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No AC? Can’t open your windows? Here’s how to stay cool.
Cross-posted from Public Health Insider When it’s hot outside, it can be miserable inside if you don’t have air conditioning or can’t open your windows. Public Health Insider has put together tips that can help when it feels like an oven in your home. Read more.
Take care working outdoors during extreme heat
(Updated August 14, 2023) Extremely hot weather is forecast to continue for the next few days in our region, with very high temperatures expected. Some of our work needs to be performed outdoors. Executive Branch departments should evaluate planned field work to determine if this work can be postponed to when temperatures are cooler, where possible. If work must be performed, departments should attempt to adapt schedules wherever possible so work can be performed in the morning. Please see the following advice and tips (this applies to Executive Branch employees. Employees in other branches of County… Read More
Flexible Spending Account mid-year check
We’re past the halfway point of 2022, and for Flexible Spending Account (FSA) participants, it’s a good time to check your FSA balances and take steps to make sure you spend all your remaining funds before the end of the year. Here’s some additional reminders: Health Care FSAs Use Health Care FSA funds to purchase summer-related items such as sunscreen, medical cold packs, and prescription sunglasses. Schedule any necessary back-to-school check-ups and sports physicals if you have children. Many over-the-counter items are FSA-eligible, such as aspirin, cold medicine, antacids, and feminine care…. Read More
Chauntelle Hellner takes the wheel at Fleet
Cross-posted from Executive Services Express Chauntelle Hellner, who has served as Deputy Director of the Business Resource Center (BRC) for the past five years, is the new Director at Fleet Services, replacing the retiring Jennifer Lindwall. “This is a big opportunity and I’m really excited,” said Hellner, who began her new position on June 21. Read more.
Help our buildings “beat the heat”
Forecasters are calling for warmer than normal temperatures across King County over the next week to 10 days. In order to maintain cooler temperatures in your work spaces, please close your shades and blinds. This helps reduce the heat load and strain on the county’s cooling equipment. The acceptable range for King County building temperatures is 70 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit. If there are problems with temperatures in your work area, please contact the FMD Customer Care Services Team at customercareservices.fmd@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-9400. For additional information and recommendations to beat the summer heat, see this blog… Read More
New location for downtown ballot drop box and volunteer to be a Ballot Drop Box Closer on August 2
By Julie Wise, Director, King County Elections It is time for another Primary election! Last week, King County Elections mailed out ballots to our 1.4 million registered voters. If you haven’t seen your ballot arrive in your mailbox yet, give our team a call at 206-296-VOTE (8683). We are here to help! Election Day is August 2, and you can return your ballot by mail or to one of our 76 secure drop box locations across the County. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day – no stamp needed! And ballots… Read More
Change to motor pool vehicles at Goat Hill and King Street garages
Due to upcoming maintenance at Goat Hill Garage, a handful of Fleet Motor Pool Dispatch vehicles for employee use have been moved to the King Street Center Garage. When you reserve a vehicle in the INVERS system, you can choose the downtown garage (Goat Hill or King Street) where you’d like to pick up a vehicle. INVERS will indicate if there are no vehicles available at your preferred garage for the time you requested. If this happens, you can change your request to the other downtown garage and/or change the time period… Read More
Video Q&A: Dr. James on COVID-19 testing
Cross-posted from Public Health Insider We all have questions about COVID-19, and there is a lot to learn when it comes to testing. You might know someone who felt sick after being exposed to COVID, but never tested positive. Or maybe you’re wondering if you should get tested sooner if you haven’t been vaccinated. Dr. James Lewis served as a medical epidemiologist supporting King County’s COVID-19 response for more than two years, before recently accepting a position as Health Officer for Snohomish Health District. Public Health’s Leslie Daniels recently sat down to ask… Read More
Metro’s Operators of the Month for May and June
They are as unique as the people who ride with them every day: A baker. The operator of a soul food catering company. Someone who started driving to supplement her income and chose to stay with Metro. Another who enjoys collecting M&M candy dispensers and calligraphy. A driver who is being recognized by his peers for a fifth time. And those who love driving and giving back to their community. They are transit operators with more than 150 years of experience at Metro, and the May and June Operators of the Month…. Read More
King County ranked #1 – again! – for digital government, online services
For the second year in a row, King County has been named the nation’s #1 Top Digital County by the Center for Digital Government and the National Association of Counties. This prestigious annual award identifies the best technology practices among U.S. counties, including initiatives that streamline delivery of government services, encourage collaboration, enhance cybersecurity, and apply innovative and emerging technologies to county priorities. “Winning the top spot again this year – it’s a direct reflection of King County’s bold technology strategies that are dramatically transforming how we serve residents,” said David Mendel, Chief Information… Read More
Office of Risk Management Services aims to improve customer service with gender identity policy
Cross-posted from Executive Services Express The Office of Risk Management Services (ORMS) continues to develop a policy to handle customer service regarding gender identity. “Customers, claimants, and other individuals with whom ORMS interacts have the right to be addressed by the name and pronouns that correspond to their gender identity,” said Sean Catanese, Program Manager. “This policy and its procedures ensure respectful customer service and clear communication.” Read more.
Should I wait to get my next COVID vaccination?
Cross-posted from Public Health Insider Have you been waiting to get a COVID booster shot or to get your child vaccinated? Dr. Mark Del Beccaro is a pediatrician and former emergency department doctor. He now works with COVID vaccination and provides advice about the best timing for getting a COVID-19 vaccination. Read more.
Honoring Probation Officers and District Court staff during National Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week, July 19-25, 2022
By Meagan Terlep-Boxley, Probation Manager with King County District Court The American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) annually celebrates over 100,000 community corrections professionals around the country who work hard to keep communities safe during National Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week. This year’s theme for the week is Restoring Trust, Creating Hope. Learn more about APPA here. King County Probation Officers (POs) have worked extremely hard the past few years in making a huge shift to do their jobs. They have been incredibly flexible in their willingness and ability to conduct… Read More
Create diagrams and flowcharts with Visio Online – now free for all King County employees
Visio is the ultimate tool for creating professional diagrams and flowcharts. Now any King County employee can access the free Visio Online app through your Office 365 portal. Visio Online offers most of the same tools and templates as the paid desktop version, allowing you to easily create flowcharts, org charts, network diagrams, and more. Learn more by watching this video demo (28:20) from our recent KCIT Office Hours with Microsoft webinar series, or check out the Office 365: Get Started with Visio Online Skill Track in the KCIT Training Hub. For further assistance, Executive branch employees can LiveChat with… Read More
5th Avenue Theatre discount tickets for Come From Away
Broadway’s Come From Away is a Best Musical winner. This inspirational, funny, and touching show celebrates humanity and being kind to one another. King County employees can receive a 20% discount on all tickets for Sunday evening through Friday evening shows. Book directly at www.5thavenue.org/seacity using promo code: SEACITY to purchase your tickets. See all available employee discounts on the Employee Discount webpage.
Marriage boom? License requests go up
Crossposted from the DES Express The sound of wedding bells is getting louder. King County is starting to see an increase in business for marriage licenses. “We believe this is due to customers becoming more comfortable with our online process, couples now able to have larger get-togethers and receptions that were prohibited under COVID, and more people traveling to Seattle to have their weddings,” said recording manager Jon Scherer. “This last category is particularly interesting as we are anecdotally seeing an increase in couples coming to us from Oregon.” Read more.
Ballot drop box moved, now located near King Street Center
King County Elections has relocated the ballot drop box previously found at the Administration Building on Fourth Ave to near the King Street Center. The new location is in front of the Kingdome Deli on the corner of Second Ave S and S King St. This new location will provide more direct access to a ballot drop box for the Pioneer Square area and is more conveniently located to a variety of transit options. View all drop box locations, at the King County Elections website.
Volunteer to close a ballot drop box for the August Primary
The Primary election is just around the corner and Elections is looking for volunteers to help close ballot drop boxes on Election Night. Under state law, ballot drop boxes close at 8 p.m. sharp on Election Day. As a volunteer drop box closer, you will be paired with Elections staff to close a drop box, provide customer service, and hand out I Voted stickers. No experience is necessary. Election Day is Tuesday, August 2 and Elections is looking for volunteers from about 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sign up and join us for a fun and… Read More
How to keep kids safe from COVID this summer: A checklist for parents
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Summer is here, and that brings a mix of emotions for parents. Let’s be real, this year has been a dumpster fire of stress and anxiety for parents navigating the pandemic. While some may feel relief, others are facing a whole new set of questions about how to keep their kids safe from COVID-19 in settings like camps or during summer travel. When kids have less structured time, some kids may need to make more of their own health and safety choices. No matter your plans or… Read More
Emergency Management employees save co-worker’s life
Crossposted from the DES Express Sheri Badger, Public Information Officer for Emergency Management, is used to being behind the scenes, responding to media inquiries, writing social media posts and other content, and orchestrating regional gatherings of communicators. But after surviving a cardiac arrest at work, thanks to the quick response of co-workers who performed Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and used an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), she agreed to share her story. Read more.
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