Snohomish County Council unanimously approves interlocal agreements, DOJ rapid-DNA grant and Monroe annexation

Snohomish County Council members on Wednesday, Jan. 8, unanimously approved a series of interlocal agreements, authorized a federal grant to buy rapid-DNA equipment for the sheriff's office, and approved a 30-acre annexation petition by the City of Monroe.

Council Chair Nehring presided over the public hearing. Ryan Countryman, council staff, presented multiple ordinances that would authorize the county executive to sign interlocal agreements with state and local partners and to execute grant documents.

Why it matters: the votes let Snohomish County continue or begin partnerships for energy services with a state agency, share health surveillance data with the Washington State Department of Health, confirm operational responsibility for a recreational boat launch, resolve a drainage-cost agreement for a flood control district, and clear the way for a Monroe annexation. The council also authorized a $448,000 federal grant to purchase rapid-DNA equipment that staff said would return DNA results within 90 minutes and has recurring consumable and maintenance costs.

Most significant actions taken

- Ordinance 24-1-102: Approved an interlocal agreement with the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services to participate in energy program services. Ryan Countryman summarized the ordinance and said the agreement (Exhibit A to the ordinance) allows the county executive or designee to sign and to approve amendments if appropriation authority exists. No public testimony was offered. The ordinance passed by roll call vote, 5-0 (Dunn: yes; Mead: yes;…