Commission Briefs

Historic Preservation Commission announces program

The Mason County Historic Preservation Commission announced the Historical Building, Structure or Place Plaque Program.

According to a news release, the program acknowledges the value of buildings, structures or places in Mason County that should be considered historically important, possess distinct architectural or have other characteristics associated with important events in Mason County’s history.

The plaque program acknowledges and recognizes the county’s historical places through a simpler process, culminating in the award of a mountable plaque. Apply for a plaque by filling out an application form with the history or historical associations of a building, structure or place, then attach photos and other relevant documentation, and submit it in person to Luke Viscusi at 615 W. Alder St., Shelton or by email to hpc@masoncountywa.gov. Questions can be directed to Viscusi at 360-427-9670, ext. 282.

Consolidated Homeless Grant contract increased

Mason County commissioners approved an increase in the consolidated homeless grant contract.

According to the information packet, the state Department of Commerce has money from the 2022 supplemental operating budget. More than one-third of Foundational Community Support enrollees areestimated to be eligible for housing and essential needs. The new funding creates a period of rent assistance for households enrolled in FCS and ranks households enrolled in Supportive Employment, who no longer have a HEN referral from the state Department of Social and Health Services due to increased income or other changes in eligibility.

The contract amount increased by $76,933.

Jail modernization task force supported

Mason County commissioners approved the creation of a jail modernization task force and approved a letter supporting a jail system study.

According to the information packet, some of the state Association of Counties’ legislative priorities is for the Legislature to fund a holistic study and analysis of the state’s jail system and establish and fund a jail modernization task force to review and consider a variety of issues with the ultimate goal of developing strategies and recommended changes to plan for and create a better jail system that can support and promote recovery.

“We are writing to request that you support this proviso request in its entirety,” the letter reads. “Given the backlog of Trueblood class members in jails (See SSB 5440), the emphasis on behavioral health issues in our state, and the ongoing interest in the provision of safe jail facilities and services, it is clear that this request is timely and necessary. While the time horizon for the completion of this proviso is longer than we would like, we also don’t want to be in the position where we are two years down the road and wishing that we had the data and recommendations that this proviso sets out to provide.”

Agreements OK’d with noxious weed control board

County commissioners approved an interagency agreement between the state Parks and Recreation Commission and the Mason County Noxious Weed Control Board to survey for and control noxious weed species within state parks in Mason County.

According to the information packet, the agreement runs through July 2025. Since 2007, the Noxious Weed Control Board has collaborated with state parks on noxious weed control activities, including at Lake Isabella, Hope Island, Belfair and Potlatch State Park. Grant funding supplements county resources to promote citizen engagement and survey, document, and control noxious weed species on state park property. The agreement covers salaries, wages and benefits, supplies and equipment, travel to and from control sites and indirect services.

The budget effect will be $17,500 awarded to the Mason County Noxious Weed Control Board and $7,500 before June and $10,000 in 2024 and 2025.

Commissioners also approved the Noxious Weed Control Board’s contract with the state Department of Agriculture to survey for and control giant hogweed within Mason County.

According to the information packet, the contract runs until 2025. The Noxious Weed Control Board has ranked the documentation, control and eradication of giant hogweed. Grant funding supplements county resources to support surveys for giant hogweed, initiate property owner contacts and provide control assistance.

The budget impact includes $5,000 to the Noxious Weed Control Board and $3,000 more in 2023 and $2,000 in 2024.

Youth connection letter of support

County commissioners approved a letter of support for The Youth Connection’s application for congressional for building transitional housing for homeless young people.

According to the information packet, county commissioners appropriated American Rescue Plan Act money to the project in 2022 and believe more federal support would help.

“Beyond meeting housing needs of homeless young adults, The Youth Connection’s intensive care management and access to support networks including permanent housing programs will reduce the number of homeless youth from becoming chronically homeless, increase the productive workforce population, and reduce the amount of taxpayer support required for homeless care and support. The Youth Connection is a tremendous resource for our youths and young adults. Our community is made stronger by their work. We strongly support this project and ask that you accept their application for funding for this important project.”