Election ballots have been mailed out

Your ballot is in the mail! Check your mailbox and if you haven’t received your ballot by Monday, October 21, give King County Elections a call at 206-296-VOTE. Not sure if you’re registered? Visit VoteWA.gov to register or update your registration information. Election Day is November 5 – now is a great time to make sure you’re ready to make your voice heard!

Sound Transit Police bike unit boosts system safety with increased visibility and flexibility

Crossposted from the Sound Transit Platform blog

You’re used to seeing security on our trains. But now you can see Sound Transit Police on bikes as well.

As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the safety of our riders, Sound Transit Police, a unit of the King County Sheriff’s Office, has formed a seven-officer bike team. The goal of the team is to increase law enforcement visibility throughout the system with extra presence in problem areas.

Because it is a flexible police resource, you might see the bike unit around any station. Using information from patrol deputies and crime analysts, the team looks for trends to deploy effectively and to be proactive, engaging with people and staying highly visible when on duty. Read more.

Celebrate education and literacy through the Annual Giving Drive

World Teachers’ Day is celebrated annually on October 5, a day dedicated to honoring the contributions of teachers around the world. Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the future by educating, inspiring, and guiding students. This is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges teachers face including underfunded education systems, overcrowded classrooms, and insufficient resources.

It’s also National Book Month! Join us in celebrating education and literacy through the Annual Giving Drive.

Read more to learn about few EGP nonprofits that work in these areas. To see the full list and discover more search online or PDF by service category.

Emergency Management staff participate in Tolt River dam failure exercise

Crossposted from the DES Express

Emergency Management staff participated in a full-scale dam failure exercise for the South Fork Tolt River Dam on Oct. 3.

The City of Seattle owns and operates the Tolt Reservoir and Dams, located 16 miles upstream from the City of Carnation on the South Fork Tolt River. The reservoir stores 57,900 acre-feet of water to supply about 30 to 40 percent of the drinking water for 1.6 million people in the metropolitan Seattle area. In the unlikely event of a dam failure, water from the reservoir may inundate the City of Carnation. Read more.

Pictured: Left to right, Emergency Management employees Edan Edmondson, Andrew Matthews, Debbie Hunt, and Travis Bilyeau at a tour of the South Fork Tolt Dam last month.

Carol Basile takes new role as Public Finance Officer

Crossposted from the DES Express

Carol Basile has accepted the newly created role of Public Finance Officer (PFO) for King County. This new position manages the county’s $5 billion debt and $11 billion investment functions and is part of the Finance and Business Operations Division (FBOD) management team.

“We created this position to ensure we have the appropriate leadership influence and oversight to manage our complex and rapidly expanding debt and investment programs,” said Ken Guy, FBOD director. “Carol is perfectly suited to step into this role given her financial and accounting expertise, her outstanding leadership skills, and her ability to partner with agencies and outside experts to advance our vision for the future.” Read more.

Get ready for Open Enrollment

Open Enrollment is just around the corner—Nov. 1–15. Many employees will have some significant benefit changes for next year. Look for information mailed recently to your home address and use the following resources to learn about your benefit choices for 2025.

If you have questions, contact or stop by the Benefits office:

  • Chinook Building, 2nd Floor
  • 401 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104
  • 206-684-1556 kc.benefits@kingcounty.gov
  • Closed on Veterans Day: Nov. 11

Discount to Seattle Sounders FC game, Oct. 19

King County employees can purchase discounted tickets to Decision Day/Rivalry Night, where the Sounders FC are taking on the Portland Timbers with the potential of knocking them out of a playoff spot. This opportunity is a “thank you” from the Sounders to employees who selflessly serve our communities.

The game is Saturday, Oct 19, at 6 p.m., with gates opening at 4:30 p.m. It will be held at Lumen Field, 800 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134.

Purchase tickets at this link, and for more information, view this flyer.

See all available employee discounts on the Employee Discount webpage.

Records Management Reminder: Records Management vs. Records Center vs. Archives

Within King County, there are three different programs organized within the Department of Executive Services, Records and Licensing Services (RALS) that provide services related to county records:

  • Records Management
  • Records Center
  • Archives

Records Management The countywide program that provides resources on how to manage public records over time. The Records Management Program provides guidance on records retention, provides training and guidance on records topics, and supports Content Manager (the countywide records management system).

Records Center The warehouse facility where physical county records are stored while they are still within their retention period and still owned by their initiating agency.

Archives The Archives holds and provides access to historical county records (both physical and electronic) that are designated archival on a retention schedule. Records at the Archives have met their retention and the legal custody has transferred to the Archives.

For more information, visit the county’s Records Management Program website or contact them at records.management@kingcounty.gov.  The Records Management Program, 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.

Fleet takes first deliveries of renewable diesel fuel

Crossposted from DES Express

To help the county reduce greenhouse gas emissions in county transportation, Fleet Services has begun transitioning county diesel vehicles to “renewable diesel.”

“We took our first deliveries at our first two locations,” on October 2, said Chauntelle Hellner, director of Fleet Services. The Renton fueling station received 9,000 gallons and the Black Diamond location received 3,000 gallons.

“We’re on the road. It’s in the works,” she added, explaining that other county facilities with diesel will transition to renewable diesel, or R99. Read more.

Small acts and big impacts with the Annual Giving Drive 

The King County Employee Giving Program (EGP) helps enrich communities and provides opportunities for people to thrive. The EGP’s Annual Giving Drive is a way for you to support a variety of causes ranging from arts, culture, and humanities to racial and social justice, and everything in between. If you are unsure where to start or what cause or organization to support, no problem. We aim to make it easier and more accessible for you to give because we know that small acts add up to big impacts! 

You can find EGP participating nonprofit organizations online or in the 2024 King County EGP Nonprofit Giving Guide. You can make your campaign pledge here. Pledge today and make a big impact for positive change. 

Check out the video below to learn more.