COMMISSION BRIEFS

Speed limits lowered on three county roads

Lower speed limits were approved for three county roads. Sunnyslope Road from milepost 0.0000-0.5510 will change to 25 mph, Kelly Hall Road from milepost 0.0000-1.9460 will change to 25 mph and Brockdale Road from milepost 1.9730-2.0800 will change to 30 mph.

Community Lifeline funding reduced

Mason County commissioners reduced funding by $40,860 for Community Lifeline, an organization that provides emergency shelter and homeless services, for noncompliance with its contract.

“Community Lifeline is not operating in compliance with the scope of work outlined in the contract to operate a minimum of 35 night-by-night emergency shelter bed, which is impacting the larger homeless crisis response system and not serving clients as this funding requires,” according to the commissioners.

The organization has until Nov. 27 to implement a notification system on bed availability, referral process and check-in protocol, and implement a hazardous weather response plan.

Community Lifeline must also continue to apply for increased bed capacity through Shelton’s permitting process until a successful application results in a 54-bed shelter, according to the information packet.

“It’s always sad when we hear that we’re going to reduce funding,” Commissioner Randy Neatherlin said at the Nov. 7 meeting. He said commissioners’ staff worked hard to come up with solutions so “we can provide some services to people who need it.”

Commissioner Kevin Shutty said Community Lifeline could have funding restored if they are able to get compliant.

New playground setup at Sand Hill

Money for Belfair’s Sand Hill Park playground equipment got the green light from commissioners. Wildwood Playgrounds in Portland, Oregon, will receive $137,177.64 for turnkey installation.

Commissioner Randy Neatherlin said he was excited about the new playground and it was something the community has been “missing all these years.”

New appointments to boards and panels

Commissioners appointed William Harris to the Transportation Improvement Citizens Advisory Panel to represent Commissioner District 1-Allyn Urban Growth Area for a three-year term, expiring Nov. 7, 2026 and reappointed Dan Dittmer and Pamela Stevens to the Veterans Advisory Board for a two-year term, expiring Nov. 7, 2025.