SNOM phones replacement project 

KCIT is completing the SNOM phone replacement project that began at the beginning of this year. Since January, more than 1,200 devices manufactured by SNOM have been replaced.   There may still more SNOM phones around King County yet to be found, and KCIT needs help locating them. Employees are asked to check their workspaces, and if any of these phones are found in service or sitting around as a spare, contact KCIT at the number below or send an email to ZZGrp, KCIT Production Ops UCM with subject line “SNOM REPLACEMENT.” KCIT will arrange for… Read More

Pet of the Week: Hershey 

 Crossposted from Tails from RASKC  We have a sweet one for Pet of the Week: meet Hershey!  This young girl was brought in by her previous owner because they had too many cats. Hershey can be pretty shy at first, but when she knows that she can trust you she will melt in your arms! Her personality color is “Bashful Blue,” meaning she is a gentle and loving cat who likes to take things slow.  Read more at Tails from RASKC

Kudos! Water Taxi receives rave from Seattle Times readers  

This piece was featured at the top of the Seattle Times’ Rant and Raves list for October 20, 2018. Kudos to our efficient King County Water Taxi!  “RAVE I’ve had many opportunities to interact with the King County Water Taxi crews this year, mostly going to and from Sounders and Mariners games. They are always efficient, polite, and have a great way of making sure everyone gets aboard before taking off — and yet are never late!”

King County tax transparency tool helps residents estimate the impact of proposed taxes on their property 

Recently profiled in The Seattle Times, this new tool offered by the King County Department of Assessments allows for property owners and renters to see exactly how much in tax they would have to pay on their individual properties.   The Tax Transparency Tool is useful because it is more personal and precise in its calculations. Assessor John Wilson explained this as an essential part of its design. “The intent here isn’t to take sides one way or another,” Wilson said. “You just want people to understand.”  Read more in the original article at The Seattle Times.

Launch of Professional Development Scholarship Fund 

In support of Executive Constantine’s commitment to Investing in YOU, King County and the Coalition of Unions are pleased to launch the Professional Development Scholarship Fund Program. Scholarship funds will be awarded to eligible employees for training that occurs in 2019. The intent of the scholarship is to support employees in achieving their career goals at King County or enhance their work related skills. The maximum total amount an eligible employee can receive for the year in training funds is $2,500.  Applications are now being accepted for training that will begin anytime between January 1, 2019 – March 31, 2019…. Read More

Considering KingCare Select? Hear what your co-workers think 

Crossposted from Balanced You Open Enrollment is just around the corner. Are you considering the newest health plan option, KingCare Select? Watch the video below to learn what a few King County employees think about this plan. Note: At this time, the KingCare Select medical plan is not available to Deputy Sheriffs, Sheriff Captains, and TEA-Transit employees.     

Employees practice “Drop, cover and hold”  

On Thursday, October 18 King County participated in the Great Washington Shake Out, an earthquake drill to help residents prepare for the next possible earthquake. This even included the Senior Leadership Team, who dropped, covered, and held on until the drill ended. Pictured here are Labor Relations Manager Bob Railton, Chief Operating Officer Casey Sixkiller, Director of Labor Relations Megan Pederson and Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams.   

Q&A with our Elections translators: Signe Chan, Chinese

Crosposted from Election Connection We’re highlighting the great work our translators do helping make our elections and services accessible to every member of the community. Here we sit down for a brief Q&A with Signe Chan, our Chinese language translator. What is your background and what brought you to working in local government at King County? My family immigrated to the United States when I was a teenager. Often times I have to interpret for my parents and elderly friends who speak limited English. Helping people is one of my specialties; I started… Read More

The many ways to vote in King County 

King County Elections makes it simple and convenient for voters throughout the county to make their voice heard. In addition to offering prepaid postage, Elections also provides accessible voting centers and an online ballot marking program for people who need assistance completing their ballot. The accessible voting centers are operated by trained staff and have special equipment available to help voters with disabilities cast a private, independent ballot. The equipment is a special machine called an Accessible Voting Unit (AVU). It has a touch screen and audio ballots to accommodate voters. These centers guarantee all King County voters… Read More

U.S. Department of Defense to present awards to King County and DAJD 

The Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard (ESGR) will present King County and the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) with awards, Nov. 8, in recognition of their support of County employees who currently serve in the Reserve and National Guard. King County was nominated for the award by Senior Master Sergeant Michelle Helpenstell, a corrections officer with DAJD, who also serves in the Reserve.  “When I learned of the Freedom Award I immediately knew I needed to recognize those who have been so supportive to KC military members,” said… Read More