Executive Constantine announces new funding to prevent spread of hepatitis A
As urban areas across the United States grapple with hepatitis A outbreaks affecting people experiencing homelessness, Executive Constantine announced he is allocating $375,000 in new funding to expand free hepatitis A vaccinations to help prevent outbreaks in King County.
In April, a King County man living without permanent housing was diagnosed with the disease, heightening concerns about the possibility of a local outbreak. Hepatitis A is highly contagious and can cause severe liver disease.
Since 2017, Public Health – Seattle & King County has held dozens of free vaccine clinics for people experiencing homelessness. This new funding will allow Public Health to intensify and expand hepatitis A vaccination efforts to help reduce the risk for large scale outbreaks.
Read more in the official press release.
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Pet of the Week: Charlie
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC
Looking for a spirited, fun-loving guy? Our Pet of the Week could be the one for you!
Charlie is a young pittie mix looking for his forever home. His personality color is “Rambunctious Red.” He’s still working on his manners, so he will do best with a family who is willing to work with him and help him become the best dog he can be!
Charlie is a very smart boy who already knows “sit” and “shake” and would love to learn more. This fun guy has lots of energy and just loves to run around and play. He is also very affectionate and loves hanging out with his favorite people.
Read more from Tails from RASKC
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Employee Discount: Seattle Sounders FC vs. Sporting Kansas City, August 4 and Employee Day at the Races, July 21
King County employees can get discounted tickets to the Seattle Sounders FC vs. Sporting Kansas City at 7 p.m. on Sunday, August 4, at CenturyLink Field. Click here to buy tickets. All fans will receive their tickets via email 48 hours before the event. Questions? Contact Marco Rodriguez at 206-512-1257 or MarcoR@soundersfc.com.
Employees and one guest will receive free admission to Emerald Downs Racetrack Sunday, July 21 for the King County Express Stakes, which includes the Fiesta Premio Esmeralda. Employees must show their King County ID at any of the 12 gates, which will provide the employee and one guest tickets that include free admission, official program and tip sheet, and chips and soda. Children 17 and under get in free. Read more.
See all available discounts on the Employee Discount webpage.
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Learn how to boost your retirement savings
You and your spouse or significant other are invited to learn more about saving for retirement with the King County Deferred Compensation Plan.
Several in-person sessions are coming up July 30, July 31, and Aug. 1. See details and registration. Other education sessions are offered throughout the year.
For more information about Deferred Compensation Plan education—including webinars—go to the Deferred Compensation web page.
If you have any questions, please contact KC Deferred Comp.
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Supporting coworkers and setting high standards, Metro’s 2019 ‘Vehicle Maintenance Employee of the Year’ leads by example
Crossposted from Metro Matters
Pictured: Frank Wood is presented with the “Vehicle Maintenance Employee of the Year” certificate by General Manager Rob Gannon.
In just seven years at King County Metro, Frank Wood has established himself as the kind of coworker his fellow mechanics want to have around.
His supportive attitude and willingness to mentor new mechanics has inspired others and is a large part of why Wood was recently honored as Metro’s Vehicle Maintenance Employee of the Year for 2019.
Wood accepted the award at East Base in front of family, coworkers, supervisors, and King County General Manager Rob Gannon.
“Frank Wood has set a standard that his fellow mechanics look up to and that is why we are here today. He is an integral member of his base team – reliable and positive in his work,” General Manager Gannon said. “His willingness to mentor new mechanics really strengthens and knits together the maintenance team and inspires others and shows why he is so deserving of this recognition. All of us at King County Metro value Frank’s service and dedication.”
Read more from Metro Matters
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Exec bikes Cedar River Trail, meets with employees
King County Executive Dow Constantine recently rode 10 miles on Cedar River Trail, a 17.4-mile paved multi-use trail that runs along Cedar River from Landsburg to Lake Washington, as part of his 100 miles in 100 days through King County Parks.
On the way back, he stopped at Cavanaugh Pond where King County staff updated him on a major floodplain project that will protect property and improve salmon habitat.
“We are very fortunate in this region to have those kinds of resources like a regional trail network, and those who came before us had the foresight to set these resources aside, to develop them, to protect them, to maintain them,” Executive Constantine said at the trail. “So that today we can enjoy it, and [we] have an obligation, I think, to keep building on that legacy.”
Watch the video below.
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Volunteer in your community with King County
Did you know that King County has many unique volunteer opportunities ranging from animal services to tackling climate change, and much more? Not only that, many employees can use up to three days of sick leave to give back to those causes.
Volunteering with King County is an opportunity to give back to causes right here in your community. Volunteer opportunities include planting trees as part of King County’s effort to plant 1 Million Trees by 2020 to reduce carbon pollution; volunteering with Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) or temporarily fostering an animal, remove invasive weeds, and even volunteering with Marymoor Park during their summer concert series to help concert goers recycle, compost, and keep the venue litter-free.
Employees covered by the Master Labor Agreement with the King County Coalition of Unions, other collective bargaining units that have ratified this option, and all non-represented employees can use up to three days of sick leave per year to volunteer with organizations that participate in the Employee Giving Program, including RASKC and King County Parks Foundation.
This benefit makes it easier for employees to give back.
“We are an employer that invests in our employees so that they can make a difference at work and in our communities,” Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams said. Whatever your passion, you can use this benefit to support organizations that share your passion.”
To learn more about King County’s volunteer opportunities, how to get involved or register a nonprofit, check out the volunteer web portal.
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The Water Taxi and Kitsap Fast Ferry will remain in service the week of July 22-28
The King County Water Taxi and Kitsap Fast Ferry will remain in service the week of July 22-28. The scheduled temporary suspension of sailings on those dates has been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date. The King County Water Taxi and Kitsap Fast Ferry look forward to providing service from the new facility as soon as work is completed. We apologize for the inconvenience and we will update you on changes as soon as possible.
You can also visit your Employee Transportation Program (ETP) for information about your transportation benefits as a King County employee. While you’re browsing, make sure to view the brief video on the first page.
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Water Taxi and Kitsap Fast Ferries out of service July 22-28 for move to new terminal
UPDATED 7/18/2019
The Water Taxi and Kitsap Fast Ferry will remain in service the week of July 22-28
The King County Water Taxi and Kitsap Fast Ferry will remain in service the week of July 22-28. The scheduled temporary suspension of sailings on those dates has been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date. The King County Water Taxi and Kitsap Fast Ferry look forward to providing service from the new facility as soon as work is completed. We apologize for the inconvenience and we will update you on changes as soon as possible.
You can also visit your Employee Transportation Program (ETP) for information about your transportation benefits as a King County employee. While you’re browsing, make sure to view the brief video on the first page.
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Due to the Seattle dock closure, neither Kitsap Fast Ferries nor King County Water Taxi will operate service during the week of July 22. These services are anticipated to resume on Monday, July 29.
How to get around while Kingston Fast Ferry is suspended
During the service disruption, King County employees who typically ride the Bremerton Fast Ferry can ride WSF’s Bremerton-Seattle service; those who ride the Kingston Fast Ferry can ride WSF’s Bainbridge-Seattle service.
To pay for their WSF fare, King County employees who are currently using the Kitsap Fast Ferries should see a Kitsap Transit Marine Services Ambassador inside the main WSF terminal at Colman Dock in Seattle to obtain a free ticket to ride WSF.
How to get around while Water Taxi service is suspended
While Water Taxi service is suspended, as a King County employee, you may use your ID/ORCA card and use one or more of the following options for free:
- Buses:
- Metro’s RapidRide C Line and routes 21, 37, 55, 56, 57, 120 and 125 connect West Seattle to downtown Seattle.
- Route 116 connects the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal to downtown Seattle during weekday peak commuting hours.
- Routes 118 and 119 connect Vashon Island, the Vashon Ferry Terminal and West Seattle to downtown Seattle.
- Route 128 connects the Admiral District, Morgan Junction, High Point, Delridge, South Seattle College and White Center areas with the West Seattle Junction.
- Water Taxi shuttle routes 773 and 775 will continue to operate on their regular schedules during the closure, connecting West Seattle riders to the West Seattle Junction and Alki Beach.
- Link light rail:
- Metro Route 50 connects West Seattle to Link light rail at SODO Station.
- Ride2 West Seattle
- Ride2 West Seattle is a new on-demand service for people who live or work in West Seattle. It provides rides to and from Metro buses at the Alaska Junction.
Plan your trip today.
To read more about Water Taxi message, click here.
To read more about Kitsap Fast Ferries message, click here.
You can also visit your Employee Transportation Program (ETP) for information about your transportation benefits as a King County employee. While you’re browsing, make sure to view the brief video on the first page.
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State retirement plan contributions increased July 1
Employee and employer contribution rates for the following retirement plans changed on July 1, 2019, as approved by the State Legislature.
The PERS employer rate increased to 12.86% for PERS plan 3 and PERS JBM plans 1 and 3.
The new contribution amounts will be deducted from your second paycheck in July:
- If you are paid every other Thursday, your new contribution will appear on your July 25 paycheck.
- If you are paid on the 5th and 20th of the month, your new contribution will appear on your July 19 paycheck.
If you have any questions about the rate change, please contact the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) at 800-547-6657 or recep@drs.wa.gov. More information is available on the DRS website at www.drs.wa.gov.
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