Thurston County approves transfer of two vessels from Port of Olympia to Sheriff's Office

Thurston County commissioners voted unanimously March 31 to accept two vessels from the Port of Olympia and add them to the Sheriff's Office marine services unit.

Sheriff Sanders told the board the transfer avoids buying new boats and lets the county repurpose vessels obtained originally under a homeland security grant. "The engines on it blew. The engines are very expensive. They're more than $100,000 to repair those engines," the sheriff said, noting that the county has restricted funding set aside for repowering the enclosed harbor boat "Integrity." The transfer agreement will cost the county $12,075 to incorporate the two vessels into the marine unit.

Commissioners praised the sheriff's office and county finance team for providing a clear budget review. "The spreadsheet that we received helped me understand not only the cost but the fund source that it's coming from," Commissioner Rachel Grant said, adding that she appreciated the transparency behind using restricted funds rather than the general fund.

The agencies worked to release the boat from grant restrictions so the Port could transfer it without jeopardizing future grant eligibility, the sheriff said. Commissioners also noted harbor patrol enhances public-safety coverage on county waterways.

The board's motion authorized the Sheriff or a designee to execute the interlocal agreement and future amendments that do not exceed 10 percent; the motion passed on a unanimous voice vote. The county also indicated it will return to the board later with a separate request to repower the boat using the restricted funds already identified.