Thurston County staff seek consultant-led internal rate study; no immediate general-fund impact

Thurston County staff presented a plan to hire a consultant to evaluate the county’s internal service rates — including central services, information technology, human resources and District Court fees — and to produce a model for ongoing rate setting.

A staff presenter said the county plans to retain FCS Bowman Company because of its experience with public-sector rate studies and emphasized that "there is no upfront general fund impact for the study." The presenter said the consultant engagement would be detailed in the board packet and include a scope of work and a not-to-exceed dollar amount to be considered by the board.

A commissioner said the study would be "extremely helpful" for establishing full cost recovery and for refining charges that affect other jurisdictions served by the county’s District Court. Commissioners asked about timing; staff said final completion is estimated in October 2025 and that the consultant deliverables will include a model the county can use in future budget cycles.

Staff said an Amendment 1 request will present the initial payment for the engagement and that the county intends to pay that upfront cost from the Countywide Services Fund because the work benefits the county as a whole. The assistant county manager and other staff reported they have informed partner jurisdictions that the rate study is underway so those jurisdictions can plan for any future adjustments.

The board did not take a formal vote at the work session; staff said the consultant agreement and associated amendment will return to the board for action at an upcoming meeting.