Noxious Weed board to add Washington Conservation Corps week for knotweed treatment; board reports steadier cash flow

Noxious Weed staff told the board Monday they will add one extra week of Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crew services to help treat knotweed on Clark Creek, paid for from weed-board funds rather than by a reimbursable grant. "We opted to add an additional week of services onto our current contract, and we will be utilizing the WCC crew to help with treatments of knotweed on Clark Creek," the weed-board representative said, explaining Ecology's change in available work weeks prompted the modification. Staff clarified that, unlike earlier funding, this additional week “won't be reimbursed by a grant” and the weed board has money to cover the cost. Financially, weed-board staff presented an updated cash-flow chart and budget summary for 2025 showing the board had expended about 46% of its budget through June, with labor the largest share of expenditures. Staff said special-assessment receipts are about half collected and are typically completed by October; they also expect to exceed a previously budgeted intergovernmental revenue figure after fourth-quarter billings. Why it matters: the extra WCC week accelerates on‑the‑ground treatment for an invasive species affecting riparian areas and uses weed-board funds rather than grant reimbursements; updated cash-flow reporting informs commissioners about the program’s fiscal position and potential need for a fourth-quarter budget amendment. What was not decided: staff asked the board for approval to add the WCC week to the existing contract; they reported the board has funds on hand and expects to seek a budget amendment in the fourth quarter if needed after billings are processed. Ending: staff said they will route the contract modification through the Ecology process and proceed with the knotweed treatment during the WCC visit.