February 2003
Watching Government
Whatcom County Council
Compiled by League of Women Voters Council Watchers
Action Taken at January l4, 2003 meeting
1. Authorize the executive to enter into a contract with the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers? This bargaining unit covers thirteen county positions. The contract includes a 2 percent across the board wage adjustment in 2002 (retroactive), 2003 and 2004. There will be caps on medical plan costs of $500 in 2003 and $550 in 2004. Approved 7-0
2. Authorize the executive to enter into a contract with Teamsters Local Union #231? One hundred and seventy-five county positions are covered in this contract, the terms of which are the same as those noted in AB 2003-028 and the additions mediated in December 2002. Approved 7-0
3. Authorize the Lummi Island Community Land Trust to apply for a state block grant? The land trust will apply to the Office of Community Development for a $225,000 grant to help with the cost of a nine-home cooperative housing project. The county will be obliged to account for expenditures and report the results to the state. (Resolution 2003-0l) Approved 7-0
4. Accept the Whatcom County Treasurer’s list of 708 property tax refunds? Three hundred and two were senior exemptions and most of the remaining 406 were county errors. Property tax refunds were $378,787 and flood control refunds were $5,843. (Resolution 2003-02) Approved 7-0
5. Set hearing date to sell tax title property by negotiation? Property at the West End Estates in Birch Bay is too small to build on. It will be sold for no less than the principal taxes, interest, penalty, title search and foreclosure costs of $378.99. (Resolution 2003-03) Approved 7-0
6. Amend Resolution 2002-29 approving retroactive salary raises for elected officials? The 2002 retroactive 2 percent increase was delayed until the county employee unions had completed their contract negotiations. (Resolution 2003-04) Approved 7-0
7. Amend Resolution 2002-49 approving the 2003 salary increase for elected officials? The elected officials are: executive, prosecuting attorney, sheriff, auditor, treasurer, assessor and council members. The 2 percent increase is in addition to the 2002 raise. (Resolution 2003-05) Approved 7-0
8. Grant a 25-year franchise to Peace Arch Factory Outlet for an existing waterline on Portal Way? The owners installed the waterline 10 years ago near the intersection with Birch Bay-Lynden Road. A franchise ordinance permits operation and maintenance of this line within the county right-of-way by the owners. No expenditure of county funds. (Ordinance 2003-0l) Adopted 7-0
