The Courthouse Journal A Joint Publication of the Washington State Association of Counties & Washington Association of County Officials August 11, 2000 Number 17 COTCC CERTIFICATION DEADLINE APPROACHING WACO Education/Certification Committee Chair Marianne Walters, Jefferson County Clerk, reminds county officials and department heads who are eligible for University of Washington certification through WACO's County Officials' Training and Certification Course (COTCC) that they have until August 15 to submit an application for certification. Eligibility requires that officials have attended the five-day course that has been offered at the UW campus. The course combined with points based on experience and additional education and training qualify the official to join the ranks of over 125 who have received certification since the program's inception in the mid-`80s. The Education/Certification Committee will meet on August 24 to review the applications before submitting them to the University. Please contact WACO if you have any questions or need an application. ******************************************* GOOD THINGS ******************************************* The Kitsap County Assessor's Office has instituted a new award to be given annually to a residential appraiser in the assessor's office, called the Equalizer of the Year Award. This year's winner is Rob McGinley, who has been a county appraiser for ten years. He was recognized as the appraiser who produced the most consistent estimates of market value during 1999. The purpose of the award is to reward employee performance; show the public that employees are accountable for their actions; and subtly educate the public to the importance of equalization. The theory is that the public is much more likely to pay attention to a personal award than by an article by the assessor discussing levels of assessment and deviation measurements! ******************************************* COUNTY NEWS ******************************************* UNDERSTAND PUBLIC DISCLOSURE LAW BEFORE COMMENTING ON STATEWIDE MEASURES WSAC has been receiving inquiries from counties in regards to what a legislative authority or an individual elected official may say and do when commenting on statewide measures. This issue has been thoroughly researched by the Municipal Research and Services Center and they have produced a recently updated report available to all counties on their web site at http://mrsc.org/mrsc/focus/i695/pubfac-pwm.htm. According to MRSC RCW 42.17.130 prohibits the use of facilities of a public office to support or oppose a ballot measure or an election campaign for public office. The general prohibition against use of public facilities is very broad and comprehensive. The term "public facilities" is defined to include use of stationery, postage, equipment, use of employees during working hours, vehicles, office space, publications of the office, or lists of persons served by the local government. This prohibition means that elective or appointive personnel of local governments may not work to support or oppose a ballot proposition during work time or allow public facilities to be used for that purpose. Their report states there are exceptions. "The first allows a local government legislative body, such as a city or town council or county commission or council, to vote on a motion or resolution to express support or opposition to a ballot proposition if the following procedural steps are first taken: 1) the notice for the meeting must include the title and number of the ballot proposition, and 2) members of the legislative body and members of the public must be allowed an approximately equal opportunity to express an opposing view. The second exception allows an elected official to make a statement at an open press conference in support or opposition to a ballot proposition or in response to a specific inquiry. The third exception is somewhat broader and allows activities which are part of the normal and regular conduct of the local government. Under this exception, a local government could prepare an objective and neutral presentation of facts concerning a ballot measure. For example, details could be provided to citizens concerning the financial impact of an initiative on the local government, such as how revenues would be affected by its passage. Care must be taken that this information be presented in a fair, objective manner." Refer to the MRSC website for the full text of their report. WSAC and WACO are in the process of developing a series of questions and answers as they relate to I-722. When those have been developed and properly reviewed for compliance to the law they will be distributed to members. MRSC has prepared a statement on "What Can and Can't Local Government Officials and Employees Do to Support or Oppose an Initiative Measure". A copy is attached for your information. ******************************************* LEWIS COUNTY CUTS PARKS PROGRAMS The Lewis County commissioners announced yesterday that they are eliminating the county community services department and all seven employees, including long-time director, Dave Schilperoort. Lewis County is still trying to recover from the effects of I-695 and the loss of their MVET funds. Although the Legislature replaced 53% of their lost funding there is still a significant hole left in county revenues. Last year Lewis county was forced to lay-off 30 employees. The budget cuts will save the county approximately $300,000, but 350 children will lose recreational programming run by the department. Schilperoort was a past president of the parks affiliate and active in park issues for WSAC. Lewis, like many other counties, has found it more difficult each year to balance budgets. After funding the state mandated programs there is little or no extra revenues to fund discretionary programs. Commissioner Richard Graham showed the difficulty of his decision when the Centralia Chronicle quoted him saying, " It's not that we want to do it. We know those programs are really valuable, but those are discretionary programs. My heart goes out for the people that are going to be (laid off), I don't know what else I can do about it." Reinforcing Commissioner Graham's frustration, County Treasurer Rose Bowman was quoted in the same article saying, "The commissioners are kind of in a box. They don't have much place else to go, so I guess I have to applaud their courage to try to balance the budget and try to minimize the reduction in services to the public." ******************************************* THURSTON COMMISSIONERS REQUEST SUPPORT TO ASSIST ON BOATING ISSUES The Thurston Board of County Commissioners sent a letter to their legislators at the end of July requesting state support for additional funding for boating enforcement and increased support for public education and certification. Last year Thurston County appointed a Lake Safety Task Force, to make recommendations on issues regarding boating safety. While the County has committed to a one-year pilot program with temporary funding to provide one additional deputy for peak hours of boating on county lakes, the level of enforcement was not enough. The Task Force recommended increased enforcement as well as a motorboat operator certification program. Because of a lack of funds the County was unable to implement an effective certification program. The County is also concerned that they may not be able to require non- county residents to take the certification program. Last year the Legislature introduced, but did not pass, SB 5393, which would have required an operator of a watercraft with a motor greater than ten horsepower to successfully complete a boating education course and carry the necessary proof of completion. Thurston County has requested their legislators support for SB 5393 and encourages other counties with boating concerns to ask their legislators to do the same. ******************************************* GRANT COUNTY CORONER TO RETIRE Grant County Coroner Penny Sibley has announced that she will be retiring on October 31. Sibley has been with the coroner's office for nearly 20 years, the past 15 « as coroner. She is an active member of the Washington Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners, as well as the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners, and served on the WACO Board of Trustees from 1991 - 1997. Sibley's husband, Jim, has taken a position with the Federal Aviation Administration, in Renton, so they will be moving to that area with their two children. ******************************************* ELECTION NEWS In Kitsap County, two WACO members are running for the position of Freeholder. County Assessor Jim Avery (R) has filed in Commissioner District 2 and County Treasurer Sharon Shrader (D) has also filed as a Freeholder in Commissioner District 2. Seven persons will be elected from each of the county's three commissioner districts. Matt Ryan, a past county commissioner is running as a Freeholder in Commissioner District 1. Also running for freeholder positions are former legislator Gordon Walgren and Bruce Craswell, husband of former State Senator Ellen Craswell. Craswell previously served as the chair of the freeholders who presented a charter in 1973. Clark County also has a number of former county officials running for Freeholder. Vernon Veysey served as a County Commissioner and George Miller was the County Clerk. Current House of Representative member Jim Dunn (R) from the 17th district has also filed as a Freeholder. June Parr Gassaway, wife of Clark County Assessor and legislative candidate Ben Gassaway is also running for Freeholder. In Grays Harbor County, Dennis Morrisette, who previously served as Sheriff, is running for County Commissioner against John Erak, who at one time served as a member of the Washington State House of Representatives. Both have filed as Democrats. In Whitman County, former County Commissioner Dan Boone is running for the open seat vacated by the retirement of Nora Mae Keifer. In Garfield County Virgil "Butch" Klaveano, Jr. (R) District 1 and Steve Ledgerwood (D) District 2 are running for reelection unopposed. And in Stevens County it was reported last week that Kathy Moss was running as a republican in District 1 against Fran Bessermin and Tony Delgado. She is actually a democrat. ******************************************* GASB 34: RAISING THE THRESHOLD? At a recent Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) meeting, WACO staff asked the committee members for an opportunity to discuss the possibility of raising the threshold for those counties that are to comply with the new GASB 34 reporting requirements from 50,000 to 100,000 in population. WACO had previously sent a survey to all County Auditors and Treasurers asking for their input on this issue. All but one person of those who responded felt that the threshold should be raised to 100,000. The issue will be taken up at the October 25 meeting of the LGAC, at which time, county representatives can give testimony to the committee regarding this issue. Please contact Barbara Sandahl at WACO for more information, or if you would like to testify. ******************************************* MORE GASB 34: HELP WANTED The State Auditor's Office has set up several task forces to study the issues regarding the implementation of GASB 34. County representatives have been participating on the task forces. However, due to the number of committees, more volunteers are needed. The following is a list of GASB 34 related committees where your expertise is needed: 1) Entitywide Committee - Deals with the statement of net assets and statement of activities; 2) Infrastructure Committee - Considers the methods of valuation for infrastructure; 3) Fund/Proprietary Committee - This committee will look at all other issues surrounding the implementation of GASB 34; 4) Education Committee - This committee will assist in the coordination of the training for the implementation of GASB 34. Meeting minutes are available at: If you have any questions about the task forces or are interested in serving on a GASB 34 task force, please contact Alexandra Johnson at the State Auditor's Office at 360-664-3149. ******************************************* INTERNET VOTING REVIEW In February 2000, Thurston County Auditor Sam Reed and his elections staff conducted an Internet voting trial election that ran parallel to the Washington State Presidential Primary Election. It was a non-binding trial election conducted by the county and an Internet Voting company, VoteHere.net. A report has been compiled by the county reviewing the process. The report can be accessed on the web at: ******************************************* BLANKET PRIMARY NEWS The Washington State Grange who was instrumental in establishing the blanket primary election in Washington state 65 years ago, has recently issued a press release encouraging those persons who favor the current primary election system to begin a letter writing and calling campaign to express their opinions to their legislative members. Washington State Grange Master Terry Hunt says "Washington State's primary election process has proceeded unopposed for 65 years. It is a shame that action taken by the state of California could jeopardize this state's citizens' freedom of choice. It is especially disturbing that a mandate by the people could be so easily thrown away, not just in California but right here in Washington, and 65 years after the fact." It is anticipated that the issue will be resolved during the next legislative session. Grange Master Hunt said that the grange will be active during the next session so that "the right to choose remains with the citizens of Washington and is not lost to the interests of any other entity." ******************************************* SPECIAL PROJECT AWARD Snohomish County Auditor Bob Terwilliger and his Performance Audit Staff; Steve Torreance, Dean Ritchhart and Marty Standel, were recipients of the 1999 Special Projects Award by the National Association of Local Government Auditors for the division's Law and Justice Survey. The projects were selected based on uniqueness, creativity of the presentation, service impact, and usefulness to the public. ******************************************* HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES ******************************************* SCHELL AND SIMS JOIN IN PROTESTING DSHS CUTS Mayor Paul Schell, Seattle, and King County Executive Ron Sims have joined in protesting local staffing cuts in the Department of Social and Health Services. Sims has already sent a letter to DSHS Secretary Braddock and Schell and the City Council are following up with a letter to Gov. Locke complaining that a statewide effort to cut positions to reflect smaller caseloads fails to take into account the complexity of cases or King County's high percentage of difficult cases. In King County 99 jobs - 66 of them permanent positions - are being lost out of 800, according to county DSHS administrator Phyllis Lowe. Some of the positions likely to be lost include social workers that help chronically unemployed people get jobs and training and those who work with impoverished Native Americans. Margey Rubado, the head of Belltown Community Service Office, where many of the region's neediest are served, says she is taking early retirement because of the cuts. A number of follow-up editorials and letters to the editor have appeared in Puget Sound newspapers decrying the staffing cuts as disproportionately impacting the most needy of those remaining on welfare. ******************************************* 2000 PUBLIC HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLAN - PUBLIC HEALTH FINANCING The 1993 Health Services Act created the requirement for the development of a biennial Public Health Improvement Plan (PHIP) update for the public health system in Washington. The 2000 PHIP will be presented to the Legislature in 2001. "Analysis and Recommendations for Financing Public Health in Washington" is one of seven workplan elements that will make up the 2000 PHIP update. Attached to this Courthouse Journal is a briefing paper that describes the work of a committee that will develop this element of the 2000 PHIP. The Public Health Finance Committee has been created to work on this element for the 2000 PHIP. Representatives from the State Department of Health and the Washington State Association of Local Public Health Officials (WSALPHO) serve on the Committee. In addition to these public health professionals, WSAC also has Commissioner Mike Shelton, WSAC Vice President, and Dan Clements, Snohomish County Budget Director, as members of the Committee. Invitations are also being extended to OFM and Legislative staff to participate in the work of the Committee. While this work is going on for the PHIP, local representatives on the Public Health Finance Committee are mindful of the HB 2392 Task Force on Local Government and the work that it will be engaged in over the next 18 months around the services and financing of local government. It is anticipated that the work of the PHIP Public Health Finance Committee will provide helpful information to our county members on that Task Force. Stay tuned for future updates on the work of this PHIP Committee. ******************************************* LAW & JUSTICE ******************************************* KING COUNTY COUNCIL APPROVES INNOVATIVE JUVENILE JUSTICE OPERATIONS MASTER PLAN On July 17, the King County Council approved the County's Juvenile Justice Operations Master Plan. The plan, which has been incremented in parts over the last 18 months, has already proven successful as the number of young people behind bars has dropped dramatically. "One of the most important issues before King County is making sure youth are provided with opportunities to succeed, so that they do not have to enter the juvenile justice system," said Councilmember Larry Gossett. The goal of the plan is to promote justice, protect the public, and help youth in trouble make responsible choices. It has resulted in a variety of system efficiencies that have already had major impacts on the juvenile justice system: The prosecutor has improved the supervision of filing and charging decisions and has increased the number of offenses that can be diverted out of the court system to local Juvenile Accountability Boards; The courts have reorganized and increased monitoring of probation officer recommendations; Court services and probation staff have begun using state-funded specialized mental health treatment for offenders and their families; and Detention has begun alternatives, such as a day reporting center, to allow other options besides secure detention for juveniles. ".. the average daily population in the King County Juvenile Detention Center has dropped from 200 a day 18 months ago to about 140 a day now," said Gossett. The Master Plan was developed through the work of elected officials and agency heads from the court system, cities, King County, the state of Washington, schools, and citizens. It has been three years in the making. It is hoped it will save taxpayers the cost of building a new detention wing, which would take $7.6 million per year to build and operate. Staff members emphasize that three issues would require continued emphasis to ensure continued success - proportionate treatment for minority youths, protection of victims' rights and the involvement of communities. ******************************************* ENVIRONMENT, LAND USE & RESOURCES ******************************************* COURT SAYS ECOLOGY'S EXEMPT WELL LAWSUIT DOESN'T WASH Cowlitz County Superior Court earlier this week threw out the Department of Ecology's lawsuit against a developer of a 50-lot subdivision south of Kalama. Ecology had hoped the lawsuit would limit the use of wells to supply rural housing developments. Superior Court Judge Stephen Warning ruled that Ecology should use its own rule-making process to clarify the exempt well provisions instead of taking individuals to court. Ecology asserts that the provision in the groundwater statutes which allows property owners to withdraw as much as 5,000 gallons of well water a day without a water-right permit does not extend to developments which draw more than 5,000 gallons from several wells that serve as a kind of mini-public water system. Although Ecology is backed by a 1997 state attorney general's opinion, it has pursued two test cases to confirm its interpretation of the statute. A similar case in Yakima is set for trial later this month. ******************************************* WATER STORAGE TASK FORCE UNDERWAY The Water Storage Task Force created in the supplemental budget has begun its work. Kittitas County Commissioner Max Golladay and Snohomish County Councilman Dave Somers represent counties on the Task Force. The first meeting took place on August 1 at Snoqualmie Pass; the Task Force next meets on September 11 at Skagit County PUD in Mount Vernon. A web page has more information at: http://www.wa.gov/ecology/wr/plan/wstfhome.html. ******************************************* COUNTIES AND CITIES DISCUSS SHORELINE RULE LAWSUIT Eleven counties and cities met this week to discuss filing a lawsuit against the State for failure to fund the mandated SMA updates. Although no firm decisions have been made on the prospective litigation, several assignments were made to various participants and the group will reconvene on August 22 at the Association of Washington Cities building, 1076 S. Franklin, Olympia. The Department of Ecology (Ecology) is expected to adopt the controversial and costly-to-implement set of rules in September. 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 anticipated that a number of counties and cities will work together in bringing this suit. Some jurisdictions have also talked about challenging the rules on their substance but the discussion at the August 22 meeting will be solely on litigating the unfunded mandate. Please call Paul Parker if you plan to attend. ******************************************* F.Y.I. ******************************************* SEATTLE UNIVERSITY TO OFFER WEEKEND MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM In January 2001, Seattle University will begin offering a weekend Master of Public Administration program. Using the all-weekend format, students can obtain a graduate degree in two to three years. Each class will meet three full Saturdays per quarter (every third Saturday) so students could complete two three-credit courses each quarter. Saturday courses can also be mixed with regular weeknight courses. Seattle University's MPA program is designed for experienced managers who want new knowledge and skills and for those who want advanced training for career growth and development. The 54-credit program focuses on organizational leadership, human resources management, public policy analysis and implementation, finance and budgeting, economics and administrative law. Elective options have included topics such as strategic management, mediation and negotiation, labor relations and social policy and justice. A specialization in nonprofit management is also offered. Applications are accepted year-round for quarterly admissions. The deadline for fall quarter admissions is August 20, 2000, and for winter quarter it is November 20, 2000. An information session will be held on Thursday, August 24 from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. in Casey 400 on the Seattle University campus. For more information or to sign up for a session, please contact the Institute of Public Service at Seattle University at (206) 296-5440 or . ******************************************* ASK MRSC ******************************************* DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (OF A CELLULAR PHONE) UPDATE MRSC continues to receive inquiries about whether a city or county in the state of Washington can prohibit driving while using a hand-held mobile phone. Here is an update to a December 1999 article in Municipal Research News. A National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) survey released in November 1999 titled, An Investigation of the Safety Implications of Wireless Communications in Vehicles, found that 44 percent of drivers have phones in their vehicles or carry phones when they drive; seven percent have e-mail access and three percent have facsimile capabilities. An estimated 25 percent of the 6.3 million crashes each year involve some form of distraction or inattention. NHTSA noted that while the safety benefits of having a communications capability available within a vehicle are well documented and supported by both law enforcement and consumer safety groups, there has been increasing concern over the safety of using communications devices while driving, particularly within the public sector. This has been reflected in the growing number of legislative initiatives in the states that address the use of wireless communications in vehicles. In response, NHTSA prepared this report to help ensure that the public, the wireless industry, and the states have sufficient knowledge upon which to make informed decisions regarding the issues and to identify needed initiatives and research to help ensure that the economic, safety, and convenience benefits of mobile wireless communications can be maintained within an acceptable margin of safety. The report can be viewed at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/research/wireless/ National Council of State Legislatures has published a report on its Web site, Cell Phones and Highway Safety: 2000 State Legislative Update, July 2000 (http://www.ncsl.org/programs/esnr/2000cell.htm) which has been excerpted here. All states make reckless or careless driving illegal. Few states, however, specifically regulate cellular phone use in automobiles. California, Florida and Massachusetts impose minor restrictions on cellular telephones in automobiles. In California, rental cars with cellular telephone equipment must include written operating instructions for safe use. In Florida, cellular phone use is permitted in an automobile as long as it provides sound through one ear and allows surrounding sound to be heard with the other ear. In Massachusetts, car phones are permitted as long as they do not interfere with vehicle operation, and drivers keep one hand on the steering wheel at all times. Minnesota, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania require police to include information about cellular telephones in accident reports. Tennessee requires some law enforcement agencies to collect data about cell phone involvement in crashes. Michigan state police will begin collecting data in 2001. No state bans wireless phones in automobiles. Since 1995, at least 37 states have proposed bills concerning cellular telephones in automobiles. In 2000, at least 27 states considered measures that targeted cellular telephones and other technology in motor vehicles. Legislation varied in severity from proposals that would ban all use in vehicles, to requirements for hands-free devices, improved data collection, and bills that would make drivers more liable if they are involved in a crash while using a cell phone. Although no legislation passed, bills are still pending in several states. Only 15 states proposed legislation in 1999. The Washington legislature considered HB 2876 which established penalties for car phone use that causes personal injury and SB 6265 which concerned tracking cell phone usage in accident reports. Although no state has restricted cell phones in cars, local jurisdictions are moving quickly to address the issue. Five local jurisdictions now require drivers to use hands-free cell phone devices while operating a motor vehicle. These include: Brooklyn, Ohio; Conshohocken, Pennsylvania; Lebanon, Pennsylvania; Hilltown Township, Pennsylvania; and Marlboro, New Jersey. Fourteen countries now restrict or prohibit cell phones and other wireless technology in motor vehicles. These include Australia, Brazil, Chile, England, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Portugal, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Spain and Switzerland. Delhi, India, and Hong Kong also impose restrictions on car phones. Before considering the passage of cell phone restrictions, MRSC recommends that a city or county discuss the issue with legal counsel. Any attorney researching this issue should read State v. Rabon, 45 Wn.App. 832 (1986). Questions to ponder - Does it make sense to have different regulations in adjoining jurisdictions? How can a city inform drivers passing through town of the local regulation - signs on every street leading into the city? Is your jurisdiction willing to defend a legal challenge if it's among the first to pass such an ordinance? Washington State may eventually pass a regulation concerning use of hand-held mobile phones. ******************************************* COMING EVENTS ******************************************* August 28 Washington State Association of County Assessors' (WSACA) Annual Conference, Red Lion Hotel at the Quay, Vancouver. Through September 1. ******************************************* UPCOMING MEETINGS ******************************************* BROWN BAG BRIEFINGS ON NMFS 4(D) RULE AND TRI-COUNTY PROPOSAL Come hear the latest news on the NMFS 4(d) rule and the Tri-County Proposal. King County staff Jackie Kirn and Ikuno Masterson will present a status update followed by time for questions. Seating is limited, so come early to get a seat! There are two separate dates and locations. Tuesday, August 15, 12 - 1:30: 8th floor conference room, King Street Center Monday, August 21, 9:30 - 11:00: DDES hearing room, Renton Please contact Chris Hughes with questions at 206-296-8029 ******************************************* COURTHOUSE RAMBLINGS ******************************************* Counties across the state join us in expressing our heartfelt sympathy to the family of Deputy Wallace Davis, Sheriff Joe Hawe and the members of the Clallam County Sheriff's Department. Deputy Davis was killed last weekend in the line of duty while responding to a domestic dispute. His wife and three children survive him. We share in their loss and keep them all in our thoughts and prayers. ******************************************* JOBS ******************************************* ADMINISTRATOR OF A 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. ****** ACCOUNTANT - MASON COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS - $3,334 - $3,956/month. Reports directly to the Public Works Director, performs all activities in the areas of cost accounting and analysis, budgeting, payroll, statistical compilation and other assigned accounting functions. Minimum requirements: Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field and two years of progressively responsible professional experience in governmental cost accounting, budgeting, grant accounting and payroll; basic data processing and data base accounting applications (preferably with Excel and IBM AS 400). Combination of education and experience will be considered. Closes 8/25/00 at 5 p.m. Application required and available at Mason County Human Resources, 411 North Fifth Street, Shelton, WA 98584, or call (360) 427- 7265. ****** HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES ASSISTANT DIRECTOR. Whatcom County Health and Human Services Department, Bellingham, WA, seeks an Assistant Director to fill a new position created to develop and oversee the integration of internal services, such as financial services, facilities, information technology, fleet, general reception, records management, employment processes, safety programs, employee and labor relations, union negotiations, and public information. Acts on behalf of the Director, as assigned. This position requires a Master's degree in accounting, finance, business, public administration, public health or a closely related field AND five years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, budgeting, records management, grant administration and database design, integration and maintenance INCLUDING 3 years of management/supervisory experience OR and equivalent combination of education, training & experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Certification as a CPA is preferred. Hiring range: $55,092 - $61,884 / year, DOQ. Application period closes 8/31/00. For required application contact Whatcom County Human Resources, 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 107, Bellingham, WA, or call (360) 676-6802. For detailed job announcement visit our website at www.co.whatcom.wa.us or call the jobline at (360) 738-4550. Equal Opportunity Employer ****** LEWIS COUNTY SYSTEMS ANALYST, Salary: $3,290/month, closing August 25, at 5:00 p.m. Lewis County seeks IT Systems Analyst. Duties: network administration, project management, business analysis, systems evaluation, infrastructure maintenance, long/short term system planning. Requirements: BS in computer Science and/or 2 years experience with focus on data communications, network design and installation. Novell CNE preferred. Apply to: Lewis County General Administration Department, 360 NW North Street, Chehalis, WA 98532, telephone (360) 740-1408 or www.co.lewis.wa.us. Lewis County is an EOE. ****** LEWIS COUNTY SYSTEMS ANALYST, Salary: $3,290/month, closing August 25, at 5:00 p.m. Lewis County seeks IT Programs Analyst. Duties: project management, application program development, systems evaluation, systems maintenance, long/short term program planning. Requirements: BS in Computer Science and/or 2 years experience with program development. HP UNIX, Informix, SQL and Access databasing experience required. Apply to: Lewis County General Administration Department, 360 NW North Street, Chehalis, WA 98532, telephone (360) 740-1408 or www.co.lewis.wa.us. Lewis County is an EOE. ****** HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR, CITY OF BELLINGHAM, Washington, (2000 salary: $75,300 (under review). The City of Bellingham, Washington (population 64,000) is located on Bellingham Bay at the north end of Puget Sound. The region offers unparalleled scenic beauty and close proximity to the major metropolitan areas of Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia. In addition to a wide range of outdoor activities available to residents, Bellingham also offers a wide range of educational and cultural opportunities including museums, performing arts venues, a symphony and the Mt. Baker Theater. Western Washington University (12,000 students), which is located within the City, provides additional economic and cultural opportunities for area residents. The Director will be responsible for the oversight and management of the City of Bellingham Human Resources Department and its three divisions: Human Resources Services, Payroll and Benefits. The Department is staffed by 17 full time equivalent employees, and oversees an annual operating budget of $1 million, with an additional $7.6 million for pension, unemployment, worker's compensation and health benefits. The Department provides human resources management policies, programs and services to City managers, employees and the general public. Key programs for the Department include classification and compensation, payroll, benefits, labor and employee relations, wellness, employee development, and recruitment and selection activities. The Department also provides staff support to the Bellingham Civil Service Commission. The position requires five to ten years of progressively responsible human resources, labor relations or personnel management experience in a growing and progressive community of similar size in terms of service area, staff levels and budget. The new Director should possess a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Personnel Management, Industrial Relations, Public Administration or related field. A Master's Degree is preferred with advanced education in an applicable discipline. Certification at the advanced practitioner level with the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM), and active participation in professional organizations including SHRM, International Personnel Management Association (IPMA), and the National Public Employees Labor Relations Association (NPELRA) will be viewed favorably. Preferred candidates will have served as a Human Resources Director of a similar size organization, or as a Deputy Director in a larger organization. Strong emphasis will be placed on current expert knowledge in labor relations, strategic human resources planning, benefits administration, finance and budget, organizational development and payroll administration. Expertise with developing and implementing automated HRIS systems is highly desirable. Qualified individuals should submit resume, salary history and a statement of qualifications no later than September 29, 2000 to: Mr. Jerry Oldani or Ms. Marcia Isenberg. The Oldani Group, 188 106TH Avenue NE, Suite 420, Bellevue, Washington 98004, Phone: 425-451-3938, Fax: 425-453-6786, E-mail: searches@theoldanigroup.com or http://www.theoldanigroup.com. The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of its workforce. ****** PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR, CITY OF BELLINGHAM, Washington, (2000 salary: $79,056) (under review) The City of Bellingham, Washington (population 64,000) is located on Bellingham Bay at the north end of Puget Sound. The region offers unparalleled scenic beauty and close proximity to the major metropolitan areas of Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia. In addition to a wide range of outdoor activities available to residents, Bellingham also offers a wide range of educational and cultural opportunities including museums, performing arts venues, a symphony and the Mt. Baker Theater. Western Washington University (12,000 students), which is located within the City, provides additional economic and cultural opportunities for area residents. The retirement of a tenured professional following 22 years of services creates an outstanding career opportunity for the right individual. The Director will be responsible for the oversight and management of the City of Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department and its four divisions: Administration, Recreation Services (programs), Park Operations (facilities and maintenance) and Design/Development (planning and improvements). The divisions are staffed by 55 permanent full time employees and 17 full-time seasonal labor employees who work for periods not to exceed nine months in duration. Additional support is provided by over 100 temporary workers and hundreds of volunteers. Non-supervisory employees are represented by AFSCME; first-line supervisors are part of the supervisory, professional and exempt employee bargaining unit. The Department's annual operating budget for the current year is $6 million, with an additional CIP budget of $7.2 million. The new Director should possess a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Parks and Recreation, Public Administration, Program Management or a related field. A Master's Degree in a similar discipline and advanced training or education in municipal government is preferred. The Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) designation is desirable. The successful candidate should possess five to ten years of senior management experience in a growing and progressive community of similar size in terms of service area, staff levels and budget. Substantial experience at the Director, Assistant/Deputy Director or Superintendent level must be evident. The new Director should also be familiar with working in collective bargaining and civil service environments. An extensive background in grants funding, municipal budgeting and strategic planning is required, as is a demonstrated ability to work effectively with elected officials, advisory boards and other community groups. The new Director must be able to demonstrate a record of creativity and innovation that will allow the City of Bellingham to achieve its full potential as a leader in the provision of recreational and leisure service activities. Qualified individuals should submit resume, salary history and a statement of qualifications no later than September 15, 2000 to: Mr. Jerry Oldani or Ms. Marcia Isenberg, The Oldani Group, 188 106th Avenue NE, Suite 420, Bellevue, Washington 98004, Phone: 425-451-3938, Fax: 425-453-6786, E-mail: searches@theoldanigroup.com or http://www.theoldanigroup.com. The City Of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of its workforce. ****** PACIFIC COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (DPW) has an opening for an Engineering Services Manager. This position serves as an important member of the DPW management team. The successful candidate will be responsible to plan, organize, direct and monitor the activities of the Engineering Services Division. Nine employees currently staff the Division. Minimum qualifications include a BS degree in civil engineering, or closely related field; plus four years of progressively responsible experience in an engineering position with at least one of these years as a manager or supervisor of a discrete work division; or demonstrated equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Certification as an engineer- in-training, or ability to obtain within twelve months of hire is required. Registration as a professional engineer is preferred. A valid driver's license is required at the time of hire. Starting salary: $3526 to $4486, plus benefits, DOQ. Call (360) 875-9368 for application packet and complete position description or visit the Pacific County web site at www.co.pacific.wa.us. To assure consideration, applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on September 5, 2000, however, the position will remain open until filled. Pacific County is an equal opportunity employer. ****** PACIFIC COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (DPW) has an opening for an Operations Manager. This position serves as an important member of the DPW management team. The successful candidate will be responsible to plan, organize, direct and monitor the activities and operations of the Road Maintenance Division. Nineteen employees, including two Road Supervisors currently staff the Division. Minimum qualifications include a BS degree in civil engineering, construction management or closely related field; plus six years of progressively responsible work in county, municipal or closely related road system maintenance work. At least three of these years must be as manager or supervisor of a discrete work division; or demonstrated equivalent combination of education and/or experience. A valid driver's license is required at the time of hire. Starting salary: up to mid $50K, plus benefits, DOQ. Call (360) 875-9368 for application packet and complete position description or visit the Pacific County web site at www.co.pacific.wa.us. To assure consideration, applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on September 5, 2000, however, the position will remain open until filled. Pacific County is an equal opportunity employer. ****** GIS ANALYST - DOUGLAS COUNTY (East Wenatchee), Washington including developing a parcel base, data input, programming, digitizing, etc. ArcInfo required; COGO, AML, MS Access and Windows NT experience preferred. $2745 to $3061/month DOQ. County application form, supplemental questionnaire and resume required. Call Human Resource Assistant at 509/884-7173 or visit our Personnel Dept web page on the Internet at www.douglascountywa.net for more information and forms. **** END ****