HOME RULE CHARTER

Basic Charter Adopted by the Voters on November 8, 2005

First Amendment Adopted by the Voters on November 8, 2005

Second Amendment Adopted by the Voters on November 6, 2012

Third Amendment Adopted by the Voters on November 6, 2012

Fourth Amendment Adopted by the Voters on November 6, 2012

Fifth Amendment Adopted by the Voters on November 5, 2019

Sixth Amendment Adopted by the Voters on November 2, 2021

Compilation of Basic Charter and 1, 2, 3 and 4 Amendments

Prepared by San Juan County Prosecuting Attorney

P.O. Box 760

Friday Harbor, Washington

(360) 378-4101

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

PREAMBLE

DECLARATION OF COMMUNITY VALUES

ARTICLE 1 – POWERS OF THE COUNTY

Section 1.10 – General Powers

Section 1.20 – Intergovernmental Relations

Section 1.30 – Construction

Section 1.40 – Name, Boundaries, County Seat

ARTICLE 2 – THE COUNTY COUNCIL

Section 2.10 – Name; Composition

Section 2.20 – Elections

Section 2.30 – Legislative Powers and Duties

Section 2.31 – Executive Powers and Duties

Section 2.40 – Organization

Section 2.41 – Rules of Procedure

Section 2.42 – Interactions with County Employees

Section 2.50 – Ordinances

Section 2.51 – Codification of Ordinances

Section 2.52 – Emergency Ordinances

Section 2.53 – Emergency Ordinances – Limitations

Section 2.60 – Miscellaneous Appointments

Section 2.70 – Resolutions

Section 2.80 – Open Meetings

ARTICLE 3 – OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS

Section 3.10 – Composition

ARTICLE 4 – ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENTS

Section 4.10 – Composition

Section 4.20 – Qualifications

Section 4.30 – Appointments by Department Heads

Section 4.40 – County Manager

Section 4.41 – Duties and Responsibilities

Section 4.50 – Hearing Examiner System

ARTICLE 5 – ELECTIONS

Section 5.10 – Election Procedures

Section 5.20 – Qualifications; Residency for County Council Member

Section 5.30 – County Council Residency Districts

Section 5.31 – County Council – Terms

Section 5.32 – County Council – Nominations

Section 5.33 – County Council – Elections

Section 5.34 – Legislative Body – Districting

Section 5.40 – Oath of Office

Section 5.50 – Official Bonds

Section 5.60 – Vacancies in Office

Section 5.70 – Commencement of Terms of Office

ARTICLE 6 – THE PUBLIC INTEREST

Section 6.10 – Direct Government

Section 6.20 – Initiative

Section 6.21 – Initiative – Limitations

Section 6.22 – Initiative – Procedures

Section 6.23 – Initiative – Amend or Repeal

Section 6.30 – Mini-Initiative

Section 6.31 – Mini-Initiative – Failed Initiative

Section 6.40 – Referendum

Section 6.41 – Referendum – Procedures

Section 6.50 – Numbering System

Section 6.60 – Recall

Section 6.70 – Implementation by Ordinance

ARTICLE 7 – FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION

Section 7.05 – Budget Cycle

Section 7.10 – Presentation and Adoption of Budgets

Section 7.20 – Budget Information

Section 7.30 – Contents of Budget

Section 7.40 – Budget Message

Section 7.41 – Copies of the Budget

Section 7.50 – Budget Review

Section 7.60 – Consideration and Adoption of the Budget

Section 7.70 – Additional Appropriations

Section 7.71 – Contingency Appropriations

Section 7.72 – Emergency Appropriations

ARTICLE 8 – PERSONNEL SYSTEM

Section 8.10 – Purpose

Section 8.20 – Exemptions

Section 8.30 – Compensation

ARTICLE 9 – CHARTER REVIEW AND AMENDMENT

Section 9.10 – Charter Review Commission

Section 9.11 – Duties

Section 9.20 – Election Procedures and Period of Office

Section 9.21 – Vacancy

Section 9.22 – Expenditures

Section 9.30 – Charter Amendment – General Provisions

Section 9.31 – Charter Amendment – Procedures

Section 9.32 – Amendments by the Charter Review Commission

Section 9.33 – Amendments by the Public

Section 9.34 – Amendments by the County Council

Section 9.40 – Repeal of Charter

ARTICLE 10 – GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 10.10 – Severability and Construction

Section 10.20 – Purchasing, Contracts, Claims, and Bonds

Section 10.30 – Franchises

Section 10.40 – Public Disclosure

Section 10.50 – Information Management

Section 10.60 – Non-Discrimination

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Let us acknowledge we reside on the ancestral lands and waters of the Coast Salish people who have called this place home since time immemorial and let us honor inherent, aboriginal and treaty rights that have been passed down from generation to generation.

PREAMBLE

We, the people of San Juan County, Washington, establish this Home Rule Charter, securing for ourselves the rights granted by law and the responsibilities of self-governance.

All persons within our county are equal under the law and afforded equal protection under those laws.

We recognize the interdependence between a healthy community, a resilient economy and a vibrant natural world.

DECLARATION OF COMMUNITY VALUES

The people of San Juan County, Washington, declare our commitment to a safe and inclusive community, resilient economy, flourishing ecosystem and sustainable environment.

Community:

We value a vibrant, inclusive, just, and diverse community that fosters peace, mutual tolerance, and respect for each other’s dignity, privacy, freedoms, and responsibilities, including the rich heritage, culture, and contributions of the region’s indigenous peoples. We also recognize that affordable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare, education, and housing are the foundations of community resilience and stability.

Economy:

We value an economy that encourages sustainable growth and development within our agricultural, tourism, and other sectors, while creating viable livelihoods for community members, improving the food security of our county, and encouraging the conservation of resources and the minimization of waste.

Climate and Ecosystem:

We value the natural world and the beauty that surrounds us, and the climate and ecosystems of our county, including air, water, soil, and the region’s remarkable biodiversity. We recognize the need for responsible stewardship of our county for the good of both our community and nature, including the protection and preservation of public lands and undeveloped lands and the strong enforcement of codes and regulations.

ARTICLE 1 – POWERS OF THE COUNTY

Section 1.10 – General Powers

(1) The County shall have all the powers that a Charter County may have under the Constitutions and laws of the United States and the State of Washington.

(2) All ordinances, administrative rules and resolutions in operation at the time this Charter takes effect, to the extent they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Charter, shall remain in force until amended or repealed. All rights, claims, obligations, proceedings and liabilities existing on the effective date of this Charter shall not be affected by the adoption of this Charter.

Section 1.20 – Intergovernmental Relations

The County may exercise any of its powers to perform any of its duties, functions, projects, or activities jointly or in cooperation with any one or more governments, governmental agencies, municipal corporations, or any private agency or corporation, in any manner permitted by law and participate in the financing thereof.

Section 1.30 – Construction

(1) The power of the County shall be liberally construed; it is intended that this Charter confer the greatest power of local self-government on the people of San Juan County consistent with the State Constitution. Specific mention of a particular power or authority shall not be construed as a limitation on the general power of the County, but shall be considered as an addition to and supplementary to or explanatory of the powers conferred in general terms by this Charter.

(2) References to adoption of ordinances or resolutions by the County Council as defined in Section 2.30 below shall not be construed as impairing the right of the voters to initiate or refer ordinances or resolutions.

Section 1.40 – Name, Boundaries, County Seat

The Corporate name of this County shall remain San Juan County, and it shall have those boundaries provided by state law. The County seat shall be Friday Harbor, Washington. Branch offices of the County are authorized and branch offices hereafter established shall be by ordinance.

ARTICLE 2 – THE COUNTY COUNCIL

Section 2.10 – Name; Composition

The legislative authority of the County shall consist of three (3) members who are qualified for office as provided by this Charter and state law and selected in accordance with the methods set forth in this Charter. The legislative authority shall be known as the County Council and its members known as County Council members.

Section 2.20 – Elections

Each member of the County Council shall be qualified as provided in Section 5.20 of this Charter and elected pursuant to Article 5 – Elections of this Charter.

Section 2.30 – Legislative Powers and Duties

(1) The legislative power of the County as granted by the State Constitution and law and not reserved to the people shall be vested in the County Council. The enumeration of particular legislative powers herein shall not be construed as limiting the legislative powers of the County Council.

(2) The County Council shall exercise its legislative power by adoption and enactment of ordinances or resolutions. It shall have the power to:

(a) Levy taxes, appropriate revenue and adopt budgets for the County.

(b) Establish the compensation (and benefits, if any) to be paid to all non-elected County officers and employees and to provide for the reimbursement of expenses.

(c) Establish, abolish, combine and divide by ordinance, non-elective administrative offices and to establish their powers and responsibilities unless otherwise limited by law or other provisions of this Charter.

(d) Adopt by ordinance comprehensive plans and development regulations including plans for the present and future development and improvement of the County.

(e) Approve contracts or establish by ordinance methods by which any type of contract shall be approved.

(3) The County Council may conduct public hearings on matters of public concern.

Section 2.31 – Executive Powers and Duties

(1) The executive powers of the County as granted by the State Constitution and law, and not otherwise reserved or granted by the Constitution, state law or this Charter to other independently elected county officials, are vested in the County Council. The enumeration of particular executive powers herein shall not be construed as limiting the executive powers of the County Council.

(2) The County Council shall exercise its executive power by adoption and enactment of ordinances or resolutions. It shall have the power to:

(a) Delegate its executive duties to subordinate officers appointed for that purpose.

(b) Manage all administrative offices and functions.

(c) Ensure that all actions of the County are compliant with all federal, Washington State, San Juan County codes, laws and procedures, and this Charter, seeking advice from the Prosecuting Attorney or other sources as necessary.

(d) Ensure that all systems, procedures and use of technology under the County Council be periodically reviewed and actions taken to ensure that optimum practices are being employed.

(e) Review and approve operating and capital budgets, accompanied by a budget message setting forth proposals for the County during the next fiscal year.

(f) Assign duties to administrative offices, which are not specifically assigned by this Charter or by ordinance.

(g) Act as the signing authority, on behalf of this County, on all claims, deeds, contracts and other instruments initiated within the fiscal and budgetary procedures.

Section 2.40 – Organization

(1) The County Council shall annually elect one of its members as chair and another of its members as vice-chair who shall act in the absence of the chair.

(2) The County Council shall be responsible for its own organization, the rules of conduct of its business and for the employment and supervision of persons it deems necessary to assist in the performance of its duties.

(3) A majority of the County Council shall constitute a quorum at all meetings. Unless otherwise provided, action of the County Council shall require the affirmative vote of two (2) members.

Section 2.41 – Rules of Procedure

The County Council shall enact by ordinance rules of procedure governing the time, place and conduct of its meetings and hearings and the introduction, publication, consideration and adoption of ordinances; provided, that the County Council shall meet in open session regularly at least twice monthly.

Section 2.42 – Interactions with County Employees

In all interactions with County employees, County Council members shall exhibit ethical and respectful behavior. No individual County Council member shall direct or discipline, or threaten to direct or discipline, any County employee, whether department head, supervisor or volunteer unless such direction or disciplinary action, or warning concerning such direction or disciplinary action, has first been duly approved by a majority of the County Council. Any directives or discipline by County Council members shall be made through the established chain of authority. No disciplinary action by the County Council may be taken with respect to another elected official or an employee or volunteer hired by or reporting to other elected officials.

Section 2.50 – Ordinances

(1) Every legislative act shall be by ordinance except for matters that may be addressed by resolution as provided in Section 2.70 of this Charter. The subject of every ordinance shall be clearly stated in the title, and no ordinance shall contain more than one subject. Ordinances or summaries of them, the places where copies are filed, and the times when they are available for inspection, shall be published when the ordinances are proposed and again upon enactment.

(a) No ordinance shall be amended unless the new ordinance sets forth each amended section or subsection at full length.

(b) Ordinances may adopt, by reference, Washington State statutes, any recognized printed codes or compilations in entirety or in part.

(2) Every ordinance shall be introduced in its entirety in writing.

(3) Except as otherwise provided in this Charter, all ordinances shall take effect ten (10) working days after the date it is enacted or later if so stipulated in the ordinance.

Section 2.51 – Codification of Ordinances

All ordinances of the County, which are of a general and permanent nature or which impose any fine, penalty, or forfeiture, shall be codified in a code, which shall be adopted by ordinance and shall be known as the San Juan County Code. The code shall be kept current to reflect newly adopted, amended or repealed ordinances. A current copy shall be placed in the public libraries in the County and in such other places as the County Council deems appropriate.

Section 2.52 – Emergency Ordinances

(1) An ordinance necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety or support of the County government and its existing institutions may be passed by action of the County Council, which shall be effective immediately.

(2) An emergency ordinance shall be introduced and passed in the manner prescribed for emergency ordinances generally, except that the emergency and the facts creating it shall be stated in a separate section of the emergency ordinance.

Section 2.53 – Emergency Ordinances – Limitations

No emergency ordinance may levy taxes, grant, renew or extend a franchise, regulate the rate charged by any utility or authorize the borrowing of money for more than one hundred and twenty (120) days.

Section 2.60 – Miscellaneous Appointments

The County Council by action shall appoint members of all boards and commissions except as otherwise provided in this Charter.

Section 2.70 – Resolutions

(1) The County Council may pass a resolution to:

(a) Organize and administer the departments under their supervision.

(b) Make declarations of policy that do not have the force of law.

(c) Request information from any other agency of the County government.

(2) The County Council in passing resolutions need not comply with the procedural requirements for the introduction, consideration and adoption of ordinances.

Section 2.80 – Open Meetings

All meetings of the County Council and of committees thereof shall be open to the public except where an executive session is authorized as provided in RCW 42.30.110 or a meeting is closed pursuant to RCW 42.30.140.

ARTICLE 3 – OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS

Section 3.10 – Composition

(1) Elected County officials in addition to the County Council shall consist of: the County Assessor, County Auditor, County Clerk, County Treasurer, Prosecuting Attorney, and County Sheriff.

(2) Unless otherwise provided in this Charter, the County officials shall have powers, duties, and obligations granted to each official by the State Constitution and statutes and any other applicable laws (unless amended by new State statutes whereupon the new statutes shall prevail). Such powers and duties shall be subject to: all ordinances passed by the County Council or initiatives passed by the voters; and to all personnel, budgeting, expenditure, and any other policies of general application adopted by the County Council.

ARTICLE 4 – ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENTS

Section 4.10 – Composition

The Administrative Departments shall include the County Manager, the Department of Public Works and such additional departments, offices or agencies as the County Council may deem necessary. The Administrative Departments, offices and agencies shall be responsible to the County Council and shall perform such duties and functions as assigned to them by this Charter, ordinance or other applicable law.

Section 4.20 – Qualifications

The heads of the administrative departments shall be appointed by the County Council based on their abilities, qualifications, integrity and prior experience concerning the duties of the office to which they shall be appointed.

Section 4.30 – Appointments by Department Heads

The head of each administrative department shall appoint all managers and employees of the department complying with the rules of the personnel system when appointing managers and employees to positions covered by the personnel system. All managers that report directly to a department head shall be confirmed by the County Council.

Section 4.40 – County Manager

The County Council shall appoint a County Manager, directly responsible to the County Council, selected on the basis of his or her executive experience and professional administrative qualifications, to assist the County Council in carrying out the administrative responsibilities of the County. He or she need not, at the time his or her employment commences, be a resident of the county or state. No member of the County Council shall, during the time for which he or she was elected, be chosen County Manager. The County Council shall, by resolution, establish the County Manager’s contract or terms of employment, including compensation, provided that the contract shall be at will and terminable in accordance with such terms. In the case of absence or disability of the County Manager, the County Council may delegate some qualified person to perform the duties of the office during such absence or disability. Employment of a County Manager shall not be construed as changing the relationship of the County Council members or other elected officials to their constituents, or the relationship of the County Council members to other elected officials.

Section 4.41 – Duties and Responsibilities

It is the prerogative of the County Council to determine whether department heads report directly to them or through their appointed County Manager. The County Manager shall be directly responsible to the County Council and he or she may serve the County Council and the County in any or all of the following ways: by making recommendations concerning the affairs and needs of the County as may be necessary; carrying out the goals and policies of the County Council while acting as its representative in the budget process; supervising, performing and delegating other responsibilities as may be prescribed by this Charter or required of him or her by ordinance or resolution of the County Council. The County Manager and any other officer or officers of the County are authorized to exercise and perform any of their duties or responsibilities through any of their respective subordinates.

Section 4.50 – Hearing Examiner System

(1) A hearing examiner system shall be established for consideration of land and shoreline issues.

(2) The qualifications, powers, and duties of, and procedures to be employed by the hearing examiner, shall be established by the County Council.

(3) The County Council may, at its discretion, authorize the hearing examiner to conduct any other non-legislative hearing permitted or mandated by state or local law, including those permitted or mandated pursuant to this Charter, notwithstanding anything in this Charter to the contrary.

(4) Decisions of the hearing examiner are not subject to administrative review by the County Council unless the County Council, in consultation with the Prosecuting Attorney, has adopted, by ordinance, written procedures for the discretionary review of the decisions of the hearing examiner. The rules for discretionary review shall provide:

(a) That an appellant may choose to bypass review by the County Council and seek direct review with the court or other tribunal as provided by law;

(b) The grounds under which the County Council may choose to hear or not to hear an appeal; and

(c) Such other matters as the County Council deems pertinent to the appeal of decisions of the hearing examiner.

In no event will the act of bypassing administrative review before the County Council be considered a failure to exhaust administrative remedies.

ARTICLE 5 – ELECTIONS

Section 5.10 – Election Procedures

Except as provided in this Charter, nominating primaries and elections of the County Sheriff, County Treasurer, County Clerk, County Auditor and County Assessor shall be conducted in accordance with general law governing the election of non-partisan County offices. Except as provided in this Charter, nominating primaries and elections of the Legislative Body shall be conducted in accordance with general law governing the election of non-partisan County officers. The election of the Prosecuting Attorney shall be as provided by state law.

Section 5.20 – Qualifications; Residency for County Council Member

Each county officer holding an elective office shall be, at the time of appointment or filing a declaration of candidacy for election, at the time of election, and at all times while holding office, a citizen of the United States and a resident and registered voter of San Juan County. In addition, County Council members must reside in the district to which he or she seeks or holds office at the time of appointment or filing a declaration of candidacy for election and at all times while holding office. No person shall be eligible to be elected or appointed to more than three consecutive full terms for the position of County Council Member, regardless of which district the Council Member resides, provided that this term limit eligibility requirement shall expire three years after the end of the third term for purposes of filing for office but shall remain in effect for an additional one year for purposes of appointment. No County Council residency district boundary change shall disqualify the County Council member from holding office for the remainder of the term of office.

Section 5.30 – County Council Residency Districts

(1) The three (3) Legislative Residency Districts shall be designated as Residency District 1, Residency District 2, and Residency District 3.

(a) Each Residency District shall consist of whole islands and nearly contiguous islands as authorized by RCW 36.32.020.

(b) The Legislative Residency Districts are:

Residency District 1 – San Juan: Stuart, Johns, Speiden, Sentinel, Pearl, Henry, O’Neal, Brown, Turn, Dinner, Goose and San Juan.

Residency District 2 – Orcas: Waldron, Patos, Sucia, Ewing, Matia, Puffin, Clark, Barnes, Doe, Orcas, Obstruction, Freeman, Jones, McConnell, Yellow, Cliff, Crane, Fawn, Bell, Double, Victim, Skull and Blakely.

Residency District 3 – Lopez/Shaw: Bund, Shaw, Canoe, Lopez, Decatur, Pointer, Armitage, Frost, James, Trump, Center, Ram, Deadman, Long, Charles, Boulder, Hall and Iceberg. (Ord. 04-2022 § 1)

Section 5.31 – County Council – Terms

The terms of office of County Council members shall be four (4) years or until their successors are elected, qualified and assume office in accordance with RCW 29A.20.040: PROVIDED, that the terms shall be staggered so that in one even numbered election year one member from Residency District 3 shall be elected and the next even numbered election year one member from Residency District 1 and one member from Residency District 2 shall be elected.

Section 5.32 – County Council – Nominations

Qualified voters of the County shall nominate candidates for the County Council. Such candidates shall be nominated by countywide primary election for non-partisan office in the same manner as candidates for other County offices. (RCW 36.32.040)

Section 5.33 – County Council – Elections

County Council members shall be elected by the qualified voters of the County in a countywide general election. The person receiving the highest number of votes for the position shall be declared duly elected.

Section 5.34 – Legislative Body – Districting

The boundaries of Residency Districts may be altered by amendment to this Charter but such boundaries shall not be changed by the Legislative Body or initiative.

Section 5.40 – Oath of Office

An oath or affirmation to support the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Washington and the Charter and ordinances of San Juan County and to perform faithfully, impartially, and honestly the duties of office, shall be made by each elected officer before entering upon the duties of office. (RCW 36.16.040)

Section 5.50 – Official Bonds

A surety bond shall be required for all elected officers and such County employees as may be designated by ordinance. Bonds shall be in the form and amount required by ordinance and the cost borne by the County. See RCW 36.16.050 for schedule of bonds.

Section 5.60 – Vacancies in Office

(1) An elective office shall become vacant when one of the following occurs:

(a) Death;

(b) Total permanent incapacity as determined by a panel of three physicians;

(c) Resignation;

(d) Recall of the officer;

(e) A County Council member absent from three (3) consecutive regular meetings of the County Council without reasonable cause.

(f) Absence from the County for thirty (30) days without being excused by the County Council; or

(g) Failure to maintain residence within the district from which elected.

(2) Vacancies in a non-partisan elected office shall be filled at the next November General Election, unless the vacancy occurs after the day for filing declarations for candidacy, in which case the vacancy shall be filled at the next succeeding November election. The person elected shall take office upon certification of the results of the election and shall serve the unexpired term of the vacated office. Until a successor has been elected and qualified, a majority of the County Council shall fill the vacancy by appointment. All persons appointed to fill vacancies shall meet the qualifications set in Section 4.20 of this Charter.

(3) Vacancies in partisan elected offices shall be filled pursuant to RCW 42.12.040.

Section 5.70 – Commencement of Terms of Office

Unless otherwise provided by this Charter the terms of office of elected county officials shall commence on the date specified by general law for public officers elected at general elections. (See RCW 29A.20.040)

ARTICLE 6 – THE PUBLIC INTEREST

Section 6.10 – Direct Government

The people of San Juan County reserve to themselves the power to make certain proposals, at their option, and to enact or reject them at the polls, independent of the County Council in accordance with this Article.

Section 6.20 – Initiative

The people reserve to themselves the power of initiative. Any ordinance or amendment to an ordinance may be proposed by filing an initiative petition with the County Auditor.

Section 6.21 – Initiative – Limitations

(1) No initiative shall contain more than one (1) issue.

(2) No initiative proposal requiring the expenditure of additional funds for an existing activity or of any funds for a new activity or purpose shall be filed unless provisions are specifically made therein for new or additional sources of revenue which may thereby be required.

(3) Redistricting of the County Council Residency districts shall not be subject to the initiative process.

Section 6.22 – Initiative – Procedures

(1) Any legal voter or organization of legal voters of San Juan County may file an initiative proposal with the County Auditor, who within five (5) working days shall confer with the petitioner to review the proposal as to form and style. The County Auditor shall register the initiative by giving the proposed initiative a number, which shall thereafter be the identifying number for the measure.

(2) The County Auditor shall then transmit a copy of the proposal to the Prosecuting Attorney, who within ten (10) days after receipt thereof, in consultation with the petitioner shall formulate a concise statement, posed as a positive question, not to exceed seventy-five (75) words, which shall express and give a true and impartial statement of the purpose of the measure. Such concise statement will be the ballot title.

(3) The petitioner then has one-hundred-twenty (120) days to collect the signatures of the registered voters in the County equal in number to at least fifteen (15) percent of the votes cast in the County in the last gubernatorial election. Each petition shall contain the full text of the proposed measure, ordinance or amendment to an ordinance and the ballot title.

(4) The County Auditor shall verify the sufficiency of the signatures on the petition and, if it is validated, submit the proposal to the people at the next general election that is at least one hundred and twenty (120) days after the registering of the petition.

(5) The County Council may choose to enact the proposal without change or amendment. If the County Council does not adopt the proposed measure and adopts a substitute measure concerning the same subject matter, the substitute proposal shall be placed on the same ballot with the initiative proposal.

(6) The voters shall be given the choice of accepting either or rejecting both. The voters shall then be given the choice of accepting one and rejecting the other.

If a majority of those voting on the first issue is for accepting either, then the measure receiving the majority of the votes cast on the second issue shall be deemed approved. If a majority of those voting on the first issue is for rejecting both, then neither measure shall be approved regardless of the vote on the second issue.

Section 6.23 – Initiative – Amend or Repeal

No ordinance enacted by power of initiative shall be amended or repealed by the County Council within two (2) years after enactment unless amended or repealed by a subsequent initiative or referendum.

Section 6.30 – Mini-Initiative

(1) Any ordinance or amendment to an existing ordinance may be proposed to the County Council by registering with the County Auditor initiative petitions bearing the signatures of qualified voters equal in number to at least three (3) percent of the number of votes cast in the County in the last gubernatorial election.

(2) Upon verifying the sufficiency of the signatures, the County Auditor shall transmit the initiative petition to the County Council, which shall hold a public hearing on the proposed ordinance and enact or reject the ordinance within sixty (60) days.

Section 6.31 – Mini-Initiative – Failed Initiative

If the proponents of an initiative fail to obtain the required number of signatures in the designated period but have sufficient signatures to qualify the proposal as a mini-initiative, the proposal, at the request of the proponents, shall be treated as a mini-initiative.

Section 6.40 – Referendum

(1) The people reserve for themselves the power of referendum.

(2) The referendum may be ordered on any ordinance, or any part thereof passed by the County Council except such ordinances as may be necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health or safety.

(3) Upon signature validation of a referendum petition, the measure passed by the County Council will be rendered ineffective pending the outcome of the referendum procedure. The signature validation of a referendum petition against one or more items, sections or parts of any ordinance will not delay the remainder of the measure from taking effect.

Section 6.41 – Referendum – Procedures

(1) Any legal voter or organization of legal voters of San Juan County may file a referendum proposal, against any enacted ordinance or portion thereof, with the County Auditor. The proposal shall be presented to the County Auditor within forty-five (45) days after the ordinance is passed by the County Council.

(2) Within five (5) working days, the County Auditor shall confer with the petitioner to review the proposal as to form and style. The County Auditor shall register the referendum by giving the referendum proposal a number, which shall thereafter be the identifying number for the measure.

(3) The County Auditor shall then transmit a copy of the proposal to the Prosecuting Attorney, who within ten (10) days after receipt thereof, shall formulate a concise statement, posed as a question, not to exceed seventy-five (75) words, which shall express and give a true and impartial statement of the measure being referred. Such concise statement will be the ballot title.

(4) The petitioner then has one hundred and twenty (120) days to collect the signatures of registered voters of the County equal in number to at least fifteen (15) percent of the number of votes cast in the County in the last gubernatorial election. Each petition shall contain the full text of the measure being referred and the ballot title.

(5) The County Auditor shall verify the sufficiency of the signatures on the petition and if validated, submit the measure to the people at the next general election that is at least one hundred and twenty (120) days after the registering of the petitions.

Section 6.50 – Numbering System

The County Auditor, when assigning numbers to initiatives, referendums and mini-initiatives, shall use a separate sequential series for each category. No number shall be reissued once used.

Section 6.60 – Recall

The people further reserve the power of recall as provided in the Constitution and the laws of the State of Washington.

Section 6.70 – Implementation by Ordinance

The County Council shall enact ordinances to promote the carrying out of the provisions of this Article.

ARTICLE 7 – FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION

Section 7.05 – Budget Cycle

In lieu of adopting an annual budget, the County Council may adopt an ordinance providing for a biennial budget cycle with a mid-biennium review and modification for the second year of the biennium. The County Council may repeal such an ordinance and revert to adopting annual budgets for a period commencing after the end of the biennial budget cycle. The County Council may adopt supplemental and emergency budgets in the same manner and subject to the same conditions as if the County had an annual budget cycle.

In lieu of adopting an annual budget, or a biennial budget with a mid-biennium review for all funds, the County Council may adopt an ordinance or a resolution providing for a biennial budget or budgets for any one or more funds for the County, with mid-biennium review and modifications for the second year of the biennium with the other funds remaining on an annual budget. The County Council may repeal such an ordinance or resolution and revert to adopting annual budgets for a period commencing after the end of the biennial budget or biennial budgets for the specific agency fund or funds. The County Council with a biennial budget cycle may adopt supplemental and emergency budgets in the same manner and subject to the same conditions as the County Council adopting an annual budget cycle.

The procedures and steps for adopting a biennial budget and mid-biennium review shall conform with the procedure and steps for adopting an annual budget and with requirements established by the state auditor. The authority and procedures for biennial budgets will be consistent with RCW 36.40.250, as amended. (Added by voters at November 5, 2019 election)

Section 7.10 – Presentation and Adoption of Budgets

(1) At least seventy-five (75) days prior to the end of each budget cycle, the County Auditor shall present to the County Council a complete budget, proposed current expense and capital budget appropriation resolutions, and proposed tax and revenue resolutions necessary to raise sufficient revenues to balance the budget.

(2) At least fifteen (15) days prior to the end of the budget cycle, the County Council shall adopt appropriation, tax and revenue resolutions for the next budget cycle. (Amended by voters at November 5, 2019 election)

Section 7.20 – Budget Information

At least one hundred thirty-five (135) days prior to the end of each budget cycle, all departments and agencies of County government shall submit to the County Auditor information necessary to prepare the budget, as requested by the County Auditor. (Amended by voters at November 5, 2019 election)

Section 7.30 – Contents of Budget

(1) The budget shall:

(a) Include all funds, revenues and reserves; be divided into categories, projects, and objects of expense and include supporting data deemed advisable by the County Auditor or required by ordinance;

(b) Indicate as to each category, project or object of expense, the actual expenditures of the preceding budget cycle, the estimated expenditures for the current budget cycle and requested appropriations for the next budget cycle;

(c) Include proposed capital improvement programs for the next six (6) fiscal years.

(2) The expenditures included in the budget for the ensuing budget cycle shall not exceed the estimated revenues, surpluses and reserves. (Amended by voters at November 5, 2019 election)

Section 7.40 – Budget Message

A draft budget message shall be prepared jointly by the County Council and the County Auditor, and shall explain the budget in fiscal terms and in terms of the goals to be accomplished and shall relate the requested appropriations to the comprehensive plans of the County. The budget message shall be approved by the County Council prior to distribution.

Section 7.41 – Copies of the Budget

Copies of the budget and budget message shall be delivered to the County Manager and each County Council member. The budget message and supporting tables shall be furnished to any interested person upon request for a reasonable fee as established by ordinance and shall be available for public inspection from the time the budget message is delivered.

Section 7.50 – Budget Review

Within six (6) weeks following the end of each quarterly period during the budget cycle, and more often if required, the County Auditor shall submit to the County Council, a written report showing the relation between the estimated income and expenses and actual income and expenses to date. If it shall appear that the income is less than anticipated, the County Council may reduce appropriations, except amounts required to meet contractual obligations and for debt, interest and other fixed charges, to such a degree as may be necessary to keep expenditures within the cash income. (Amended by voters at November 5, 2019 election)

Section 7.60 – Consideration and Adoption of the Budget

(1) Prior to the adoption of any appropriation ordinances for the next budget cycle, the County Council shall hold public hearings to consider the proposed budget.

(2) The County Council shall consider the budget in detail and may make any revisions or additions as it deems advisable (RCW 36.40.050).

(3) The appropriation ordinances adopted by the County Council shall not exceed the estimated revenues of the County for the next budget cycle for each fund including surpluses and reserves.

(4) The County Council may increase the amount of the estimated revenues contained in the budget presented by the County Auditor by re-estimating the amount by passing a motion to that effect or by creating additional sources of revenue which were not included in the proposed tax and revenue ordinances.

(5) Once the budget has been approved, the funds shall be expended as per RCW 36.40.100. (Amended by voters at November 5, 2019 election)

Section 7.70 – Additional Appropriations

Additional funds may be appropriated by contingency or emergency appropriations.

Section 7.71 – Contingency Appropriations

The budget ordinance shall include contingency funds, which shall not be expended unless the County Auditor certifies in writing that sufficient funds are available and the County Council adopts an additional appropriation ordinance. (Amended by voters at November 5, 2019 election)

Section 7.72 – Emergency Appropriations

The County Council may adopt an emergency appropriation ordinance, which may appropriate contingency funds, revenues received in excess of the revenues estimated in the budget and funds from any other source available to the County in an emergency. (Amended by voters at November 5, 2019 election)

ARTICLE 8 – PERSONNEL SYSTEM

Section 8.10 – Purpose

The County Council shall, by ordinance, establish and maintain a personnel system for the County.

Section 8.20 – Exemptions

The provisions of this Article shall apply to all County positions except:

(a) Independent Contractors.

(b) All volunteer members of boards and commissions appointed by the Legislative Body [County Council] or County Administrator [Manager].

(c) All elected County officers.

(d) Other persons as may become necessary as determined by the County Council.

Section 8.30 – Compensation

Compensation for County Elected Officials shall be commensurate with their duties and shall be set by a duly appointed Citizens’ Salary Commission (RCW 36.17.024).

ARTICLE 9 – CHARTER REVIEW AND AMENDMENT

Section 9.10 – Charter Review Commission

As provided in this Article, this Charter shall be reviewed periodically by a Charter Review Commission (hereinafter referred to as the CRC).

Section 9.11 – Duties

The CRC shall review the Charter to determine its adequacy and suitability to the needs of the County and may propose amendments. The CRC may also make recommendations to the County Council and publish its findings.

Section 9.20 – Election Procedures and Period of Office

(1) The County Council shall cause an election of a CRC in 2020 and at least every ten (10) years thereafter provided that the CRC election is held in an even numbered year.

(a) The CRC shall consist of fifteen to twenty-five (15-25) persons. The number of CRC members for each County Council Residency District shall be apportioned according to the population distribution in each County Council Residency District.

(b) Candidates for the CRC must be residents of the county and registered voters of the district in which they run and have been registered voters in the County for at least five (5) years preceding their election.

(c) There shall be no filing fee nor shall there be a primary. The qualified voters of the respective districts shall vote only for candidates from their district at the general election. Candidates’ names shall appear on all ballots as drawn by lot.

(d) The member of the CRC who receives the greatest number of votes shall convene the first CRC meeting.

(e) The term of office shall be the shorter of one (1) year or when final recommendations are submitted to the Legislative Body [County Council] for referral to the voters.

(f) The CRC shall meet at such times and in such places as it deems appropriate upon having given public notice.

Section 9.21 – Vacancy

If any person elected to the CRC dies, resigns, or misses four consecutive regular meetings for any reason, that person shall have vacated his or her position, whereupon the CRC shall fill the position with the vote runner-up from the same district within fifteen days of that vacation, or the seat may be left vacant, by a majority vote of the CRC.

Section 9.22 – Expenditures

(1) The County Council shall provide to the CRC reasonable funds, facilities and services appropriate to an elected County agency. Provisions shall be made in the budget for the expenditures of the CRC during its scheduled term of office.

(2) Members of the CRC shall serve without salary, except that they shall be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

Section 9.30 – Charter Amendment – General Provisions

Charter amendments may be proposed by the CRC, the County Council or by the public.

Section 9.31 – Charter Amendment – Procedures

(1) Any proposed Charter amendment shall be filed and registered with the County Auditor and submitted to the voters at the next November general election occurring at least ninety (90) days after registration of the proposed amendment with the County Auditor.

(2) In submitting any amendment of the Charter to the voters, any alternate article or proposition may be presented for the choice of the voters and may be voted on separately without prejudice to others. An amendment which embraces a single or inter-related subject may be submitted as a single proposition even though it is composed of changes to one or more Articles.

(3) If a proposed amendment is approved by a majority of the voters voting on the issues, it shall be effective ten (10) days after the results of the election are certified, unless a later date is specified in the petition or ordinance proposing the amendment.

(4) Any implementing ordinance required by any Charter amendment shall be enacted by the County Council within one hundred and eighty (180) days after the amendment is effective, unless the amendment provides otherwise.

Section 9.32 – Amendments by the Charter Review Commission

The CRC may propose amendments to the Charter by filing such proposed amendments with the County Council who shall submit the amendment to the voters at the next November general election at least ninety (90) days after the filing and registration of the amendments.

Section 9.33 – Amendments by the Public

The public may propose amendments to the Charter by:

(a) Registering with the County Auditor an initiative petition bearing the signatures of registered voters of the County equal in number to at least fifteen (15) percent of the number of votes cast in the County in the last gubernatorial election.

(b) Signatures shall be registered not more than one hundred twenty (120) days following filing of the petition with the County Auditor, who shall submit the amendments to the voters.

(i) The one hundred and twenty (120) day period shall begin upon receipt of official notification to petitioner(s) by the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office either by certified mail or messenger.

(ii) If the last day for collecting signatures falls on a weekend or legal holiday, then the one hundred and twenty (120) day period shall extend to the end of the next business day.

Section 9.34 – Amendments by the County Council

(1) The County Council may propose amendments to the Charter by enacting an ordinance to submit a proposed amendment to the voters at the next November general election occurring at least ninety (90) days after enactment.

(2) The County Council by unanimous vote of the entire County Council may effect amendments to the language of the Charter where the passage of time has rendered language moot or obsolete. Such changes shall be made by ordinance, and have a public hearing.

Section 9.40 – Repeal of Charter

Any proposal to repeal this Charter shall include provisions for transition.

ARTICLE 10 – GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 10.10 – Severability and Construction

The provisions of this Charter are severable. If any provision should be declared unconstitutional or inapplicable, it shall not affect the constitutionality or applicability of any other provision of this Charter.

Section 10.20 – Purchasing, Contracts, Claims, and Bonds

(1) The County Council shall establish, by ordinance, procedures for purchasing supplies, services, materials and equipment, the awarding of contracts, the processing of claims, and the sale or refunding of bonds. The ordinance shall provide when bids shall be required and how invitations for bids shall be advertised.

(2) All purchases, contracts and bonds subject to bid procedures shall be advertised and, unless all bids are rejected, shall be awarded on the basis of sealed bidding to the lowest responsible bidder.

Section 10.30 – Franchises

All franchises granted by the County Council shall be for fixed term not to exceed twenty-five (25) years, and no exclusive franchise shall be granted for the use of any street, road or public place.

Section 10.40 – Public Disclosure

Public disclosure of financial interest of elected public officials shall be governed by general law.

Section 10.50 – Information Management

The County Manager shall establish procedures for maintaining a modern, efficient system for processing, maintaining and disposing of information and records; shall maintain a means to store and maintain, in retrievable manner, all County records which should not be destroyed and which are not necessary for the current operation of County government; and shall provide needed services for all branches of County government in a way that shall be deemed desirable for the efficient operation of the County government. These procedures shall be in compliance with general law and shall affect all departments of the County, elective or appointed.

Section 10.60 – Non-Discrimination

(1) In the exercise of its powers and in the performance of its duties, the county shall ensure that no person is discriminated against in hiring and conditions of employment, compensation, or termination of county officers or employees, or in the treatment of residents and visitors in the provision of government services on account of sex, race, color, national origin, religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, body type, age except by minimum age and retirement provisions, status as a care provider for dependents, military status, or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. The County Council, department heads, and elected officials shall take all steps necessary to accomplish the purposes of this section consistent with the county, state and federal constitutions, laws, and regulations.

(2) In the contracting of professional services with any person, firm, organization, corporation, or other non-governmental entity, the County shall ensure adherence to the grounds listed in clause (1). For the purchase of goods, and those services and goods acquired through cooperative purchasing, the County should direct vendors to adhere to clause (1) to the maximum extent possible. This restriction does not apply to contracts and grant agreements with public entities.