Commission Briefs

Mason County receives block grant

Mason County applied for and received a Public Services Community Development Block Grant through the state Department of Commerce.

According to the information packet, the county joined with the Community Action Council to provide referrals or direct client services for eligible participants who are residents of Lewis or Mason counties. The contract is for $102,000 with a performance period from July 2022 to June 2023. This is a formula grant that can be applied annually.

The county has agreed to serve as the applicant and grantee for the program. Grant money of $3,500 will be available to offset administrative costs. The sub-recipient agreement with Community Action Council is for $98,500.

Primary responsibilities include providing referrals for a minimum of 7,000 people in Mason and Lewis counties, of which a minimum of 3,4000 must meet HUD’s 51% income qualification. Responsibilities also include providing Children’s Justice and Advocacy Center direct services and referrals for a minimum of 350 eligible residents must meet current low- and middle-income qualifications.

The project is fully funded by the grant.

Hearing Jan. 17 for zoning change

A public hearing is set for 9:15 a.m. Jan. 17 to consider a request from Northwest Green Construction to rezone two parcels from rural residential 10 to rural residential 5.

According to the information packet, the two requested parcels total 23.6 acres, located in rural land just north and adjacent to the Allyn Urban Growth Area. There is access to the parcels from state Route 3 and East Homestead Drive and border a section of LakeLand Village.

If approved, applicant has indicated that the intention is to subdivide the parcels, creating four lots with future single-family development as the most likely use.

The Planning Advisory Committee reviewed the request Nov. 21, listened to public comment, and unanimously approved the request to the board. Neighbors within 300 feet of the parcel’s boundaries were mailed a notice of the public hearing.

Agreements reached

Mason County commissioners approved a collective bargaining agreement with Woodworkers Local Lodge W38 L.A.M Corrections and Support staff and with Teamsters Union Local No. 252 Mason County General Services at the Tuesday meeting.

According to the information packet, the representatives of the Engineers Guild representing Mason County corrections and support staff reached a tentative agreement with the county for 2022 to 2026.

The county and representatives of Teamsters Union Local No. 252 representing Mason County General Services reached a tentative agreement for 2022 to 2025.

To view both collective bargaining agreements, go to http://www.tinyurl.com/ysnmzvxb.

County purchases replacement truck

County commissioners approved the purchase of a 2023 Kenworth TT880 Chassis Roll-Off truck with hooklift at the Tuesday meeting.

According to the information packet, a replacement for the Solid Waste roll off/hook truck became available through the state purchasing contract in March. The budget authority for the truck was included in the 2022 budget, but no trucks were available until now.

The equipment will enable Solid Waste to take care of most of the Union and Hoodsport drop box stations hauling needs. It will help maintain the Eells Hill residential station. The usefulness of the truck is nearing its end due to its age and condition.

The county is purchasing the vehicle from PAPE in Aberdeen from state contract No. 03920 for $301,158.84. It will be added to the 2023 budget as an amendment.

Contract amended

Mason County commissioners approved County Administrator Mark Neary to sign contract amendments with the Voluntary Stewardship Program and amended interlocal agreement between the county and the Mason Conservation District at the Dec. 20 meeting.

According to the information packet, the state Conservation Commission provided $235,000 to support the Voluntary Stewardship Program from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2023. The county contracts with Mason Conservation District to serve as lead entity for the Voluntary Stewardship Program responsible for completing a VSP Work Plan as detailed in the Revised Code of Washington.

The VSP is an option incentive-based program approach to protecting critical areas while promoting agriculture. The state Conservation Commission is providing an additional $225,580.56 for a total contract amount of $460,580.56 as amendments to the contract.

There is no budget effect with the money coming from the state to the Mason Conservation District.

Amount of taxes levied recertified

The county assessor’s amount of taxes levied for county purposes and roads for 2023 was approved for recertification at the Dec. 20 commissioners’ meeting.

According to the information packet, recertification was necessary due to a revised reduced levy request from Shelton School District. According to the Assessor’s Office, a recertification after the applicable deadline in the Revised Code of Washington is allowable if the new levy request is less than the original, if the levy amount is recertified on or before Jan. 15 or if the local government, in its discretion, allows taxing district to recertify after the applicable deadline in the RCW.

The recertification meets the criteria and the language in the resolution has also been changed as recommended by the state Department of Revenue in the Property Tax Advisory.

Kendrick reappointed

Bill Kendrick was reappointed to the Mason County Civil Service Commission at the Dec. 20 commissioners meeting.

According to the information packet, the Civil Service Commission of Mason County is governed by RCW 41.14 and ensures rules of operation of the civil service system are consistent with state law, hears investigations and appeals or complaints, and certifies testing processes and procedures. The commission meets monthly and serves without compensation.

Kendrick’s term is for six years through Dec. 31, 2028.

County OKs deal with engineers guild

The collective bargaining agreement between the county and the Engineers Guild representing Mason County Public Works and Support Services was approved by Mason County commissioners at the Dec. 20 meeting.

According to the information packet, the representatives for the Engineers Guild representing Mason County Public Works and Support Services reached a tentative agreement for 2022 to 2026.