Commission Briefs

Pitching machine complex at Sandhill

Mason County commissioners approved a pitching machine complex at Sandhill Park in Belfair at the Oct. 25 meeting.

According to the information packet, the Belfair Little League constructed batting cages at its own expense, but the snow from last winter collapsed the cages. There are many teams and players using the facility and replacing the batting cages with a similar complex located at Sandhill Park is safe and cost effective.

The projected complex is a fully covered structure with a modern coin-operated automatic pitching machine for one hardball and one softball.

The budget will be impacted $113,235 plus sales tax and it will be paid for from the REET 2 fund.

Public hearing for 2023 budget

A public hearing for the 2023 Mason County budget is set for 9 a.m. Dec. 5.

According to the information packet, the commissioners must hold a public hearing for the 2023 preliminary budget to allow taxpayers to appear and be heard for or against any part of the budget. The public hearing also allows county departments to publicly testify if they so desire.

The 2023 proposed budget will be posted on the county’s website by Nov. 21.

Public hearing for taxes levied

County commissioners approved a public hearing for 9:15 a.m. on Nov. 22 to certify the county assessor the amount of taxes levied for current expense and county roads in 2023.

According to the information packet, an increase to the current expense and county road property tax levies for 2023 may be considered. Pursuant to the Revised Code of Washington, commissioners must certify to the County Assessor the amount of taxes levied for county purposes and for each taxing district by adoption of a resolution by Nov. 30.

Solid Waste employee approved

Mason County commissioners approved the addition of one new solid waste booth attendant at the Oct. 25 meeting.

According to the information packet, utilities and waste management requested another solid waste booth attendant to bolster staffing due to increased solid waste volume, need for more vacation and sick leave coverage, the desire to reduce last-minute transfer station closures, expand hours of operation and reduce the overtime hours to justify the request. There has been a 34% increase in tonnage since 2019, and a 6.7% increase this year alone, which has made the need for another staff member apparent.

The budget impact would be $71,000 for wages and benefits, which would be added to the 2023 U&W Management Solid Waste Budget and about $10,000 immediately with an estimated start date of Dec. 1.

MTA authorizes parking spaces

Mason Transit Authority authorized parking spaces for three county vehicles in Belfair.

According to the information packet, Public Works needs a secure, well-lit parking area for utility operators reporting to work in Belfair. The new MTA facility has space and was willing to grant a license for the use of three spaces within the fenced parking lot. The agreement is for one year and automatically renews unless the contract is terminated. It is anticipated that once the state Route 3 Freight Corridor is constructed, operators will report to the Belfair Water Reclamation Facility through a new access road.

Primitive roads designated

Mason County commissioners approved the designation of county primitive roads

According to the information packet, Mason County first designated primitive roads in 1982 pursuant to RCW. Roads eligible for primitive road status are gravel or earth surface, volumes of 100 vehicles per day or less and not part of the primary road system. Travelers on roads designated as primitive should expect lower levels of maintenance and fewer warning signs or deviations from standard road design.

As county roads are improved and traffic counts updated, the list of roads eligible for primitive road designations changes. Staff reviewed the current list and with the upgraded road surfaces of California Road and Sunnyside Road being chip sealed, both roads were removed from the list.

Speed hearings for California, Sunnyside roads

A public hearing has been scheduled for Nov. 22 at 9:15 a.m. to consider establishing a 25-mile per hour speed limit on California Road and Sunnyside Road.

According to the information packet, California Road from mile post 0 to 1.300 has been upgraded with chip seal. The road was classified as primitive until the chip seal improvements. An engineering and traffic investigation was completed, and the county engineer is recommending the board establish a speed limit for the chip sealed portion of the road.

Sunnyside Road was also a primitive road until it was chip sealed, taking it off of the list. The county engineer recommended establishing a speed limit. From milepost 0.000 to 0.550, the speed limit was 35 mph, but the recommended speed for the entire road from mile post 0.000 to 3.450 is being proposed at 25 mph.

Long appointed to advisory board

William “Bill” Long was appointed to the Mason County Parks & Trails Advisory Board.

According to the information packet, Long applied to be a member of the board and is a member of the Lake Cushman and Hoodsport community.

Rural tax money awarded

Mason County commissioners voted Oct. 25 to award money from the .09 Rural County Sales & Use Tax Fund No. 103 to the Economic Development Council of Mason County.

According to the information packet, one application was received for 2023 funding from the Economic Development Council for $90,000. According to RCW 82.14.370, money collected under this section may only be used to finance public facilities serving economic development purposes in rural counties and finance personnel in economic development offices.

County, Beckman Realty Group sign services contract

Mason County signed a professional services contract for real estate services with Richard Beckman Realty Group.

According to the information packet, Richard Beckman Realty Group has been under contract and representing the county since October 2016. The contract was set to expire Dec. 12.

The commission for Richard Beckman is 7% for commercial land, 6% for residential land and 8% for vacant land. A minimum commission of $1,200 will be paid regardless of sales price or proceeds. A $500 fee will be charged for each broker price opinion or market analysis requested.