EYE ON JEFFERSON: County hearings on tax levies, fee increases set Monday

The three Jefferson County commissioners will conduct public hearings on tax levies, and on proposed fee increases for the Department of Community Development and the Sheriff’s Office when it meets Monday.

The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. in commissioners’ chambers at the Jefferson County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson St., Port Townsend.

The tax levy hearing will begin at 10 a.m.. The DCD fee schedule hearing will start at 10:30 a.m. The sheriff’s fees hearing will be at 11 a.m.

The commissioners may approve 2016 increases in the conservation futures tax levy, the general fund levy and the road levy.

The county is allowed to raise levies up to 1 percent per year, if approved this action will yield $7.5 million which is an increase of $75,000 from the previous year.

The DCD fee hikes are intended to cover costs after it loses grant funding in 2016.

The sheriff is requesting an increase in civil fees, which are now at a level set in 1992.

Commissioners also will consider an interlocal agreement for the Salish Behavioral Health Organization with Clallam County, the Jamestown S’Klallam tribe and Kitsap County.

Commissioners also are expected to schedule public hearings on the proposed 2016 budget and proposed animal control regulations.

The budget hearing would be at 10 a.m. Dec. 7 in the commissioners’ chambers. The animal control hearing would be at 10 a.m. Dec. 14 in the same place.

Commissioners also will consider adopting a six-year transportation improvement program.

They will consider hiring former county associate planner Michelle Farfan until the end of December to help the DCD process a backlog of land use permit applications.

The contract would be for $10,000 and would be funded by salaries and benefits money available because of two vacant positions.

Other items on the consent agenda include:

■   A resolution updating the Jefferson County personnel administration manual.

■ An agreement with Clayton White, who has volunteered to serve as camp host at the Quilcene County Campground for one year.

■ Renewal of a service agreement, at a cost of $1,969, for jury management software.

At a 1:30 p.m. briefing session, commissioners will hear a state Department of Natural Resources report on third-quarter county income.

Port Townsend City

The Library Advisory Board will elect a chairman on Monday.

The board will meet from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Library Learning Center, 1256 Lawrence St.

It also will be introduced to the library foundation and consider museum passes.

Also meeting this week will be the Parks, Recreation and Trees Advisory Board.

It will meet from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday in the first-floor conference room at City Hall, 250 Madison St.

The Port Townsend City Council does not meet this week.

Council office hours, during which members of the public can discuss any topic with a member of the City Council, take place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday in the mayor’s office at historic City Hall, 540 Water St.

City offices will be closed Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving.

Port Townsend schools

The Port Townsend School Board will consider placing a $40.98 million, bond measure on the Feb. 11 special election ballot when it meets Monday.

The board will meet at 6 p.m. in the Gael Stuart Building, 1610 Blaine St.

The bond would fund construction of a new elementary school on the present Grant Street Elementary property and retrofitting of the Port Townsend High School so it is compatible with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

Port of Port Townsend

The Port of Port Townsend commissioners will hear a boat ramp report at a meeting on Tuesday.

The meeting will begin at 1 p.m. in chambers, 333 Benedict St.

Commissioners also will hear an update on a statement of qualifications for the Quilcene wastewater consultant.

Packets for the meeting will be available Monday.

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