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Spokane County board certifies eligibility to apply for Washington CJTC grants; motion passes 3–1
Summary
The Spokane County Board of County Commissioners voted 3–1 to authorize a certification to the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, a step county officials said is required to pursue state grants tied to defined public-safety initiatives. One commissioner voiced concerns about attestation language and use of funds for FTEs.
The Spokane County Board of County Commissioners voted to authorize a certification to the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission that the county meets conditions required to apply for state public-safety grant opportunities.
Legal counsel summarized the action before the vote, saying the item "is specific to authorizing the board authorizing an application to the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission" and that the certification confirms the county "has met all of the necessary conditions that the legislature and CJTC put forward to be able to apply for grant opportunities" that can fund defined public-safety initiatives.
Counsel told the board the certification makes the county eligible for CJTC-administered grants and explained that, while the board can later elect a separate 1/10-of-1% public-safety sales tax, meeting the certification conditions affects the county's ability to receive the full amount without a statutory deduction.
Commissioner Waldrop said she appreciated the Sheriff’s work but voiced objections to language on the attestation form that requires a declaration "under penalty of perjury" because the sheriff's office does not report directly to the board. Waldrop also warned against using grant dollars to fund new full-time employees, saying, "if those grant dollars dry up, then you do not have funding to keep those individuals employed," and said she would cast a no vote.
Commissioner Jordan said constituents had contacted the board concerned that commissioners were voting to raise taxes; Jordan clarified the action was an administrative certification to pursue grant eligibility and an option to consider a sales-tax action later, and said she supported moving the application forward and continuing dialogue with the Sheriff about budget implications.
After the discussion the board voted; the chair announced the motion passed three to one. The certified application will be submitted to the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, and county staff and the Sheriff indicated they would continue discussions with the board about budgeting and potential uses of any grant funds.
The board moved next to a separate public hearing on budget amendments.
