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Council Responsibilities
The County Council is responsible for passing legislation, setting county policy, adopting the county's budget, and holding transparent government meetings. In addition to those core functions, the Council also provides regional leadership, development of special task forces and committees and oversees the conduct of Performance Audits.
Performance Audits
The Pierce County Performance Audit Office plans and coordinates performance audits and other studies designed to improve the performance and accountability of county government.
- Agriculture Advisory Committee
- Behvaioral Health Study
- Flood Control Zone District
- Puget Sound Taxpayer Accountability
- Transportation Benefit District
Agriculture Advisory Committee
The Pierce County Agriculture Advisory Committee provides recommendations on issues that impact agriculture in Pierce County and acts as a forum for those interested in enhancing and promoting the long-term success of agriculture in the County. Individuals who serve on the Committee must be residents of Pierce County or be active agricultural producers operating in Pierce County and meet other requirements based upon position.
Pierce County & Behavioral Health
The Council recognizes the great amount of work that has been done within the County and by other organizations to address the complex issues surrounding behavioral health. To ensure the Council heard a variety of viewpoints and perspectives, a series of public meetings were held. These meetings provided an opportunity for people to respond to the HSRI report and to share their organization's body of work.
Flood Control Zone District
Because of Pierce County’s beautiful geography, flooding poses a serious threat to our communities and critical infrastructure. In fact, a major flood could cause as much as $725 million in damages and losses, dealing a crushing blow to our county’s economy. Funding for the FCZD comes from a countywide property levy. In 2019, the property tax levy for the FCZD is $8.7 million countywide which is approximately seven (7.6) cents per $1,000 of assessed value. In light of all that is at stake, the Pierce County Council authorized Ordinance 2011-95s which created a Flood Control Zone District (FCZD), to address some of our flood management needs.
Puget Sound Taxpayer Accountability Account Stakeholder Group
The County Council established a stakeholder group through R2018-102 to recommend a strategic plan for the expenditure of funds related to the Puget Sound Taxpayer Accountability Account ("Sound Transit 3" funds). The State Legislature passed SB 5851 and HB 1109 to further define the Puget Sound Taxpayer Account.
Transportation Benefit District
The Pierce County Transportation Benefit District (TBD) has been created pursuant to Chapter 36.73 of the Revised Code of Washington and Pierce County Ordinance No. 2014-28, as amended.The TBD is a quasi-municipal corporation and independent taxing district created for the sole purpose of acquiring, constructing, improving, providing, and funding transportation improvements within the district. In accordance with state law, the TBD is governed by the members of the Pierce County Council acting in an ex officio and independent capacity.
Pierce County Council External Boards & Commissions
Council members also spend time with local leaders in various forums, learning about the concerns and values of our community. They are assigned to external boards and commissions on an annual basis.
Hearing Examiner
The Hearing Examiner is appointed by the County Council and charged with the responsibility of making quasi-judicial decisions regarding land-use and other issues.