLION At its July 12, 2000, meeting, the Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB) considered past funding requests and appropriations and voted to request $37 million in state funds and $36 million in federal funds for a total of $73 million. The Board discussed other potential capital budget request items including regional incentives, and monitoring strategy development Although the Board agrees with the concept of a salmon recovery region approach to planning and project prioritization, it did not want to add another layer of complexity to the lead entity system. The Governor's Salmon Recovery Strategy requires salmon recovery regions to develop a regional salmon recovery plan and coordinate salmon recovery activities at the regional level. To better define what is meant by a regional approach, WDFW and the Governor's Salmon Recovery Office will work together to develop some options and report back to the Board at a future meeting. The Board will not request funding to support regional efforts at this time. One of the Board's priorities is to support high quality, standardized, statewide monitoring. While the Board agrees with the need for a statewide monitoring plan, it believes this should be done by the agencies. The SRF Board operating budget supports Board member travel and compensation and staff and office costs and is a portion of the IAC's overall operating budget. In addition to direct appropriation of operating funds, the Board receives partial IAC support in the form of administration, computer systems, and general operations. The SRFB portion of the draft-operating budget is based on maintaining the current SRFB- related operations; it does not propose any increases in staff or other new operational expenses. The proposed operating budget for the SRFB for the next biennium is $2.02 million. The next meeting of the Salmon Recovery Funding Board will be on September 14 & 15 in Vancouver, Washington. There will be a short tour or workshop on September 14. The meeting on September 15 will be at the Water Resources Center in Vancouver. The agenda has not yet been established but will mainly consist of briefings and a discussion of legislation proposed for the 2001 session. ************************************** ESA LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST FEDS IN THE METHOW BASIN Three environmental organizations filed a federal lawsuit earlier this week charging the federal government is violating the Endangered Species Act by allowing irrigation ditch operations in the Methow Valley to continue to harm endangered salmon and steelhead. Two years ago, the US Forest Service concluded that many irrigation ditches in the Methow Valley were likely to harm endangered salmon and steelhead. In response, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and US Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) were required to respond to this assessment within 90 days with a "biological opinion" stating what the endangered fish need. They have yet to take that action. The Washington Environmental Council (WEC), Center for Environmental Law and Policy, and the Okanogan Wilderness League filed the action to end the delay and get the federal agencies to do what they are required by law. The groups emphasized that their goal is to help the fish, not harm water users, but indicated that if the agencies do not move forward an injunction will be sought. "We are trying to avoid shutting down the diversions as was done by the federal government last summer, but if the agencies do not issue the biological opinions with reasonable and prudent alternatives, we may have to ask the court for a restraining order in order to save these highly endangered stocks." explained attorney John Arum. "Our hope is that the government will respond before the low flows of August force us to ask the court for an injunction." ************************************** PIPELINE COMMITTEE SEEKING MEMBERS Are you interested in pipeline safety? HB 2420 established a Citizens Committee on Pipeline Safety and Governor Locke is preparing to make the appointments. WSAC can recommend individuals to the Governor to serve on the committee as one of several local government representatives. The committee will have a total of thirteen members, who will serve three-year terms. The committee will advise state agencies and federal and local government officials on maters related to hazardous liquid and gas pipeline safety, construction, and maintenance. Expenses will be covered by the state. Nominations are urgently needed. If you are interested, contact Paul Parker or Sophia Byrd as soon as possible. ************************************** SHORELINE MANAGEMENT RULE PROMPTS LAWSUIT DISCUSSION Following nearly 5 years of attempts to update the state rules under which cities and counties adopt and regulate Shorelines (SMA), the Department of Ecology (Ecology) is poised to complete public comment on their latest proposed rule on August 7, 2000. By as early as the beginning of September, DOE is prepared to adopt the controversial and costly to implement set of rules. In anticipation this adoption and in recognition of the fact that the Legislature has specifically chosen not to provide counties or cities with any funding, WSAC and the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) are facilitating a meeting of jurisdictions interested in filing a lawsuit against the State for failure to fund these mandated SMA updates. The meeting will occur in the WSAC Conference Room at 2 p.m., Tuesday, August 8th. As background, WSAC, AWC and individual counties and cities have participated in the development of these pending rules. Throughout the process, individual local governments have offered differing opinions on the content of the proposed rules. However, both Associations have been united their stand that the state is legally obligated to provide funding to implement mandated updates. The Locke Administration supported the provision of funds and included money in last year's budget. The Senate supported funding but the House did not. Consequently, there is no money to support local update work estimated to cost at least $18.6 million for those cities and counties mandated to conduct the work. It is expected that a number of counties and cities will work together in bringing this suit. No decision has been made whether WSAC itself will join in - that will be discussed and decided later by the WSAC Board of Directors. Discussion at this meeting, however, is expected to focus solely at the issue of unfunded mandates. Please call Paul Parker if you plan to attend. ************************************** HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES ************************************** $40 MILLION GATES GIFT TO HELP HOMELESS More than 1500 transitional housing units for homeless women and their children would be created in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties as part of a $40 million grant expected to be announced at an afternoon press conference in Mayor Paul Schell's office on July 27 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The contribution is being billed as the nation's largest private gift to create transitional, emergency housing. The grant establishes the Healthy Families Program which will work with other partners to create the housing units over the next three years. It will also provide support services for residents for five years after the units are built. The program's partners are the city of Seattle, King County, Pierce County, Snohomish County and the state of Washington. The Gates Foundation's share would fund 15 percent to 20 percent of the capital and initial service costs of each project, the Foundation said. "The harm being done to children and families that are unable to find adequate housing and support services is tragic," Gates Sr., the Microsoft co- founder's father, said in a prepared statement. "The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation wants to address this critical need and ensure that families in crisis have the opportunity to re-establish their independence and well-being. Assuming each family stays in a unit for two years - the average stay in transitional housing - and the units are affordable for 40 years, 31,200 families could be helped by the program." Housing advocates were naturally enthused by the news with quotes ranging from "spectacular" to "wonderful" to the "need for such housing is great". One note from Mike Lonergan, executive director of the Tacoma Rescue Mission, indicated the importance of auxiliary services to the housing be made available such as job training and substance abuse treatment. This is by far the most significant single contribution from either a public or private entity to the cause of affordable transitional housing. ************************************** PIERCE COUNTY TO TAKE ON FAILED HOSPITAL'S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROGRAMS Pierce County will assume operation of Puget Sound Hospital's behavioral health services within the next few weeks according to County Executive Doug Sutherland. Pierce also intends to eventually purchase the hospital after obtaining Certificate of Need approval from the Washington State Department of Health. This arrangement is subject to approval by the US Bankruptcy Court, Middle Tennessee District. Pierce County has been involved with the hospital's behavioral health programs in one fashion or another since the 1970's. The programs include both psychiatric and chemical dependency services. "It is vitally important that these programs continue without interruption," Sutherland said. "That is why we are involved." The County originally built the hospital's north building in 1926 and added the south building in 1952. They sold the facility to Northern Pacific Beneficial Association in 1969. They will re-assume direct management of the two hospital buildings totaling 159,000 square feet of space, a medical office building and surrounding property at South 36th Street and Pacific Avenue. MultiCare Health System has entered into a financial arrangement with the current owner of the hospital to assure the county could acquire the hospital at a later date and at a favorable price. MultiCare also is concerned about continuity of care and when they learned of the pending bankruptcy and possible closure, they decided to provide the assistance to Pierce County to operate the facility in order to avert a community crisis. Pierce County Executive Director of Community and Human Services David Soma said MultiCare's ability to assist was key. Diane Cecchettini, MultiCare President and CEO, said the decision fit with her organization's community partnership philosophy. Pierce County has provided services at Puget Sound Hospital since the 1970s through the Pierce County Regional Support Network (and its precursor department), which is responsible for a range of services including crisis, outpatient, residential, employment, and inpatient, according to Fran Lewis, the county's Human Services Director and Regional Support Network (RSN) Administrator. The state Mental Health Division requires RSNs to provide sufficient inpatient capacity in hospitals within the community for individuals in need of treatment, Lewis said. There are only a limited number of inpatient beds available at Western State Hospital for each of the 9 westside RSNs and fiscal penalties accrue to the RSN for excess usage. Lewis went on to say that Pierce County intends to hire as many present Puget Sound Hospital staff as necessary to continue the behavioral health programs and ancillary services. She estimates that could be in the 250- employee range. The hospital admits about 100 psychiatric and chemical dependency patients each month and maintains an average daily census of between 40 and 60 patients. It is one of eight owned by New American which recently announced that it voluntarily filed a petition for protection under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code. They had previously sold several of their hospitals. King County is the only other county in the state to currently own a hospital. Harborview Hospital is operated under a joint agreement with the University of Washington and is the premier trauma center for the entire state. ************************************** NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY AND CITY HEALTH OFFICIALS (NACCHO) MEET IN LA NACCHO, together with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), met at the historic Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, California July 19 - 22, 2000. The theme for the joint conference was: "Spotlight on Teamwork: A Vision for Public Health in the New Century". Wednesday consisted of a variety of Committee meetings. The WSALPHO Staff had the opportunity to facilitate a meeting of State Associations of County and City Health Officials (SACCHOs) where a variety of innovative programs and partnerships were shared among the SACCHOs. Claude Earl Fox, MD, MPH, Administrator, Health Resources and Services Administration addressed "Health Care System Demands in the New Century: A Case for Teamwork". The Federal government has chosen an incremental route of increasing health care coverage for the uninsured. Since that time, several separate but similar initiatives have spring up through the country featuring collaborations among traditional safety net providers and others serving the uninsured. Increased federal money has offered local communities opportunities to establish these networks to address the unmet needs of vulnerable and uninsured populations. When taken as a whole, these initiatives seem to be moving the momentum for change in the current health care system. Public opinion polls indicate that adequate health care for Americans is a major priority. Dr. Fox talked about the role of the federal agency as change occurs in our health care systems. Our own Secretary of Health Mary Selecky was part of a successful plenary session entitled: "I'm OK, but I'm Not Too Sure about You: State-Local Collaboration". The panel members were made up of folks who have worked at both the state and local levels. They talked about the challenges of building effective relationships, and what they've learned about the "other side" from being the other side. Washington's State and Local relationship was featured, along with a couple of other states, during a session entitled: "Go for the Goal: Building a championship Team for Public Health". The session focused on the importance of the public health system that involves both the state and statewide associations of local public health jurisdictions. With the broad array of usual and emerging issues facing public health officials at both the state and local levels, there is often a need to combine the energies and resources of state agencies and local public health officials to be successful in addressing and resolving those issues. An effective public health system depends on the ability to collaborate - and requires us to overcome any historical tensions between levels of government. Another plenary session entitled: "Local Health Departments and State Legislatures Working Together in Innovative Ways" featured our own Representative Eileen Cody along with Representative John A. Fritchey, Illinois House of Representatives and Lisa Speissegger, Public Health Analyst, National Conference of State Legislatures. Each panel member shared their thoughts on how to effectively interact with legislators. Representative Cody advised listeners that influencing legislators is all about relationships. Know your legislators and know whom they listen to. Know what motivates them, why did they run for office? Get to know them personally. Spend time with them during the interim - lay the groundwork early and see them well in advance of session. Have a plan for how you are going to approach what you want - develop coalitions and make sure everyone is on the same page. Educate legislators about public health and what it is public health officials do. Representative Cody suggested that when a jurisdiction experiences an outbreak, invite your legislators to observe you in action. Involve legislators on Committees to help get them committed to your issue. Rep. Cody used the Child Profile program as an example. She served on the governing committee for Child Profile and is committed to it. Her commitment resulted in the Legislature providing some funding for Child Profile this biennium. She also stated that it is important to know exactly what it is that you want and whether it is a local or statewide issue. Representative Cody reminded listeners that during session, time is very limited and when meeting with a legislator during session ensure that handouts are not more than one page; that you don't come in with a long list of desires, but have prioritized issues; make the message personal - what happens if you don't get what you want - put a "face" on your issue. If your request has to do with money, do a cost/benefit analysis. Be able to say: "If you invest in this, it will do this. or save this.." Representative John Fritchey, Illinois, advised public health officials not to let a situation become a "good vs. good" where health communities/advocates fight against each other. A unified message is very important. It is important to translate for legislators why your issue is not only good policy, it's good politics. Give them the information they need to tell their constituencies why your issue is a good investment and why an investment in a long term commitment (such as prevention) makes sense. Lisa Speissegger talked about the need to know what triggers a legislator's interest such as media and constituents. She also emphasized that relationships are critical. Building trust between legislators and local officials depends upon accessibility - increase formal and informal communication. Legislators often feel they never hear back on money they have provided. Tell them what you have done with the money and what difference it made or is making. To emphasize the importance of relationships, the facilitator of the session asked the following question: Would you stop someone on the street and ask them to give you $10 million dollars? That is similar to talking to a legislator you don't know and asking them for money. Emily Friedman, Independent Health Policy and Ethics Analyst and a noted speaker provided a keynote address entitled: "The Color of Your Stripes: Race, Ethnicity, Gender and Justice in Public Health Practice". She explored the ethical challenges for state and local public health practitioners presented by the great demographic changes taking place in communities across the country. Her talk was both emotional and eye opening. She left us realizing that while we have come along way in the last century, we still have a very long way to go. Another plenary session that built upon what Ms. Friedman had to say was entitled: "Crossing the Divide of Health Disparities: Social Conditions, Root Causes, and the Tools to Take Action". Panelists were challenged to evaluate strategies and actions to influence the root causes of ill health and eliminate health disparities. The US continues to have some of the poorest health outcomes in the industrialized world. In part, this is due to an overemphasis on technology and treatment rather than anticipatory action to improve social conditions and eliminate disparities. People of color and people who live in poverty are more likely to be burdened by substandard housing, adverse environmental exposures, economic inequality, and lack of access to transportation and appropriate health services - all of which limit their access to health education and health promotion, and reduce their health status. These factors suggest the need for a new paradigm of what it means to create a healthy society. Panelists grappled with distinctive cultural and environmental issues associated with the elimination of health disparities and examined effective examples. There were many other excellent sessions - too many to enumerate here - that stimulated thoughts and provided innovative ideas about the roles and responsibilities of government - local and state - in promoting healthy behaviors, preventing disease, and protecting the public's health. ************************************** TRANSPORTATION ************************************** WSDOT SEEKS COUNTY REP FOR TRANSPORTATION PERMIT STREAMLINING TASK FORCE Following the requirements of HB 3076, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has asked WSAC to appoint a county commissioner or councilmember to participate in a task force that will review the applicability of existing transportation certification programs to the environmental permit streamlining process. Please submit names of WSAC nominees to WSAC staff Sophia Byrd no later than August 10. Other task force members will include representatives of cities, WSDOT, and the Washington State departments of Ecology and Fish and Wildlife. The task force will produce a report to the Legislature by December 1, 2000. The task force and the legislation creating it grew out of the recently signed Northwest Cooperative Agreement on Environmental Streamlining and Interagency Cooperation on Environmental and Transportation Issues. This 34-agency, three-state effort outlines opportunities for mutual cooperation in permit streamlining. A key element of the Agreement was to pursue "programmatic approaches and certification of state programs based on performance audits" as a way to streamline permitting processes. The 2000 Legislature recognized the importance of this effort by unanimously passing HB 3076 to continue the streamlining review on a state and local level. The federal Transportation Equity Act of the 21st Century (TEA 21) requires all federal transportation and resource agencies to promote efforts to coordinate and streamline environmental review processes. ************************************** LAW & JUSTICE ************************************** COURT REFORM WORKGROUPS REVIEW COURTHOUSE SELF HELP CENTERS, SPECIALTY COURTS Court reform efforts continue this month, with two major workgroups of Project 2001 meeting last week. The Trial Court Administration workgroup met July 18, 2000. This workgroup is tackling specialty court issues and impediments to their implementation. The Specialty Court subcommittee heard reports on the King County Mental Health Court, Clark County Domestic Violence Court, and Pierce County Drug Court. The group identified the main impediments to implementation of specialty courts as lack of funding and lack of public support in some areas. Benefits of specialty courts include increased public safety, court attention to the treatment needs of the defendant and most importantly a decrease in repeat offenders. Consistency in these case areas means that defendants know exactly what penalties they will face should they return to the specialty court. In specialty courts, judges can become familiar with the defendants and keep track of their progress. Specialty court staff have easier access to treatment and agency services to help lower the incidence of repeated offenses. The Case Management workgroup of Project 2001 met on July 21, 2000. Diane Oberquell, Thurston County Commissioner, represented WSAC. Workgroup members discussed caseflow management, development of a new discovery cut- off rule for courts, the expanded use of pro tem judges, and pro se self help centers. Bob Carlberg, Snohomish County Superior Court Administrator, presented information on case management statistics, which are available for some superior courts. The workgroup agreed that case management information systems should be developed for all levels of courts to help manage court calendars. Judges would have statistics available tell parties the appropriate timeline for their case. A prototype for Pro Se Self Help Centers was developed by Betty Gould, Thurston County Clerk. With a lot a hard work and limited resources, she developed a color coded system for information packets and forms. The system increases access to justice for litigants representing themselves and citizens unable to afford the advice of an attorney. Betty Gould is making her system available to all counties in the state. She reports that her help desk is running much more efficiently now. The Courthouse Facilitator has noticed a decreased workload now that pro se litigants are taking advantage of the new self help center. ************************************** POLICE DOG SUBCOMMITTEE MEETS New standards for the use of police dogs may be on the way. The Senate Judiciary Committee created a subcommittee to investigate and recommend standards for dog and handler training, certification, and periodic recertification. Senator Jeri Costa, D-Marysville, formed the subcommittee after a recent police dog incident in Snohomish County in which a suspect resisting arrest lost 40% of his foot due to bite injuries. The episode cost Snohomish County taxpayers over $400,000 and sparked discussion about county and city liability for police dogs and whether new laws are needed to ensure dogs are appropriately trained and certified. The subcommittee recently met on July 27, 2000. Attendees included Senator Costa, Representative Al O'Brien, Sheriff Rick Bart, Snohomish County, Sheriff Gene Strong, Wahkiakum County, Debbie Wilke, WACO, and Stacy Connole, WSAC. Lawmakers and law enforcement agencies are concerned about police dog liability. Washington has no laws governing the use or training of police dogs. State regulations only require handlers to undergo a certain number of training hours, but does not specify standards for police dog certification. The subcommittee plans to change that. The subcommittee is drafting language for a bill it hopes will be passed in the upcoming legislative session. The bill, not yet finalized, would require all dog and handler teams going into service after July 1, 2002 to meet new state regulatory requirements for training and initial certification. All existing law enforcement dog and handler teams in the state would have until July 1, 2003 to become recertified under the new standards. Recertification would be required annually, and no dogs could work on the streets without certification. The subcommittee is designing a Standards Board that would propose the exact requirements for certification. Board members said that existing recertification, now called validation, costs approximately $180. Training and accrediting a dog and handler can cost up to $40,000 including replacement of the handler during training. If the proposed bill passes the state would not be obligated to reimburse agencies since canine enforcement is optional. Participating agencies would have to cover any additional costs they incur. For more information on the Police Dog Subcommittee, please contact Sophia Byrd, WSAC, or Debbie Wilke, WACO. ************************************** BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ************************************** COMMISSIONER NIELSEN CHAIRING SUBCOMMITTEE OF FERRY TASK FORCE The Joint Ferry Task Force, created by the 2000 state supplemental transportation budget, held its first meeting Tuesday, July 25 in Seattle, where it established three subcommittees and received an overview and history of the Washington State Ferry System. The task force is charged with meeting during the interim and reporting back to the 2001 Legislature with recommendations for the future of the ferry system. San Juan Commissioner Darcie Nielsen, WSAC's representative on the Joint Task Force, is chairing the subcommittee on service delivery options, which is studying options (including privatization) for providing passenger-only service. This subcommittee meets next on Friday, August 11. For more information on meeting time and location, contact Lynn Hale of the Senate Transportation Committee staff at 360-786-7346. The operations subcommittee, chaired by Jack Leengran of the Clinton (Whidbey Island) Ferry Advisory Committee, is studying issues related to level of service, fare adjustments, and operations costs. This subcommittee meets next on Tuesday, August 15. For meeting time and location, contact Paul Neal of the House Transportation Committee staff at 360-786-7315. The third subcommittee, relating to capital issues, is studying the ferry system's needs for terminal replacement and upgrades, vessel replacement and refurbishment, costs of different levels of safety-related maintenance and other maintenance. This subcommittee meets next on Tuesday, August 15. For more information on meeting time and location contact Brad Lovaas of the Senate Transportation Committee staff at 360-786-7307. The subcommittee participation is open to all interested persons. The next meeting of the full Joint Task Force is Tuesday, August 22, 9:30 Am. to 12:30 p.m. at the Puget Sound Regional Council in Seattle. The Joint Task Force is chaired by Senator Mary Margaret Haugen, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, and Representatives Ruth Fisher and Maryann Mitchell, co-chairs of the House Transportation Committee. Other members include representatives from counties, cities, the ferry system, the state Senate, the state House of Representatives, the Governor's office, labor organizations, persons who use ferries, persons who do not use ferries, transit operators and shipyards. ************************************** NEWS FROM MRSC ************************************** NETWORK WITH YOUR COLLEAGUES ON THE MRSC WEB SITE You can now network with your colleagues through the new discussion forums on the MRSC web site (www.mrsc.org). Post your questions or join in an ongoing discussion. Recent postings have included discussions of labor negotiations and longevity pay, municipal finance software, and e- government. Use the forums to start a discussion on any issue facing your county. You also have the option of receiving the messages directly by e-mail. It's easy to join and use the system (see instructions below). At present, we have a general local government discussion area, but we may add other areas depending on your interests. If you have questions, please contact Fred Ward at fward@mrsc.org or 206-625-1300. To access the MRSC Discussion Forums: 1. Go to the MRSC Web site: http://www.mrsc.org 2. In the left-hand column, under the "Communicate" heading click on Discussion Forums 3. Click on the "New User" button 4. After entering your name and e-mail address you will be e-mailed a password 5. Click on the link in the e-mail to return to the site. Enter the user name you selected, paste in the password from the e-mail and check "Remember my Password" so that you do not need to enter it again 6. Once in the system click on one of the forums in the left-hand column to read or send messages If you would prefer to participate via e-mail rather than by visiting the forum, click on "More" at the top of the discussion forum screen and then on "Mailing Lists". ************************************** F.Y.I. ************************************** FEDERAL PILT AND CONSERVATION FUNDING PASSES KEY HURDLE The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Tuesday, July 25, approved Chairman Frank Murkowski's (R-Alaska) and ranking member Jeff Bingaman's (D-N.M.) substitute to the House-passed Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA) by a 13-7 vote. Senators objecting to the funding priorities in the bill offered amendments to shorten its life and add other restrictions, but they failed. Tuesday marked the fifth day the committee had taken up the bill, having been interrupted each day by a rule in the Senate limiting committee action to two hours while it is in session. Normally, senators request and are able to receive extensions, but objections have been raised each time the committee has taken up the bill. Nonetheless, the panel passed the substitute amendment to the CARA bill (H.R. 701) by a 13-7 vote (with all Democrats plus Sens. Gordon Smith (R- Ore.), Jim Bunning (R-Ky.), Peter Fitzgerald (R-Ill.) and Murkowski voting in favor), and then approved the bill itself by voice vote. The measure would supply nearly $3 billion annually for 15 years from outer continental shelf (OCS) oil and gas revenues toward the Land and Water Conservation Fund ($900 million), coastal states for shoreline restoration and other purposes ($1 billion in the House bill, $805 billion in the Senate), state wildlife programs, urban parks, forestry programs, endangered species, national parks, Indian lands and other conservation accounts. It also fully funds the PILT (payment in lieu of taxes) account. Senator Murkowski said after the markup that he was "very pleased" with the bill's passage but understands the problems some senators have with the measure. The bill "prioritizes" funding for conservation programs, which is ordinarily the function of appropriators, he said. Murkowski added that he is hopeful the momentum will carry the bill to the floor, where the debate is likely to be similar to the markup's, he said. In general, supporters say the legislation is meant to provide a steady source of revenues from a nonrenewable energy source toward conserving other resources and fully funding the payment in lieu of taxes (PILT) account for counties containing federal lands. That way, the federal government, states and localities know at least a certain amount is coming and can plan accordingly, proponents say. Detractors feel the bill is an entitlement, dictating where appropriations should be spent, and will take funding away from other, possibly more deserving programs such as those for education, health care and Native Americans. Another area of opposition is from western Republicans who contest more federal land purchases (under LWCF) in their heavily federally owned states. Despite the filing of several amendments that would raise controversial issues such as opening Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling or requiring congressional approval of national monument designations, senators chose to stick to offering amendments that would address sections under the bill. Some senators who offered amendments that failed indicated they may introduce them again on the floor, along with new ones that may be proposed. Senator Gorton proposed an amendment that would require the funding of the national parks' deferred maintenance backlog before any of the other programs in the CARA bill could receive funding. Though some senators expressed agreement with the amendment's intent, most preferred the legislation's method of gradually paying off the estimated $4.4 billion backlog with $100 million per year and allow the funding of other programs. The panel voted to table the amendment, 11-9. The committee also voted down an amendment from Sen. Craig Thomas (R-Wyo.) to require the federal government to release land equal in value when it wants to acquire land in states that are 25 percent or more federally owned, unless Congress gets the governors' OK. The goal is to restrict the "unilateral" decisions made by the federal government that affects the states by way of taxes and other factors, Thomas said. But Senator Bingaman argued against the amendment, saying governors should be involved in federal land acquisition decisions but should not have the authority to veto congressional decisions. He also said it would be difficult timing- wise for the government to identify lands for sale while trying to acquire others. Senator Murkowski said the bill seeks to address the issue of unfettered federal acquisition by adding another layer of congressional oversight in requiring the resources committees' approval of federal land purchases. The committee ended up rejecting the amendment, 9-11. The committee, however, adopted by voice vote an amendment from Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho) that says nothing in the bill should be construed to give the federal government water rights in areas it acquires. Craig said the federal government should go through the same water rights transfer process that states and private entities must follow. The bill is now in Senate Rules awaiting its schedule for floor action. We understand that Senator Gorton opposes the measure and that Senator Murray supports it. ************************************** NACO NEWS ************************************** NACO PUBLIC LANDS SUBCOMMITTEE SEEKS SUPPORT FOR S.1608 The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, S. 1608, continues its struggle through the United States Senate. The measure aims to provide more dependable funding for schools and county roads in areas with federal timber lands. While Washingtons' timber counties have already written a letter to Senators Gorton and Murray indicating their support for the bill, the NACo Public Lands Committee has urged counties with federal lands to contact their Senators and inform them of what will happen to roads and schools in their county if S.1608 does not pass. It is asked that copies of letters sent to Senators be mailed to the National Forests and Schools Coalition, P.O. Box 8551, Red Bluff, CA 96080. ************************************** COUNTY CALENDAR - AUGUST ************************************** 1 The county treasurer, upon request, shall furnish the county legislative authority with a list of lands owned by the county and subject to special assessments. RCW 36.33.160 14 By this date, each elective and appointive department head is to file an estimated budget for the ensuing fiscal year, with the county auditor. If estimates are not filed in time, the auditor shall deduct and withhold as a penalty from the salary of each official failing to comply, $10 for each day of delay, not to exceed $50 in one year. RCW 36.40.010, .030 14 On or before this date, the county legislative authority, assisted by the county road engineer, shall prepare and file with the county auditor estimated county road expenditures for the ensuing fiscal year. RCW 36.82.160 15 Filing of autopsy reimbursement requests by coroners and medical examiners due in State Treasurer's office for January-June of (current year). RCW 68.50.104 18 County assessor to forward to the Department of Revenue a valuation abstract of local assessments. RCW 84.48.010 31 Up until this date, the county assessor is authorized to place property that is increased in value due to construction or alteration for which a building permit has been issued, on the assessment rolls for the purposes of tax levy. The assessed valuation of the property shall be considered as of July 31. RCW 36.21.080 31 Up to this date, when any mobile home first becomes subject to assessment for property taxes, the county assessor is authorized to place the mobile home on the assessment rolls for purposes of tax levy. The assessed valuation of the mobile home shall be considered as of the July 31 immediately preceding the date that the mobile home is placed on the assessment roll. RCW 36.21.090 ************************************** COURTHOUSE RAMBLINGS ************************************** Congratulations to Kittitas County Commissioner Max Golladay! Tomorrow, July 29, 2000 Max will marry Patty Wytko during a private ceremony at Hidden Valley Guest Ranch in Cle Elum, WA. He will be taking "a much needed" week off to celebrate with his new bride. (After much begging, he still refused to take his staff along). If you would like to send a note of congratulations to the Golladays - please send them to 205 West 5th, Room 110, Ellensburg, WA 98926. Congratulations and best wishes to Max and Patty! ************************************** CORRECTION ************************************** There was an error in last weeks Courthouse Journal listing the new officers for the Washington Association of County Commission Clerks. Trustee for the Eastside should have read Peggy Grigg, Grant County. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused. ************************************** JOBS ************************************** ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT PERMITS - KITSAP COUNTY is recruiting for the position of Assistant Director, Development Permits in the Department of Community Development. This is a highly responsible supervisory and administrative position and involves the establishment of a multi- disciplinary permit processing unit that oversees the delivery of permit processing Services to all of unincorporated Kitsap County, supervising approximately 45 personnel including the direct supervision of five managers. The County is seeking a team leader to meld the land use planning, permit processing, engineering, building code, and fire code disciplines into a customer-focussed one stop permit operation. The person in this position reports to, and serves at the pleasure of the Director of the Department of Community Development. Qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in planning, engineering, or a related field, Master's degree preferred, and five years of progressively responsible experience in community development or project review, including three years of supervisory or managerial responsibilities. Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) is highly desired. The 2000 salary range for this position is $56,014.40 to $71,489.60 annually. For more information and an application packet, contact Kitsap County Personnel, 614 Division Street, MS 23, Port Orchard, WA 98366 or call (360) 337-7185. The County's website can be found at http://www.wa.gov/kitsap/. Complete applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. August 18, 2000. Kitsap County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ****** CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS DEPARTMENT - PARK MANAGER for Salt Creek County Park, a regional park with a 90 site campground, picnic areas, and saltwater beach access, fifteen miles west of Port Angeles on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The position is responsible for overseeing the operation, maintenance, and supervision of the park buildings and grounds. Essential functions of the job include: scheduling all facility use through reservations, and collecting and accounting for all fees and use charges; enforcement of park rules and regulations; provide detailed, accurate accounting and reports; and perform routine and technical grounds, building, and equipment maintenance. Starting salary is $2,501 per month, plus county benefit package. Manager is required to live in park-provided housing on-site. Position requires a college degree with one-year experience, or four years experience in similar work, or combination of education and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities. For more information, contact the Clallam County Parks Department, PO Box 863, Port Angeles, WA 98362-0149, 360/417-2291; or for application packet only, stop by the Clallam County Personnel Dept. at the Courthouse or call 360/417-2528. Applications close August 18, 2000. ****** ADMINISTRATOR - REGIONAL SUPPORT NETWORK managed care organization serving Adams, Grant and Okanogan counties. Supervise contracts for outpatient, inpatient an residential public mental health services. Office located in East Wenatchee. Clinical or administration Masters degree required. Five years of public mental health management experience required. Salary range $45,410 to $59,336 DOQ. Send r‚sum‚ and three references c/o Human Resources, PO Box 37, Ephrata, WA 98823. Open until filled. Equal Opportunity Employer. ****** ELECTIONS SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR - KING COUNTY (Information Systems Analyst III). Department of Information and Administrative Services, Records and Elections Division, King County. Annual Salary Range $51,674 - $72,866.The responsibilities of this classification include administering the county election management system and supervising staff involved in the design, analysis, maintenance, programming, and resolution of user problems for installed automated information and/or communication systems. Provide top- level, state-of-the-art technical advice in a highly complex area, acting as an internal consultant and providing technical leadership and support to projects, solutions and systems impacting the entire county. Responsibilities may also include applying a broad knowledge of information networking or communication systems analysis and/or programming to business unit processes. Qualifications include industry knowledge in most of the following: relational database design techniques and maintenance; project management; data analysis and retrieval methods; hardware/software installation; software design and testing techniques; system integration; programming/database design experience with Microsoft Access and Microsoft Visual Basic - 2-3 years; programming/database design experience with Microsoft Foxpro 2.6+ (very desirable); database administration with Microsoft SQL Server 6.5/7.0 (2 years); LAN administration with Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 (1-2 years); LAN administration with Novell 3.12 helpful; elections experience helpful; knowledge of contract administration techniques and principles. Necessary special requirements: Valid Washington State Driver's License or the ability to travel throughout the County in a timely manner. Occasional lifting. A King County Application, resume and letter of interest detailing your background and describing how you meet or exceed the requirements are required. Required forms and materials must be sent to: Office of Human Resources Management, Attn: Esther Salomon, 500 4th Avenue, Room 450, Seattle, WA 98104, or MS: ADM-HR-0450. Application materials must be received by 4:30 p.m. on August 7, 2000. (Postmarks are NOT ACCEPTED.) Contact Robert Bruce, Manager, Records and Elections Division, at (206) 296- 1540 for further inquiries. PLEASE NOTE: Applications not received at the location specified above may not be processed. This position is open to King County Career Service employees within the Department of Information and Administrative Services, other King County Career Service employees, and to the general public. Hiring preference will be given in the order listed. This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not overtime eligible. This is a 40- hour a week position, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with different hours/days during election time periods. **** END ****