Public Comment: Several speakers supported requiring a supermajority council vote for new or increased county taxes, citing fiscal responsibility and taxpayer protection. Public comments highlighted concerns about county overspending and the need for stronger budget discipline. Other speakers opposed the amendment, arguing it would limit majority rule and hinder necessary county funding. Opponents stated the current simple majority system works and reflect voters’ choices. Some supported more transparency and public input but warned against amendments that could reduce voter influence. Calls were made to consider a balanced budget amendment alongside any changes to tax approval processes.

Executive Committee Reports:

Commission Garber reported that the Committee shifted presentations one week. The adjustment provides ten days rather than three days to review input from Prosecuting Attorney’s office and Financial Services before presenting.

Vice Chair Hoss said position for scribner is still open for one more week.

Chair Erickson commented on the effort of commission, staff and public servants.

Comments by County Manager Kathleen Otto: Some of her comments were in response to statements made in earlier presentations describing the intent of proposed amendments.

The county manager’s office is small but dedicated, with clear staff roles and council interactions.
She provided clarification of roles and responsibilities. Council members interact directly with staff, allowing flexible communication and involvement. Councilors meet directly with the public without staff being present.
The county conducts annual risk assessments and audit fraud training to ensure accountability and best practices.
HR policies are currently being updated. Non-retaliation regulations are in effect.
Efforts are underway to improve budget information accessibility and website search functionality.
She agreed that the webpage needs to be cleaned up.
She said some departments start the budget process early in the year. Council approves budget items throughout the year.
She agrees that public safety is important with adequate staffing at the Sheriff’s Office. Seventy-five percent of the general fund supports justice partners. She emphasized a holistic approach to public safety because all departments work as a system. Most remaining general fund spending is mandated by state law for the assessor, treasurer, and auditor functions.
In response to a question from Commissioners, she said that the County has 1800 employees, of which 70-80% are union members. Union agreements override HR policies where applicable; otherwise, HR policies are followed.
She said that the ethics review process needs improvement, and increasing commission members is something to be considered.
In response to a question, she said that changes to the Charter, could result in reviewing collective bargaining agreements.

Committee Reports

a. Public Outreach Committee report was provided by Commissioner Holmgren. An update was given on Town hall meetings in different districts. Handouts are being printed for public comment and feedback forms. The first newsletter went out. Now they are working on a common presentation. They developed a budget and asked for an additional $1800 for the year. Outreach committee will summarize public comments by proposal in future meetings.

The Chair reminded the Commission that the total budget is $20,000 for 2 years with scribner at $10,000. Commissioner unanimously voted to approve budget increase up to $2,000 and provide some refreshments which is allowed by County policy.

b. Proposed Amendment Study Committee Updates:

Several groups are awaiting responses from Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and Financial Services.
Commissioner Gasque said that the ethics amendment committee requested a one-week extension due to legal review roadblocks. Request not to present next week.
The commission discussed schedule flexibility and equitable treatment for committees needing extra preparation time.
Regarding the ethics amendment, Legal Council, Kevin said that an Executive Session is allowed to consider “legal risks of a proposed action.”
Chair Erickson said they are all informed by emails. None wanted to risk violating privilege.
After discussion, The commission unanimously approved an open-ended deferral for the 26-15 ethics amendment presentation due to unresolved legal review.

c. Drafting Committee report was provided by Commissioner Landesberg:

Committee is meeting on Fridays.
Commissioner Landesberg will format in way it was done last Charter Review Commission with a week to review.
She is checking with PA for correct form.
Last week the Chair said once vote on presentation, it cannot be changed. For example, wrong dates in Silliman’s proposal. Chair said changes are administrative, correcting a number or date is very much in purvue of drafting committee.

Break Approval: The commission approved a short break and clarified hand-raising procedures for virtual meetings.

Procedural Change: The commission adopted a new voting procedure, requiring motions before advancing proposals.

Old Business

Study Committee Presentation 26-10

Commissioner Silliman

Topic: Revised Budget Transparency and Process by moving key budget milestones earlier in the year for more public review.

Intent: Current timelines are congested and coincides with November elections and holidays in December. Proposing a consolidated budget by August 31 and present to public by first week of September. Requires an additional presentation by CC. Final adoption is at the end of November. Financial services confirmed minimal financial impact.

Discussion: Concern about defining processes that may not hold up in future years, for example a public facing web-site when that may not be the best manner in years ahead. Approved to send to drafting committee

Action: Moved to drafting Committee by vote of 12/3

New Business

Study Committee Presentation 26-08

Commissioner Jay

Topic: Require supermajority ( 4 of 5 votes) for council approval to increase county taxes.

Intent: The amendment aims to limit tax hikes, protect affordability, and prevent displacement and gentrification. The financial effects of the supermajority requirement are indeterminate and depend on future council composition and economic conditions. The amendment’s language is modeled after Pierce County’s charter for clarity and legal robustness. High property taxes increase housing costs, discourage homeownership, and drive displacement and gentrification.

Discussion: Some commissioners argued the supermajority rule undermines majority governance and could hinder funding for public services. Commissioner Landesberg said it was not functional to have 4/5 vote threshold for council members as happened with the Redistricting Committee. This amendment makes it even harder to raise taxes. Counties that were referenced do not have 5 Council members, they have 7. Commissioner Gasque said this is not the vehicle to get to the outcome needed about our State regressive tax system. Opponents warned the amendment could cause gridlock and delay emergency actions by requiring a supermajority.

Supporters emphasized the need for deliberation, consensus, and bipartisan agreement in tax policy decisions. Commissioner Jay discussed expanding the council to improve legislative effectiveness and future-proof the amendment. One commissioner said if it is easy to get the funds, any entity will spend more than they might have otherwise. Commissioner Silliman said the argument is similar to 1% tax limit so you don’t have to convince the public that they need more: we should have to convince the voters. Commissioners stressed that the amendment would ultimately be decided by voters, ensuring democratic input.

Action: 8/7 voted to advance to the drafting committee

Adjourned at 7:31 pm

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