Clallam County commissioners voted unanimously Sept. 30 to adopt a resolution creating five debatable budget emergencies to cover unanticipated costs in human resources, parks and facilities, sewer operations and jail security.

County finance staff said the five items together total roughly $1,037,062, including $135,000 for human resources legal services and LEOFF I disability payments, $625,000 from the real estate excise tax (REET) fund to acquire property adjacent to the joint public safety facility, $82,531 in transfers to support the Columbia Bay CQ sewer operations and an $112,000 supplement for sheriff jail personnel and courthouse security services.

The action matters because it transfers budget authority from reserve lines and dedicated funds into operating budgets without reopening the regular budget process. The board held a public hearing before the vote and heard questions about the necessity and oversight for several items.

Finance staff explained the human resources request covers two items: increased legal-services costs tied to protracted collective bargaining negotiations and higher lifetime medical costs for retired law-enforcement employees covered under the county's LEOFF-like “left 1” obligations. "The total amount requested is a $135,000 of which $60,000 is designated for the left 1 disability payments and $75,000 designated for legal services," the staff presentation said.

Public commenters pressed the county on specific items. Ed Bowen asked why $75,000 for legal services should be considered a debatable emergency rather than a routine budget item. Residents also questioned the $625,000 REET purchase adjacent to the joint public safety facility, saying earlier REET spending had funded other projects and asking whether the purchase was necessary for right-of-way access. Staff and commissioners responded that the REET purchase secures right-of-way and offers potential long-term savings by consolidating county leases and owning strategically located buildings.

On sewer costs, staff said the Columbia Bay CQ Sewer Fund had incurred unexpected overtime and staffing replacement costs after an experienced operator left and another staff member took long-term sick leave; a county vehicle was also stolen and later recovered but damaged. Commissioners explained the county is self-insured for smaller vehicle losses, so those costs fall on county reserves rather than a third-party insurer.

The sheriff jail request of $112,000 covers personnel services and contracted courthouse security expenses tied to difficulties fully staffing jail positions. The county described these as short-term costs resulting from overtime and temporary contracted services while staffing levels recover.

After public comment and staff explanations, a commissioner moved to adopt the resolution covering the five debatable emergencies; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

The board said it will continue to monitor the implications of the supplemental appropriations during upcoming budget discussions.