Island County commissioner proposes food-donation bins for employees after WIC suspension; agenda, consent items approved

The Island County Board of Commissioners approved the published agenda and consent agenda on a voice vote and heard Commissioner Jill Sinclair say she will work with human resources to place food-donation bins at county entrances to help employees affected by a suspension of WIC and some federal benefits.

Commissioner Jill Sinclair said the proposal stems from concern that some county employees rely on federal assistance programs. "We have employees that are using some of those assistance programs," Sinclair said, and she asked colleagues whether anyone objected to the county placing bins "out in front of the door so people can just donate as they feel called." She framed the suspension of benefits as contributing to the need: "with the suspension of WIC and some federal benefits, I am going to talk with HR about putting food donation bins out at the county by the doors." Sinclair also criticized the broader budget process that she said led to the suspension, calling it "a gross failure to pass a budget."

No commissioner raised an objection during the meeting. Commissioner Bacon responded briefly, "No. I don't have anything to add. Good to good to see you, Jill." The meeting record shows Sinclair continuing to the next steps: working with HR to design an appropriate approach to support colleagues without singling anyone out.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a public comment period that drew no speakers. A motion to approve the agenda as published was made, seconded and approved; the chair announced "Aye. Motion carries." A separate motion to approve the consent agenda as presented was likewise made, seconded and approved; the chair recorded "Aye. Aye. Aye. Motion carries unanimously." The transcript does not list individual vote tallies or the names of the members who moved or seconded those motions.

Sinclair also reported recent and upcoming transportation-related meetings: a recent town hall with a Washington State Department of Transportation representative named Paul, upcoming Washington Association-related federal-issues meetings (WASAC), and a Puget Sound Regional Council meeting on ferry issues she planned to attend. The presiding official noted the finance committee would meet immediately following the session.

No formal board action was recorded on the food-donation proposal during this meeting; Sinclair described the item as a staff/HR collaboration she would pursue with colleagues. The session concluded with a brief exchange of thanks and adjournment.