Statewide Drought

The Washington State Department of Ecology declared a statewide drought, citing low snowpack and forecasts for a dry and warm spring and summer. “After an exceptionally dry start to the winter, Washington’s snowpack made up some ground in February, March and April. But with chances for significant additions to our snowpack now diminishing, there is simply not enough water contained in mountain snow and reservoirs to prevent serious impacts for water users in the months ahead,” according to the April 16 release. “With many watersheds already projecting low water supplies and planning for emergency water right transfers, Ecology declared a drought to make assistance available before those impacts become severe.

Laura Watson, Ecology’s director, said there was benefit to declaring the drought early. “We can begin delivering financial support to water systems with drought impacts, and work with water users to find solutions to challenges before they become a crisis.” The declarations clear the path for up to $4.5 million in drought response grants to qualifying public entities to respond to impacts from the current drought conditions. A social media post by the East Jefferson Fire Department noted the declaration and urged anyone with need to burn to use extreme caution.

Reopening Rothschild House

The Jefferson County Historical Society is inviting the community to a special reopening celebration of the 1868 Rothschild House and museum, happening in conjunction with the weekend of the Victorian Festival.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 27, visitors can come celebrate the unique objects within the home, as well as its public lands and the Rothschild family, all for free.

“Bring a picnic, take in the views from the bluff and tour this very special 156-year-old house,” said Tara McCauley, executive director of the Historical Society. “Admission will be free all weekend, with no registration required, but donations are welcome.”

On Friday, April 26, the Historical Society is slated to host a special open house, from 3-4 p.m., with live music and lawn games including croquet, during which docents and Rothschild family descendants will be on hand to share stories about this historically significant home.

Those with accessibility concerns should be aware that the Rothschild House interior has two levels that are only accessible by stairs, while its grounds are all at street level. Further, there are no restrooms at the Rothschild House, limited free parking is available onsite, and Port Townsend’s uptown streets may be congested during that Saturday’s farmers market, festivals and parades. Visit jchsmusuem.org online for more information about the house, the family, and how to plan your visit.

PUD’s healthy checkup

Washington state auditors determined the Jefferson County PUD complies with applicable state laws, regulations and its own policies in all areas examined. The reports determined the PUD provided adequate controls over the safeguarding of public resources. It is the seventh clean accountability in a row for the public utility district. 

Auditor staff reviewed PUD procurement processes during a PUD special meeting on April 2 and provided recommendations for updating internal processes. The Jefferson PUD board of commissioners approved updates to the PUD’s procurement manual during a special meeting on April 16. Auditors reviewed records between Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2022, using a risk-based approach to review items such as minutes from Board of Commission meetings, analyzed trends in financial data such as payroll reports and vendor information, and conducted sit-downs with staff, according to a press release issued by the county PUD.

Risk-based planning helped focus the audit which centered on the procurement process, accounts receivable, accounts payable, open public meetings for compliance, and financial conditions. “The audit process is a great learning opportunity for the utility,” said PUD Finance Director Mike Bailey. “It helps us improve our processes and lets us share information with the Board and the public.”

All PUD financial and audit documents and meeting materials are available on online at jeffpud.org.