PORT TOWNSEND — Collaboration is the key to survival, according to Jefferson County leaders.
“With the economy the way it is, we need more partnerships,” county Commissioner David Sullivan told about 50 attending the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce’s Monday luncheon at the Elks Lodge.
“We need to conserve resources, be patient, be kind and work together.”
Sullivan was joined by county Administrator Philip Morley.
Citing volunteerism as the big part of that key, Sullivan said organizations such as the Jefferson County Humane Society are taking over the county Animal Shelter with a force of animal lovers who do it for that reason only, not money.
In spite of the dismal economy that has hammered Jefferson County’s revenues, leading to $2.5 million in budget cuts in a little more than a year, Sullivan pointed to success stories.
Those include the Port Hadlock 2-square-mile urban growth area winning state Growth Management Act approval that will lead to a state-of-the-art sewer system for the Tri-Area.
The wastewater treatment system will allow for commercial expansion and higher-density affordable housing in the economically distressed area.
Purchase of a site for the system’s main plant is under way, Sullivan said.
Another venture that could have a positive effect on the county economy, Sullivan said, include the 24-acre light industrial area that was rezoned for such development at Jefferson County International Airport.
The county commissioners approved the rezoning late last year, and is now working with the port and city of Port Townsend on economic development issues the city has since that rezoning was approved.
An agreement on how to approach future economic development is running through the approval process among the elected leaders for the city, county and port.
Issues the county will focus on this year, according to Sullivan and Morley:
• Continue work to help forge and implement a renewed county-regional public-private vision for economic development.
• Continue work to secured sewage treatment infrastructure for the Port Hadlock urban growth area.
• Review implementation planned for the Brinnon Master planned resort.
• Begin work on updating the county’s comprehensive plan, coordinating it with the city, port and Jefferson County Public Utility District.
• Engage with county citizens about government.
• Develop a strategy to better harness broadband information technology to enhance access and efficiency.
• Continue to coordinate the county permitting process so applicants have consistent answers in the shortest time possible.
• Continue a process with the city and school districts to sustain programs and institutions supporting youth, including parks and recreation programs.
Sullivan said the county Parks and Recreation Department has been dramatically cut, but that programs will survive with the help of the private sector through donations and volunteerism.
He praised the East Jefferson County Rotary for donating $5,000 to H.J. Carroll Park in Chimacum, and Rich Stapf Construction and Sunshine Propane for also offering their resources, including employees, to help maintain Jefferson County Memorial Field in Port Townsend.
“When you think about it, you have more in common than what differentiates us,” Morley said, citing a renewed effort by city, county and port leaders to enhance economic development around the county.
Morley said it was no secret that the county’s budget was stressed. The county cut some $2.5 million during his first 13 months as the top county executive.
“We hope that we have cut enough in 2010, so we won’t have to cut more in 2011,” Morley said.
If nothing changes and the economy remains stagnant, however, Morley estimated that another $800,000 might have to be cut from the county’s general fund in 2012.
“I would like to be focusing on building our community,” Morley said.
Sullivan said the formation of a “metropolitan parks district” funded through property taxes was “still an option.”
Saying he wanted to see what the state Legislature does to assist county funding, Sullivan said, “I think you can expect an ongoing conversation as to our parks.”
Sullivan said if the county increases fees for county parks and recreation programs then the issue become how does the county pay to help low-income children whose families can’t afford them.
Sullivan and Morley urged county residents to fill out their 2010 Census forms.
“If we want to get our fair share, we’ve got to be counted,” he said.
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Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.