COMMISSION BRIEFS

Matt Baide | Jun 29, 20230

State Corrections housing contract renewed

Mason County commissioners approved the state Department of Corrections contract renewal through 2025 at its June 20 meeting.

According to the information packet, the current contract was set to expire Friday. The contract is a standardized state contract for prisoner housing, and the Mason County Sheriff’s Office has not housed state prisoners for years due to booking restrictions based on a lack of beds.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and the change in state laws about drug possession, the inmate population at the jail has been at 55% capacity, according to the packet. With the contract renewal, the booking restrictions were removed. The per diem rate will increase to $98.39.

Quotes requested for biosolid removal

Mason County is requesting quotes for biosolid removal and disposal after approval from county commissioners.

According to the information packet, the county wastewater treatment facilities require occasional removal and disposal of biosolids. Mason County and Tribeca Transport had an agreement for hauling and disposing of biosolids in July 2021 that expires July 28. The contract allows for three one-year automatic renewals unless written notice of termination or adjustment is requested 60 days prior to the term. Denali Water Solutions purchased Tribeca in April 2022 and notified the county they will not be extending the contract.

Public Works is advertising a request for quotes for a two-year contract with an option to renew for three more years.

The 2023 sewer utility budget includes money for sludge-hauling services.

Memorial tree in Sandhill Park

The Richard Falk Memorial Tree was established at Sandhill Park after action by the Mason County commissioners.

Falk was a seasonal worker with the Parks Department for three years and died June 4. His family wanted to plant a memorial tree at the park Falk worked at.

County divides up homeless grant money

Mason County commissioners approved budget allocations from the Consolidated Homeless Grant and the Local Document Recording Fees totaling more than $5 million.

According to the information packet, six proposals were received for the money and the Housing and Behavioral Health Advisory Board proposed the money allocation.

Shelton Youth Connections will receive $86,000 for diversion, coordinated entry and care coordination, and $123,144 will be for eviction prevention.

Turning Pointe Survivor Advocacy Emergency Shelter will receive $74,182. Community Lifeline Emergency Shelter will receive $125,000.

The Community Action Council will receive $1,250,620 for housing and essential needs and $73,636 for FCS Bridge HEN.

Crossroads Housing will receive $400,000 for permanent housing, $250,000 for eviction prevention, $68,000 for onsite emergency shelter and $120,000 for diversion, coordinated entry and care coordination.

Quixote Communities Permanent Housing will receive $83,490.

Additional money from the state Department of Commerce is expected and will be allocated to one of the six housing programs.