The atmospheric river and associated flooding events this month have impacted King County and other areas across Washington State in ways we have never experienced before. We hope you and your community are safe during this time. King County has created a series of resources and ways to deal with flood damage safely and effectively – go to kingcounty.gov/flood-recovery for more information. Read more.
Wishing our employees a happy healthy new year
Happy New Year to all our employees, their families, and the people of King County. May you have a happy, safe, and rewarding 2026!
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Career Connections: What does it take to become an airport firefighter?
Crossposted from the DES Express
Airport travelers rarely see them, but a specialized team of firefighter-deputies stands ready every day for the worst-case scenario: an aircraft emergency. The crew also responds to structure, vehicle and dumpster fires on and around airport property. Call volume is much lower than in a typical fire district, but the stakes are high.
Most emergencies are medical. About 70% of calls involve passengers, airport staff or contractors needing medical help, according to Clint Herman, a sergeant in the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting unit (ARFF) of the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO), based at King County International Airport-Boeing Field. Calls can also shift into problem-solving and customer service, such as helping with disabled aircraft that blocks a runway.
The sergeant said the most rewarding part of his job is the human side. Read more.
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King County to install temporary bridge at Baring Bridge site to restore reliable access for the community
Crossposted from King County Local
King County is taking swift action to restore reliable access and essential services for residents in northeast King County after historic storms and flooding damaged key transportation routes in December. To address urgent needs, the King County Department of Local Services’ Road Services Division and Finance and Business Operations Division have expedited a construction contract to install a temporary bridge just downstream from the historic Baring Bridge. The bridge over the South Fork Skykomish River serves as the only access point for about 170 properties. Read more.
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How King County got people out of harm’s way and better protected homes and infrastructure years before the current flooding
Crossposted from DNRP Field Notes
Major floodplain restoration projects completed in recent years by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks has reduced flood risks along the Green, Cedar, and Snoqualmie rivers, getting people out of harm’s way long before the current flooding began earlier this month.
Applying a multi-benefit approach to floodplain restoration has reduced flood risks for people, homes, and infrastructure while also improving habitat for fish and wildlife. The Department of Natural Resources and Parks has partnered with the independent King County Flood Control District to restore natural systems that absorb and slow the flow of rivers during floods in addition to offering home buyouts so residents in flood-prone areas can choose to relocate to safer ground, decreasing the need for emergency evacuations. Read more.
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Dec. 31 is the third payday of the month
Due to the New Year’s Day holiday, the next payday will be on Wednesday, Dec. 31. This will also be the third payday of the month. If you view your paystub in PeopleSoft, you may see that the net dollar amount of your Dec. 31 paycheck is larger because not all deductions are taken out. For example, Deferred Compensation, supplemental insurance premiums, Benefit Access Fees, and Employee Giving donations will not be deducted from this check.
Note: Next year, Deferred Compensation contributions will be deducted every pay period—even on three-payday months. To make changes to your Deferred Compensation Plan, contact T. Rowe Price at 888-457-5770.
While you are in in PeopleSoft, it’s a good time to complete the following important tasks:
- View or print your W-2 by choosing the Payroll tile and View W-2/W-2c Forms.
- Review your W-4 and make sure it’s up to date. You can update your W-4 by selecting the Payroll tile, then W-4 Tax Information.
- Check your personal information, and make sure it’s correct. Go to the Personal Details tile, make sure all items are current—especially your mailing address and email—and save any changes.
For more information about your paycheck, go to Payroll or speak with your department Payroll representative or timekeeper.
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Update on storm damage at Pet Adoption Center, limited operations to continue
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC
Unfortunately, the cat building at Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) sustained significant damage from falling trees during the recent storm and the structure has been deemed unsafe for occupancy. As a result, we have lost more than half of our available cat housing. This has a tremendous impact on our ability to help animals and serve our community. As a result, RASKC will temporarily adapt operations to focus our limited resources on priority situations where immediate intervention is necessary. Read more.
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Ringing in the New Year: King County Metro and regional transit agencies celebrate New Year’s Eve with free fares
Crossposted from Metro Matters
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay announced that Metro will join other regional transit agencies to provide free rides this New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31. Riders can travel without paying fares on King County Metro, Sound Transit, Community Transit, Everett Transit, Pierce Transit and the Seattle Streetcar as part of their holiday celebrations.
“Leaving the driving to us is becoming as great a New Year’s tradition as celebrating at the Space Needle,” Executive Zahilay said. “No matter where you plan to ring in the new year, you have access to free transit options to get you there!”
Regional transit agencies will operate on the following schedules to accommodate fare-free New Year’s Eve rides. Read more.
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Wishing all employees a joyful holiday season
Happy Holidays to all our employees and their loved ones. May you enjoy time together with joy and laughter. A special thank you to our employees who are working over the holiday. King County is grateful for your service.
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King County DNRP employees continue 24/7 flood response after rapid levee repairs, repurposing trails for emergency responders, treating 2 billion gallons of wastewater
Crossposted from DNRP Field Notes
In a wide range of actions that include rapid levee responses, operating the Flood Warning Program, repurposing trails to assist emergency responders, preparing transfer stations for a surge in debris, and treating more than 2 billion gallons of wastewater, King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks employees continue to contribute to a coordinated emergency response to the historic storm. Read more.
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