HomeMy WebLinkAboutClallam County Joint Public Safety Facility Funding Update 10042024
October 4, 2024
Office of the Clallam County Commissioners
Mike French, Chair
Mark Ozias, Commissioner
Randy Johnson, Commissioner
223 East 4th Street, Suite 4
Port Angeles, WA 98362
Re: City Council Action on Joint Public Safety Facility Funding Needs
Dear Chair French and Commissioners,
As you recall, on August 27th City Council and County Commissioners met jointly to discuss the progress on
the Joint Public Safety Facility (JPSF) to-date. During that meeting, discussion occurred on the funding needed
to proceed with this joint project as well as the available revenue from grants and other sources that have been
secured. Discussion also occurred regarding the remaining need, estimated at approximately $6.0M, to
complete this project and ensure full utilization of grant funds. Of this remaining amount, the City would be
responsible for $3.0M. At this same meeting, the City Council requested staff bring options for funding the
needed $3.0M for this project to the September 17th meeting for consideration.
At the September 17th Council meeting, City staff presented four sources that may be used for funding this
project as outlined below in the table for the City’s remaining portion of the JPSF:
Recommended Funding for the Joint Public Safety Facility
City's Estimated Remaining Share 3,000,000
Less 24 months of E911 Tax – Held for Capital Needs (1,110,000)
Less Potential Excess E911 Tax Collection - Operational (220,000)
Less Re-prioritization of REET Funded Projects (1,070,000)
Less Reduce Fund Balance Requirement to 10% (600,000)
Total Remaining Need -
During their meeting, and after much discussion, Council approved a motion to:
Approve funding options to support the completion of the Joint Public Safety Facility that include the use of
future capital funds held from the countywide emergency 911 sales tax collection, REET funding as a
preliminary commitment and as the last option to address construction cashflow and to be repaid from 911
321 East Fifth Street
Port Angeles, WA 98362
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Re: City Council Action on Joint Public Safety Facility Funding Needs
October 4, 2024
sales tax revenue, excess 911 sales tax funding used for operational purposes and temporary reduction of the
PenCom reserve over the next two years, Authorize the Mayor to sign a letter requesting the County proceed
with either the placement of the increase of 1/10 of 1.0% to the countywide 911 sales tax on the ballot for the
special February election, or consider bonding options for the Joint Public Safety Facility, and fund
Intersection Control Study TR0322 on its current timeline from Transportation Benefit District funds.
At this time, the Council also identified a preferred alternative funding approach for consideration by the
Commissioners. The alternative funding approach would seek voter approval of an increase of 1/10 of 1.0% to
the countywide emergency 911 sales tax or the consideration of bonding options for the Joint Public Safety
Facility.
Therefore, the City is officially requesting the County proceed with either the placement of the increase of 1/10
of 1.0% to the countywide 911 sales tax on the ballot for the special February election, or the consideration of
bonding options for the Joint Public Safety Facility as an alternative to the funding sources identified in the
table on page 1. The ability to utilize this alternative funding for this project would reduce the burden to both
the City and the County’s general and special tax funds and create opportunities for this project to be funded by
all County residents, businesses and visitors that will benefit from the JPSF.
Finally, as a reminder if the Commissioners prefer the alternative funding approach requested by City Council
for the increase of 0.1% to the 911 sales tax, there is a time sensitivity to this matter as it would need to go
before the people for a vote, appearing on the February special election ballot. In order to do this, the resolution
will need to be prepared by December 3rd.
The City looks forward to continuing the partnership with the County to create a shared public safety facility
for our entire community and are hopeful the Commissioners will carefully consider a response to the request
for an alternate funding option.
Sincerely,
Kate Dexter
Mayor
Cc: Lori Gorres, Clerk of the Board of Commissioners
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