Drafter
Clerk 01/29/2009
title
A MOTION establishing an regional coordinating committee of the council in 2009 to provide a forum for consultation and early identification of impacts to cities caused by potential county service reductions, especially in the areas of public safety and public health.
Body
WHEREAS, after extensive consultation, the council and cities have adopted regional policy initiatives such as the juvenile and adult justice operational master plans, realignment of the district court system, expansion of drug and mental health courts and the development of framework policies for human services, and
WHEREAS, in concert with regional partners, King County has implemented special revenue programs like the mental illness and drug dependency sales tax and the veterans and human services levy to address regional human service needs and to help manage regional justice system program costs, and
WHEREAS, while these new revenues have addressed specific funding needs, they have not addressed the structural nature of public funding for basic services in Washington counties, especially public safety, and
WHEREAS, at a June 5, 2008, news conference the separately elected leaders of the county's criminal justice agencies expressed collective concern that proposed 2009 budget cuts would mean drastic reductions in public safety services, and stated that the regional system was in peril, and
WHEREAS, the separately elected leaders of the county's criminal justice agencies have discussed future budget reduction impacts, which could include suspension or deferment of certain current county services, with the responsibility for continuing these services, as well as related costs, falling to local cities, and
WHEREAS, the council actively seeks participation in the development of its budget and policy priorities from citizens, partners and stakeholders through such efforts as public meetings, citizen boards and commissions and the citizen engagement initiative, and
WHEREAS, council adopted Motion 12836 setting the council's 2009 budget priorities stating that, whenever possible, the county council prefers consultation and partnerships for regional services that impact cities and calling for early identification of impacts to cities caused by potential county service reductions, especially in the areas of public safety;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT MOVED by the council of King County:
A. A regional coordinating committee is established for 2009 to supplement the work of standing council committees. The council chair shall appoint three councilmembers to serve on the committee. The three members at the first meeting shall elect a chair.
B. The regional coordinating committee shall serve as a forum for sharing information regarding city and county public safety services and coordinating outreach and discussion of regional services, especially public safety, among local elected officials. A majority of the committee may by majority vote invite additional ad hoc members, including independently elected county justice system officials and representatives of city, state and other affected agencies as needed, to facilitate interjurisdictional planning and coordination of current or planned services.
C. The regional coordinating committee shall confer with elected officials in other jurisdictions on capital and operating strategies for overlapping city and county law enforcement, detention and other justice system programs and services and help formulate council policy positions. The regional coordinating committee shall consult with city officials to find ways to strengthen regional partnerships, discuss county service agreements and identify county policies and practices that could impede coordination of regional services, particularly in the area of public safety.
D. The work of the interjurisdicitonal coordinating committee is intended to supplement the efforts of council standing committees by facilitating informal and proactive dialogue with other elected officials and city service partners. The regional coordinating committee shall not diminish the duties and responsibilities of any regional
committee for mandatory referrals of countywide plans or policies as set forth in the county charter.