Records Management reminder: Every county employee has a responsibility to manage records

As government employees, managing records is a job requirement for each of us. It is not just a role assigned to admin folks; it is a part of all jobs, including those at every level of county government.

If you’re curious about what those basic responsibilities are, we encourage you to take the Basic Records Management online training.

The online class takes just 15 minutes to complete, can be taken anywhere with internet access, and can be retaken at any time. Some of the basics are also described in these documents:

For more information, visit the County Records and Information Management Program’s website or contact them at records.management@kingcounty.gov. The County Records and Information Management Program (CRIMP), in the Department of Executive Services, provides guidance, resources, and training to all King County employees to assist them with managing King County’s public records according to state and local legal requirements and best practices.

How to use your King County ID/ORCA transit benefits

As a King County employee, your employee ID/ORCA card grants you access to King County facilities and opens up a world of public transit options in our region through the Employee Transportation Program (ETP). Buses, light rail, Sounder trains, the Seattle Streetcar and passenger ferries/water taxis provide reliable, consistent, and relaxing ways to get to work.

See how to use your ID/ORCA card in the video below. Whether it’s bus, rail, or boat, find out more about your transit options at kingcounty.gov/ETP.

For more information on employee safety programs and resources, check out the Safety, Security, and Emergency Preparedness Homepage (employee access only).

Updates on the new pharmacy benefits manager for Regence medical plans

On Jan. 1, 2026, Ventegra began managing the pharmacy benefits for employees and family members enrolled in the KingCare and KingCare Select (Regence) medical plans. Please note the following updates and reminders about this change.

  • New ID cards are coming. The Ventegra member ID cards sent with the Welcome Kit in January had a printing quality issue. Although the information is correct, it is somewhat difficult to read. The ID cards have been reprinted and will mail soon to all members.
  • Most local pharmacies are in network. Nearly all retail pharmacies in Washington are part of the Ventegra network. You can use the Ventegra Pharmacy Locator to make sure your current pharmacy is in network. Then show your Ventegra ID card to your pharmacist when you get your next refill or new prescription.
  • Receive mail-order prescriptions from Costco. Mail-order prescriptions are filled by Costco Mail Order Pharmacy. A Costco membership is not needed. You can get a 90-day supply of many medications delivered to your home for the price of two monthly copays. Set up an account at Costco.com or call 800-607-6861.
  • Pick up a 90-day supply of medication at a local pharmacy. Ventegra allows you to pick up a 90-day supply of maintenance medications at many retail pharmacy stores for the cost of two monthly copays. A 90-day supply is offered by most Ventegra network pharmacies except CVS and Walgreens, which limit purchases to 30-day supplies
  • Specialty medications are filled by Costco Specialty Services. Prescriptions for specialty medications are handled by Costco Specialty Services. For more information, contact Costco Specialty Services at 855-213-0070. If Costco Specialty Services doesn’t have your medication on file, it may not be considered a specialty drug on the Ventegra Premium Formulary (several medications considered specialty by CVS are not considered specialty under Ventegra). You can purchase non-specialty drugs at any network pharmacy. You will need to ask your doctor to send your non-specialty prescription to your preferred pharmacy.
  • Contact the Ventegra Customer Care Team:

If you have additional questions, contact the King County Benefits Team at 206-684-1556 or KC Benefits.

Undersheriff Jesse Anderson retires after almost 35 years

Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office Employee Newsletter

Laughter filled the room as friends, colleagues, and loved ones gathered to celebrate Undersheriff Jesse Anderson and his remarkable career with the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO).

The event brought together former and current KCSO members, leaders from several area law enforcement agencies, and King County Councilmember Sarah Perry, creating a meaningful reunion centered on stories, shared memories, and heartfelt appreciation.

Jesse’s impact was evident in every smile and story told. His dedication, leadership, and kindness have left a lasting mark on the department and the people he served.

While we’re excited for Jesse’s next chapter, he will be deeply missed. Thank you, Jesse, for your service to the people of King County.

To watch his farewell video, click here.

Executive thanks employees for keeping public safe during Seahawks parade

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay recently thanked King County staff for their dedication and service during the Seahawks parade yesterday.

“Thank you to the Seahawks for bringing so much joy and energy to our city, region, and state!

Thank you also to all of our King County staff for keeping us safe and moving. Team members from Metro, Sound Transit, the Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management, and more were working over time alongside city staff to make sure everything went smoothly.

Today was a very special day. I hope you enjoyed it with your loved ones.”

View the full post here.

Executive Zahilay Signs New Executive Order to Strengthen Protections and Support for King County’s Immigrant and Refugee Communities

On Feb. 12, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay signed a new Executive Order to strengthen protections and increase emergency resources for King County’s immigrant and refugee communities impacted by the increase in federal immigration enforcement activities. 

In January, Executive Zahilay hosted four immigration roundtable convenings in North, Central, South, and East King County to hear from leaders in immigrant and refugee communities about challenges they were facing and resources needed.

The Executive Order, the first in Executive Zahilay’s administration, was informed by the feedback shared at the convenings.

“Every resident who calls King County home, regardless of their citizenship status, deserves safety, dignity, and to live without fear or intimidation,” said Executive Zahilay. Read more.

Enjoy up to 25% off at 1-800-Flowers.com

King County employees can now get up to 25% off flowers and gifts for Valentine’s Day through 1-800-Flowers.com. Make a loved one feel as special as they are with beautiful bouquets, decadent chocolates, gourmet gift baskets, and sentimental keepsakes.

Visit 1800flowers.com/corporatemembers and use promo code PERKSPICK at checkout. Enjoy up to 25% off select flowers and gifts, plus 20% off everything else.

See all available discounts on the Employee Discount intranet page.

Use your King County benefits to safely commute to work

King County offers employees a variety of safe commute options to help you arrive at your destination with confidence through the Employee Transportation Program (ETP). Your King County employee ID badge doubles as an ORCA card. One tap of your card pays your fare on the following regular services:

Take free, unlimited trips on regional transit, any day, any time, for any reason! Learn more about your King County Employee Transportation Program commuter benefits in this video below or visit kingcounty.gov/ETP for more information.

For more information on employee safety programs and resources, check out the Safety, Security, and Emergency Preparedness Homepage (employee access only).

Changes for Fleet motor pool drivers in downtown garages 

Do you use any of Fleet’s motor pool vehicles based in downtown Seattle? If you drive motor pool vehicles in either Goat Hill Garage or King Street Center, read on for some important updates.

The Goat Hill Garage has been having some connectivity challenges and the License Plate Reader capability is currently down. Fleet has garage access cards for your use when driving a motor pool vehicle. Look for the small packets attached to the vehicle keys with an “S” shaped carabiner, making it easier to detach the packet from the keys to use at the gate of the garage. The packets, consist of the following:

  • Voyager Fuel Card
  • Goat Hill Garage Access Card (tap on the card readers with circles on them)
  • Information Card

King Street Center will be undergoing some construction, adding more Electric Vehicle charging stations on Level B where Fleet vehicles are parked. Starting Friday, Feb. 13, the Fleet vehicles will be moved to designated parking spaces on the ramp between Level A and Level B. The parking spaces will be specified in WeGo and located on the placard that hangs from the rearview mirror. Please park the vehicles in the correct spaces for the next customer using the vehicle. This is a temporary move until the new charging stations are completed this summer.

Deputy Abts-Olsen recognized by the Seattle City Attorney’s Office

Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office Employee Newsletter

Deputy Nic Abts-Olsen was recently recognized with a commendation from the Seattle City Attorney’s Office for his compassionate, trauma-informed response to a stalking victim who had recently relocated for safety.

Deputy Abts-Olsen took the victim’s concerns seriously, conducted a thorough investigation, coordinated directly with the City Attorney’s Office, and went above and beyond to help protect her sense of security. The victim later shared high praise for his care, professionalism, and dedication.

The Victim Advocate Supervisor also said “His initiative and compassion made a meaningful difference for this victim.”

Thank you, Deputy Abts-Olsen, for your outstanding work and for showing empathy and respect when it mattered most.