2009 Executive Office news releases

Most King County offices closed October 12 for unpaid furlough
On Monday, October 12, 2009, most King County staff will be on unpaid leave and most county buildings will be closed as the county takes the eighth of 10 furlough days in 2009 to cut operational costs countywide. All department employees, with limited exceptions, such as those in public safety functions, are included in the furlough plan.

Triplett 2010 budget prioritizes public health and safety while cutting jobs and administration costs
King County Executive Kurt Triplett today transmitted a $621 million 2010 General Fund budget that shields criminal justice and public health services from major cuts and slashes administrative costs to address a projected $56.4 million shortfall. The General Fund is $26 million less than 2009 - the second year in a row that the General Fund has decreased from the previous year. Across all county funds, the budget eliminates 367 jobs

King County Executive proposes to transition county out of Animal Care and Control by June 30, 2010
King County Executive Kurt Triplett today announced that he is providing six months of funding in his 2010 budget to help the county begin a regional process for transitioning out of animal care and sheltering services. He has assigned staff to work with stakeholders to develop a new model for regional animal services that is humane and financially sustainable.

Audit finding highlights some county best practices but overstates potential savings
An audit released by the Washington State Auditor on Wednesday highlights nearly two dozen instances of industry standard best practices being used by King County to reduce taxpayer costs for utility services.

Triplett proposes $40 million to shore up Green River levees and prepare county services for potential flood
King County Executive Kurt Triplett announced he is sending three pieces of legislation to the King County Council this week to increase protection of people and businesses, their property, and county facilities and services in the event of a flood in the Green River Valley. He will request approximately $40 million for 2009 flood preparation costs.

County declares emergency in advance of flooding
King County Executive Kurt Triplett signed a proclamation of emergency today in order to speed up preparation for an increase risk of flooding on the Green River due to damage to the Howard Hansen Dam. The action will waive county contracting requirements and help support a request for federal reimbursement for pre-emptive measures after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers warned of potential major flooding for three to five years while the dam is repaired.

Most King County offices closed September 4 for unpaid furlough
On Friday, September 4, 2009, most King County staff will be on unpaid leave and most county buildings will be closed as the county takes the seventh of 10 furlough days in 2009 to cut operational costs countywide. All department employees, with limited exceptions, such as those in public safety functions, are included in the furlough plan.

County wins tech awards
King County residents who depend on the county’s Web site for updates are getting their information from one of the most innovative, user-friendly portals around, according to e.Republic.com’s Center for Digital Government. The organization has recognized King County with three awards for excellence in Information Technology in its 2009 Best of the Web and Digital Government Achievement Awards.

King County Hosts Historic Barn Workshop
Residents who own an old barn in King County or the surrounding area may be eligible for matching grants to assist with barn stabilization and rehabilitation projects. The money is part of the Heritage Barn Preservation Initiative, a program of the Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation that established the Heritage Barn Register, a statewide list of historically significant barns.

Inmate dies in custody
An inmate in the custody of the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention died the morning of Aug. 20 at the King County Correctional Facility in Seattle. The person, an adult male, was booked into the facility on Aug. 18.