402 Tacoma 1019 Pacific Avenue, Avenue S., Suite Suite 1216 200 PO Box 1303, TACOMA, WA TACOMA, 98402 WA 98401 PHONE (253) 627-4853 FAX (253) 627-2253
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2013
Vol. CXXIII, No. 223
OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE CITY OF TACOMA Devoted to the Courts, Real Estate, Finance, Industrial Activities, and Publication of Legal Notices
Published Published Since Since 1890 1890
Pierce County Council close to finalizing 2014 budget Photos Courtesy Pierce County / Todd Matthews, Editor Pierce County Council is poised to approve a 2014 budget that aims to improve the responsiveness of local government, invests in community programs and maintains a stable financial position. MCDONALD The Council approved the budget on second reading by a 7-0 vote on Tues., Nov. 12. The Council scheduled its final vote for Tues., Nov. 19 to give the public time to comment. Highlights include funding for a deputy prosecutor who will handle cases involving elder fraud and abuse; opening a new Sheriff's precinct in MCCARTHY the Parkland/Spanaway area, which has waited years for a more visible law enforcement presence; dedicating fees from building permits to a special fund – rather than the General Fund – so that the Planning and Land Services Department has the right amount of staff to provide timely service as applications increase; financial and performance audits of the Pierce County Jail to help identify cost savings so it can attract more contract business from other jurisdictions; and money for senior centers throughout Pierce County that provide meals and other services to the elderly.
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Tacoma stormwater permit workshop Thursday
The City of Tacoma invites all residents, business interests, community organization representatives and interested parties to weigh in on the City of Tacoma's Stormwater Management Plan Update during a public workshop this week in Tacoma. Participants will help City of Tacoma staff understand how best to promote low impact development projects that use natural landscapes and minimize hard surfaces to allow rain to soak into the ground, instead of running off into storm systems; encourage residents and businesses to implement Puget Sound-friendly practices at home and work; and prioritize projects to treat, slow and store the storm water before it enters local streams and Puget Sound. "The Stormwater Management Program provides important guidance as we work to improve the quality of stormwater runoff re-
leased to our local waterways," said City of Tacoma Environmental Services Assistant Division Manager Lorna Mauren. The public workshop will be held on Thurs., Nov. 21 between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Center for Urban Waters, 326 East D Street. RSVP by e-mail, if possible, to swmupdates@cityoftacoma.org. In August, the City of Tacoma was issued an updated Municipal Stormwater Permit from the Washington State Department of Ecology under the Clean Water Act allowing the City of Tacoma to discharge stormwater into local waterways on behalf of the local community. That permit requires periodic updates to Tacoma's Stormwater Management Program, which outlines the activities that will help to protect local waterways, including Puget Sound. More information is available online at cityoftacoma.org/swmupdates.
"The economic outlook for Pierce County continues to improve," said Council Chair Joyce McDonald (District 2). "Revenues from sales and property taxes are up, thanks to an increase in construction and consumer activity. Our conservative budgeting in recent years has left us in a stable and secure financial position, particularly because our employees found innovative ways to streamline operations." The General Fund, which pays for most general government services, would drop from approximately $275 million this year to $271.1 million due to the transfer of building permit fees to the special revenue fund. Total spending for 2014 amounts to $978.1 million, which includes $151 million for sewer construction as the county expands the Chambers Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant to accom-
modate growth in the region. The budget funds 3,007 full-time equivalent positions, which is 481 fewer than in 2008. The budget includes a 1.88 percent cost of living adjustment for employees, the first such adjustment in three years. There are 18 ordinances in the budget package. The main ordinance, covering the General Fund, is 201267s2. The Council invites public comment by using the "contact us" link at piercecountywa.org/council or by calling (253) 798-7777. The Tues., Nov. 19 meeting begins at 3 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located on the 10th floor of the County-City Building, 930 Tacoma Ave. S., in Tacoma. Once the Council approves a budget, Executive Pat McCarthy will have 10 days to sign or veto it.
6 candidates seek posts on Tacoma's Landmarks Preservation Commission Posted online Fri., Nov. 15 By Todd Matthews, Editor Tacoma City Council's Neighborhoods and Housing Committee will meet Monday to interview six Tacoma residents who have applied to serve on Tacoma's Landmarks Preservation
NOTE TO READERS
In observance of Thanksgiving Day, the Tacoma Daily Index will not be published on Thurs., Nov. 28 and Fri., Nov. 29. Publication will resume on Mon., Dec. 2. Have a safe holiday.
Commission. The Landmarks Preservation Commission is an 11-member volunteer commission which oversees the establishment and regulation of landmarks, local historic districts, proposed name changes for public facilities, and certain property tax incentives. Currently, six members need to be appointed to fill two professional positions, two architect positions, and two at-large positions. The City of Tacoma announced a call for applications last month. On Monday afternoon, the committee is scheduled to interview Christopher Granfield
(Professional), Jonah Jensen (Architect — seeking reappointment), Lysa Schloesser (Architect), Kathy Ursich (At-Large), Jeff Williams (Professional), and Duke York (At-Large). The committee will then make recommendations to the full city council, which is expected to vote on the appointments during its meeting on Tues., Dec. 3. The candidate interviews will be held on Mon., Nov. 18 at 4:30 p.m. at the Tacoma Municipal Building, 747 Market St., Conference Room 248. A copy of the agenda is available online at cityoftacoma.org.