Independence Day holiday is Tuesday, July 4
Tuesday, July 4 is Independence Day, which means that King County government offices will be closed. All offices will be back on schedule Wednesday, July 5.
On July 4, most Metro Transit buses will operate on Sunday schedules with extra late-night services. There will not be an Employee Newsletter published on July 4.
If you have questions about your holiday schedule, please speak to your supervisor. Have a safe and healthy holiday.
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Emerald Downs racetrack discounts for employees July 9
King County employees and their families are invited to attend the Emerald Downs racetrack for King County Day on Sunday, July 9 for free admission.
Employees can pick up tickets at will call, and there is no need to reserve. There is also no limit, as long as the entire party arrives together. Employees will need to show proof of current employment, such as an employee badge or recent paystub.
Please contact Emerald Downs directly for more information. Their customer service number is: 253-288-7711.
As part of the Family Fun Weekend event, gates open at 9 a.m., and the first race of the day is at 2:15 p.m. Throughout the day from 1-5 p.m. children can also participate in several games and activities held in the park.
In addition to King County Day, other events at Emerald Downs this summer include Corgi Races, Premio Esmeralda Weekend which highlights the Latinx community, T-Rex Day, Wiener Dog and Wannabe races, and the final race of the season, Three Stakes on Closing Day.
Parking: Free general lot parking is available. Preferred parking is $10. There is no valet parking available. A shuttle bus service will be offered from parking lots to the main gates during live racing hours only. View more information here.
Seating: General admission bench and table seating is available throughout the track. Picnic tables and umbrella tables located on the track apron are also available. More seating information is available here.
- Adult ticket: $10
- Adult ticket and reserved Grandstand seat: $13
- Youth ticket: $5 ages 5-17-years-old. Ages 4 and under receive free admission and do not require a ticket.
For more information, visit the Emerald Downs website.
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WA Cares Fund deduction to show on July 6 paystub
The mandatory payroll tax for the state’s new WA Cares Fund long-term care insurance program will begin on your July 6 paycheck. The premium is 0.58% of gross wages (58 cents per $100). The initial maximum value of the benefit will be $36,500 (adjusted annually for inflation).
The WA Cares Fund deduction will appear on your paystub, as shown below, in the Taxes section under the description “WA LTC/EE.” Note, also in this section are deductions for Washington’s mandatory Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, which began in 2019. PFML deductions are split into two parts and appear on your paystub as “WA MLI/EE” (for medical) and “WA FLI/EE” (for family coverage).
WA Cares Fund exemptions
Some employees may be eligible for a permanent or conditional exemption from the WA Cares Fund. To learn more, go to Exemptions. If you are approved for an exemption by the state, send a copy of your exemption letter and your nine-digit PeopleSoft ID# by email to WA.CARES.Exemption.Letters@kingcounty.gov or by U.S. mail to Central Payroll WA CARES, 401 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104.
If you already submitted your approved exemption letter to King County, you should have received a confirmation email from King County Central Payroll. No further action is required.
WA Cares payroll deductions are non-refundable.
More information
King County does not administer any part of the WA Cares Fund beyond collecting premiums via payroll deduction and reporting employee pay and hours to the ESD. For more information about the program, Contact the WA Cares Fund or go to Learn More.
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Sun safety tips
As we all know, our region does not get year-round sun. It seems like every year when summer arrives, we rush outside to get the much-needed sun we’ve been missing. Whether you are enjoying your summer activities or exposed to sun during your workday, don’t forget to follow these sun safety tips to keep you cool and safe:
- Wear sunscreen: No matter your skin type, sunscreen helps protect you from damage caused by UV rays. Cover all exposed areas of your body with an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen.
- Wear appropriate clothing: Choose lightweight, light colored and loose-fitting clothing. Consider a hat or glasses to keep the sun out of your eyes.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluid throughout the day (even if you are not thirsty).
- Stay cool: Consider buying a fan or AC unit early in the summer to have when needed. Keep blinds closed on hot days and take breaks in cool areas if spending a lot of time outside in hot weather.
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How to prepare for an early and long 2023 wildfire season
Cross-posted from Public Health Insider
Since 2017, rising temperatures and dryer conditions have created a health risk we’re learning to expect in the Pacific Northwest – wildfire smoke season.
This year, wildfire smoke is forecast to start early in King County and last into fall. Record-setting forest fires have already darkened skies in Canada and the eastern U.S., and our region is set to be next. By preparing now, you can help to protect your and your family’s lungs, heart, and health from smoke. Read more.
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Meet the new Crisis Care Centers Initiative planning team
Cross-posted from Cultivating Connections
In April, more than 56 percent of King County voters approved the Crisis Care Centers levy. This is a generational opportunity to improve the behavioral health system and deliver care to King County residents. The core components of this initative include crisis care, walk-in services, and residential treatment, in addition to strengthening this critical workforce.
King County has brought on three new employees to help lead the implementation process and serve as planning team leads in the next phase of this work. Get to know them here.
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King County first in the nation to order new hybrid fire truck
King County International Airport-Boeing Field (KCIA) will be the first airport in the nation to receive a Striker Volterra 6×6 Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) hybrid electric fire engine after finalizing purchase details with Oshkosh Airport Products, a division of Pierce Manufacturing Inc. The new rig complements the airport’s existing diesel-powered firefighting vehicles also made by Oshkosh Airport Products and will allow the airport to retire its oldest diesel fire truck.
“Climate change is an urgent global crisis that requires us all to do our part, in ways large and small, to shrink our carbon footprint,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. Read more.
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King County receives Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award for support of National Guard and Reserve
King County has been honored with a 2023 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award in recognition of its support of National Guard and Reserve members.
Only 15 recipients were selected for the award, which is the highest recognition given by the U.S. government to small and large private and public sector employers for their exceptional support of employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. Read more.
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Focus on values: We are racially just
“We are racially just” is a core value of King County government because to reach our True North – a welcoming community where every person can thrive – we must achieve racial justice. Only by achieving racial justice can we, together, experience the peace, power, and prosperity needed to truly thrive. Watch the video here and below.
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Administrative Professionals Program quarterly recognitions
Do you know an administrative professional you’d like to recognize for the outstanding work they do? The Administrative Professionals Program holds quarterly recognitions for the County’s administrative employees who contribute to the success of every department every day.
The upcoming recognitions will cover April-June, 2023, and will be posted by July 12. To recognize an administrative professional, please fill out the form here by June 30.
Employee News 