Dear Friends and Neighbors

I recently sent out a community survey to help me better understand the issues that matter to you. I received over 220 responses. Your input is very helpful. I wanted to share those results with you, as well as some other important issues and upcoming events.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns. As always, it remains an honor to represent you on the County Council.

Survey results are in!

The first question on the survey asked your awareness of several important county issues. I wanted to highlight two events that appear to have gone under the radar.

1. Citizen lawsuit – In early 2015 citizen Jerry Gibbs, of Gig Harbor filed a referendum against the proposed general services building. In response, the Pierce County Executive ordered the prosecutor to sue Mr. Gibbs. I opposed this action and filed legislation to drop the lawsuit. To learn more click here.

2. Property Crimes Unit – Last November, the council unanimously passed a fiscally sustainable, open and transparent budget without raising taxes. A key part of this year’s budget is the addition of five (5) full time detectives dedicated to the newly created Property Crimes Unit. To learn more click here.

Top Responses

According to survey results, public safety is the number one priority, followed by taxes and fees, and property rights.

Funding public safety (59 responses, 26.7%)
Taxes and fees (48 responses, 21.7%)
Protecting property rights (32 responses, 14.5%)

The majority of respondents agreed that the county should use pre-existing funds wisely. 57.7% of respondents said, "Only fund what is essential to County operations with existing revenue."

These are just a few of the highlights from the survey.

View the Full Results Here

Pierce County Sheriff is hiring!

Join us for our upcoming hiring workshop

When: February 25, 2016 @ 6pm - 9:30pm.

Where: Hess Building (Across from the Jail)
901 Tacoma Avenue S.Tacoma, Wa. 98402

Call (253) 798-4324 to reserve your seat!

Flood season is not over yet

Pierce County residents should prepare now for flood season to keep their family and property safe.

Residents can prepare by purchasing flood insurance, keeping storm drains clear of debris and leaves, and storing valuables and household chemicals above flood levels.

Individuals also encouraged to create a family plan that identifies a safe route from their home, school and work to high ground, a meeting place for family members in case they are separated, and an out-of-state contact to call if local phone lines are busy or down.

Other available resources

Several other websites offer important information about flooding

Information on emergency kit supplies: www.piercecountywa.org/prepare
Information on flood insurance: www.floodsmart.gov
Sign up to get emergency alerts by phone, text message, email, or TTY/TTD: www.piercecountywa.org/alert

Information about winter weather in Pierce County: www.piercecountywa.org/winterwise

Police 911 and dispatch in Puyallup now South Sound 911

South Sound 911 reached an agreement with the City of Puyallup to transition 911 and dispatch employees from Puyallup’s City Comm to South Sound 911, effective Jan. 3, 2016. The transition is significant in that it paves the way for the unification of 911 and dispatch services for 19 law enforcement agencies in the county.

Seasonal. Fresh. Local

Puget Sound Fresh
The Puget Sound Fresh app offers quick and easy access to a growing list of farms and farmers markets, farm products and activities in Washington State as compiled by Puget Sound Fresh program in partnership with Pierce County.

Whether you are looking for humanely raised grass-fed beef or U-Pick berries, Puget Sound Fresh is your connection to what's fresh, local and in season at farms and farmers' markets that share a commitment to building a healthy, sustainable food system in Washington State.

Download the Free App
www.pugetsoundfresh.org/freshapp

Get Involved

We need citizens to serve on several of the boards and commissions on various issues, including the Land Use Advisory Commission (LUACs) that needs to be a resident of South Hill. If you would like to serve, please complete the application and return to either my office (droach@co.pierce.wa.us) or the County Executive’s office:
Click here to apply.