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Public Works wins federal bridge funding; board tweaks sheriff fleet ER&R to avoid $80,000 one‑time purchase
Summary
Commissioners accepted WSDOT federal bridge funding for the 7‑Mile Bridge reconstruction, supported Public Works's 2.5% roads levy request for presentation at public hearing, and approved a technical change to sheriff fleet ER&R accounting that keeps a newly acquired patrol car in service to preserve warranty and spread replacement costs over time.
County Public Works staff said Monday they received an award letter from the Washington State Department of Transportation to fund reconstruction of the 7‑Mile Bridge with federal bridge dollars; staff said the award covers the project funding (WSDOT federal funding) and the county must now complete administrative steps to switch funding sources and move the project toward construction.
On routine levy direction, Public Works requested a 2.5% county roads levy increase to address declining state fuel-tax receipts and rising maintenance and materials costs; commissioners indicated support for presenting 2.5% as the department's recommendation at the upcoming public hearing.
The board also approved a Public Works proposal to correct the number of patrol cars to match funded deputy positions and to adjust the monthly ER&R (equipment replacement and maintenance) rate. County fleet staff and the sheriff explained the department purchased a vehicle earlier this year that is now in its warranty period; rather than take a one‑time $80,000 replacement request later, staff proposed putting the new vehicle into service and leave an older car as a line (backup) vehicle, which raises monthly ER&R collections by about $1,635 and allows replacement funds to accumulate rather than requiring an immediate full purchase. The motion passed 3–0.
Other Public Works updates included starting cultural‑resource work for Majonya Road and pursuing a new state local‑roads program for smaller safety and surface projects.
What's next: Public Works will complete WSDOT administrative requirements to obligate the bridge funding, include the roads levy recommendation in the public notice, and implement the ER&R accounting change for fleet replacement.
