Public will vote on expanding county commission to five

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) unanimously passed a resolution to ask voters during the November 8 general election to increase the number of elected county commissioners from three to five,

During a public hearing yesterday, the BOCC heard mixed sentiments from residents about its plan to expand the number of commissioners.

Some residents who attended the meeting physically and via Zoom aired their support for creating a ballot measure on the said proposal, citing the need to address the county's increasing population.

"It is just smart to have five members because we (Thurston residents) are gonna keep growing through the years," a resident said.

Two residents expressed disapproval to include the expansion plan in the ballot measure this year. 

A resident said he is concerned that there might be backdoor agreements between the elected commissioners that will betray the public trust. Another resident expressed concern about the budget that will be used in the expansion process, saying that funds should focus on veterans, mental health, roads and the police department. 

Lacey Councilmember Michael Steadman, who also participated in the public hearing, said it is crucial to involve the residents, but they must be educated about the process of the government.

MOU with Port of Olympia

During the same meeting, the BOCC approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Port of Olympia on drafting proposed new districts if the voters approve the ballot measure.

"This MOU will set forth a timeline for the two entities to work together to develop and approve a redistricting plan should the ballot proposition be approved," said Port of Olympia Executive Director Sam Gibboney.

The Port of Olympia is also looking into expanding its districts. Gibboney expressed optimism about the continued partnership of Thurston County and the Port of Olympia in addressing the growing population.

"The Port appreciates the collaboration to date and the collaboration that has yet to come," Gibboney said.

RCW 36.32.055 authorizes any non-charter county, like Thurston, with a population of 300,000 or more and less than 400,000, to cause a ballot proposition at a general election on whether to authorize BOCC to increase its members to five.

Based on the latest data from the Office of Financial Management, Thurston County has a population size of 300,500.