A 'shared vision' in county

Members of the Shelton City Council, the Mason County Board of Commissioners and the Port of Shelton Commission gathered to discuss annexation, economic opportunities, sewer-capacity expansion and land exchanges at a special meeting Jan. 28 at the Ridge Motorsports Park near the airport.

The two-hour gathering of three governmental entities didn't lead to specific proposals, but allowed a free-flowing conversation.

"It's important to get together and talk," said City Manager Jeff Niten, who organized the gathering. A goal was "to discuss our shared vision for the community," he said.

A theme is "How do we work as partners with shared interests?" said Mason County Commissioner Kevin Shutty.

"The concept of working

together is not new," said Port of Shelton Commissioner Dick Taylor, a former member of the then-Shelton City Commission. He added, "I don't know if we'll be successful, but we'll keep trying."

The talks focused on four topics: annexation, economic development opportunities, sewer capacity expansion and land exchanges.

Taylor said the Port of Shelton is not a regulatory group, but a taxing district with about the same borders as the Shelton School District. The port's facilities are all in the county, but its Sanderson Field and adjoining industrial park are in the City of Shelton's Urban Growth Area.

Taylor asked about the

advantages of the Port of Shelton being in the city instead of the county. Niten said consistent development standards would help both entities.

The city wants to bring businesses to town, but building space is at a premium, said City Council member Joe Schmit. The city can extend sewer and water to the urban growth area and help manage growth adequately, he said.

"Let's look at it as more of a mutual aid partnership," Schmit said.

When it comes to possible annexation, the city will first have to ensure it can afford to provide police, public works programs and other services, said Shelton Mayor Eric Onisko.

All three entities benefit from having strong legislative representation in Olympia, Shutty said.

Port of Shelton Commissioner Sue Patterson suggested they work together on their requests for state money.

"I'm sure they'd rather get an ask from all three of us," she said of the local legislators.

The commissioners and council members discussed gathering for similar meetings a couple times a year. Mason County Commissioner

Randy Neatherlin suggested they meet while creating annual budgets and prior to state legislative sessions.