Law and justice partners to discuss impacts during Oct. 23, council work session

VANCOUVER – The Clark County Council today held a special meeting and approved a resolution to provide transparency to residents regarding potential financial impacts of increasing law enforcement personnel and programs in the community. 

The resolution is in response to the city of Vancouver’s Proposition 4 which asks for a levy lid lift to support hiring 80 additional officers and implementing new programs as well as the County Sheriff’s Office’s desire to add additional deputies for the unincorporated area of the county. The text for Proposition 4 is available in the local’s voter pamphlet on pages 29 and 40-41. 

The resolution approved by the county council notes that, “…Clark County is responsible for providing all countywide law and justice services which include Superior Court, District Court, Juvenile Court, Prosecuting Attorney, Public Defense, Clerk’s Office, and Clark County Jail…” The resolution further states that the Law and Justice countywide services cost approximately $89.5 million annually, and the county covers 100% of the cost for felonies for all jurisdictions, which is currently not sustainable.

The resolution also states that the county, “…is committed to continuing to support the Law and Justice system…” but goes on to say that the county, “…is obligated to be transparent with the community of the significant financial impacts of increasing law enforcement personnel and programs as currently proposed in Proposition 4 as well as potential additional Sheriff Office personnel. The Law and Justice system is currently not financially sustainable and without additional funding from the taxpayers and cities, the Law and Justice system would fail; resulting in limited positive impact that is desired by increased law enforcement personnel and programs.” 

“The county is committed to partnering with local jurisdictions in supporting public safety in our community,” said Council Chair Gary Medvigy.

Countywide law and justice partners will discuss the impacts to their programs during a county council work session on Wednesday, Oct. 23. The work session will begin after the 8:30 am Public Health meeting. Anyone wishing to listen to the work session can do so in person in the sixth-floor hearing room in the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. or online via Webex using the instructions on the council website. 

Council work sessions are informational sessions for the council to be briefed by staff. While they are open to the public, there is no opportunity for public comment. 

The resolution is available on the county’s website.

Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.