Clallam County seeks housing solutions coordinator

Commissioners to hear more discussion after position is analyzed

PORT ANGELES — Clallam County wants to hire a “housing solutions and grant coordinator” to help the county’s housing solutions committee in its work.

The issue will be brought back to the commissioners in two or three weeks after gathering input, said Brenda Wenzl, a human resources analyst with the county.

Looking at similar coordinator positions at the city of Port Angeles and Olympic National Park, the salary could range from $57,500 to $82,300 per year, she said.

“I would favor moving that to the higher end because it’s not an easy job,” said Clallam County Commissioner Bill Peach.

Clallam County Commissioner Mark Ozias said the position can be funded through both 2060 funds and 1590 money and definitely will last longer than two years.

Washington State House Bill 1590 allowed counties to pass a one-tenth of 1 percent sales tax increase (Commissioners Ozias and Randy Johnson voted in favor; Commissioner Peach voted against) earlier this year to provide a revenue stream to support affordable housing projects.

Washington State Substitute House Bill 2060 provides funding for operation and maintenance of low-income housing projects and innovative housing demonstration projects.

The Clallam County Commissioners named this fund the Clallam County Affordable Housing Fund and make all funding decisions.

Ozias wrote in a later email, “We are considering whether to utilize a portion of this revenue, and/or ARPA dollars, to fund the Housing Solutions Coordinator position but have not made that final determination yet.”

Ozias said a housing solutions and grant coordinator position is something the commissioners have thought about since the housing solutions committee was formed in March of this year.

The commissioners want to do everything they can to make the committee a success, which will require developing metrics to gauge that success, he said.

Johnson said the city of Port Angeles has had its position for two years, which is a fairly long period of time, he said.

In May, the city of Port Angeles hired Holden Fleming as housing coordinator to work on projects to provide affordable housing and reduce homelessness. The city allocated $225,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for the two-year position.

Peach said the ability to collaborate with other governments and groups is essential.

If they don’t fill the position, opportunities could be lost, he said.

It’s important to have someone in charge because housing is such a complicated issue, Ozias said.

“I totally agree it will be a long-term position. I consider this to be a key position,” Johnson said.

________

Reporter Brian Gawley can be reached by email at brian.gawley@soundpublishing.com.

More in News

The ferry MV Coho backs into its landing after returning to Port Angeles on Tuesday following annual dry dock and maintenance in Anacortes. During the maintenance period, extensive work was performed on the dock, including replacement of a wing wall used to steer and secure the vessel during loading and unloading of cars and passengers. The ferry is scheduled to resume daily service between Port Angeles and Victoria on Thursday. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Coho returns

The ferry MV Coho backs into its landing after returning to Port… Continue reading

Building association calls for city to cease utility charges

Association says charges unconstitutional

Jefferson Land Trust considering conservation burial ground

Funds from plot sales could fund habitat improvements

Port Angeles artist Bob Stokes sits in his studio and music venue on Wednesday. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Art community mourns Bob Stokes’ passing

Legacy includes statues, concerts, gatherings

Clallam PUD
Cindy Kimble, Clallam PUD’s customer and community outreach programs coordinator, can help residents navigate the utility district’s revamped low-income energy assistance program.
Clallam PUD hires staff to help low-income customers

Clallam County Public Utility District has overhauled its low-income energy… Continue reading

Jen Colmore, left, and June Nichols of the Sequim Food Bank serve a sample of chili to Monica Dixon of Sequim during Saturday’s Community Chili Cookoff at the Sequim Boys & Girls Club. The event, organized by the club and Boy Scout Troop 90, showcased the culinary skills of six community organizations with each group receiving a share of the proceeds and the winner taking a $500 prize. The food bank’s chili recipe took top honors in the competition. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Chili cookoff

Jen Colmore, left, and June Nichols of the Sequim Food Bank serve… Continue reading

Port Townsend to test sewer system with smoke, dye

The city of Port Townsend will test its sewer… Continue reading

JUMP! Playground to close for renovations

Jefferson County Parks and Recreation will close the JUMP! Playground… Continue reading

Barcy Fisher, left, and Patti Buckland have been selected as the 2024 Marrowstone Island Citizens of the Year.
Fisher, Buckland honored as Marrowstone Island citizens of year

Barcy Fisher and Patty Buckland were named Marrowstone Island’s 2024… Continue reading

About 800 people from Jefferson and Clallam counties spill out from the steps of the Jefferson County Courthouse onto Jefferson Street in Port Townsend on Monday to take part in a National Day of Protest organized by the 50501 Movement, which stands for “50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement.” (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Hundreds protest actions of Trump administration

Activists cite USAID, worry about Treasury, impacts of immigration

Peninsula to welcome Canadian visitors

Celebration of Coho passengers planned

Fish barrier removal to impact highway traffic

Portions of roadway to have long-term closures