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County workers fight for jobs

Speakers say cuts will be detrimental

By Christian Hill | The Olympian • Published December 02, 2008

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Six speakers told Thurston County commissioners Monday that proposed job cuts to balance next year's budget carry serious ramifications.

The commissioners are considering a proposal to lay off more than 7 percent of the county workforce — nearly 90 full-time-equivalent employees — because of rising costs and lagging revenue.

Under the budget proposal, the Office of Assigned Counsel — also known as public defenders — will lose eight employees and no longer represent indigent clients in Thurston County District Court. They will continue to represent clients charged in Superior Court.

Alex Frix, a lawyer in the office, said the county would rely on private attorneys to take over the caseload. The shift could result in lawsuits over inadequate legal counsel, he said.

"It's going to be more expensive in the long run," he said.

Two other lawyers, including the president of the Thurston County Bar Association, also asked commissioners to reconsider those proposed reductions.

Chief Administrative Officer Don Krupp said a few positions could be spared if the county receives a commitment for state grant funding.

Lacey Fire Chief Jim Broman, representing the Thurston County Association of Fire Chiefs, raised concerns about the proposed loss of six employees who review building plans and inspect buildings under construction to ensure they meet all building and fire codes.

Firefighters depend on their assurance that buildings are constructed and maintained to standards, he said. "The loss of those services is of significant concern to us," Broman said.

Joan Samuelson, background investigator for Thurston County Sheriff's Office for 13 years, appealed to commissioners to save her job. She runs checks on prospective employees for the department.

She said the county would benefit from having an experienced hand as it begins hiring employees to staff the new jail.

Her husband, Robert, told commissioners, "It would be a shame to lose that expertise and that gain of quality (employees) that we've had here."

The proposed cuts are a result of the county's efforts to shrink its general fund budget to $75 million. About three-quarters of that is used to fund the county's criminal justice system.

By law, revenue from property taxes can increase only 1 percent annually — plus any new construction. The recession has caused a substantial drop in sales-tax revenue, another major revenue source for the county budget.

The county will ask state lawmakers in the coming session for the authority to collect additional taxes or other revenue. Without that, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Cynthia Stewart said 2010 "will be even harder than this year was."

Christian Hill covers the city of Lacey and Thurston County for The Olympian. He can be reached at 360-754-5427 or chill@theolympian.com.