Thurston County District Court to add new positions

A total of 17 new positions spanning the courtroom, probation and administrative divisions are going to be added to Thurston County District Court under a newly approved resolution. 

The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners adopted the resolution at its regular meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 19. 

The resolution creates a full roster of job posts with payroll covered by the City of Olympia under an interlocal agreement. 

Thurston County Human Resources Director Maria Aponte said the request came on behalf of District Court, and was part of Olympia’s arrangement to transfer its Municipal Court criminal and infraction caseloads to District Court.

“I’m here on behalf of the district court to request 17 positions, or as we call them, full-time equivalents (FTEs). FTEs, these positions are part of an interlocal agreement with the City of Olympia,” Aponte said. 

According to Aponte, the job titles include District Court Commissioner, Court Support Manager, Calendar Coordinator, Court Assistant I, Records Assistant II, Adult Probation Counselor II, Adult Probation Clerk, Mental Health and Veterans Care Coordinator and Administrative Assistant. 

Aponte said Olympia will reimburse the full expense of the posts under the interlocal agreement.

In July, County Manager Leonard Hernandez said Olympia requested the county assume all court services, including probation, and that the transition would be a “historic step.” He said Olympia’s costs are guaranteed through December 2026, with renewal rates built into a 2027 agreement.