CHARTER
UPDATED: January 10, 2023
ARTICLE 1 - POWERS OF THE COUNTY
ARTICLE 2 - THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
ARTICLE 3 - THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH
ARTICLE 4 - FINANCIAL PROCEDURES
ARTICLE 5 - THE PERSONNEL SYSTEM
ARTICLE 8 - GENERAL PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 9 - TRANSITORY PROVISIONS
DISPOSITION OF FORMER CHARTER SECTIONS
CHARTER
We, the people of King County, Washington, in order to form a more just, equitable and orderly government for all, establish separate legislative and executive branches, ensure responsibility and accountability for local and regional county governance and services, enable effective public participation, preserve, protect and enhance a healthy rural and urban environment and economy, promote a superior quality of life and secure the benefits of home rule and self-government, in accordance with the Constitution of the State of Washington, do adopt this charter. (Ord. 19300 § 1, 2021: Ord. 19123 § 1, 2020: Ord. 16884 § 1, 2010).
Section 110 General Powers.
The county shall have all of the powers which it is possible for a home rule county to have under the state constitution.
Section 120 Intergovernmental Relations.
The county may, in the exercise of its powers and the performance of its functions and services, agree by contract or otherwise to participate jointly or in cooperation with any one or more other governments, governmental agencies, and municipal corporations, and to share the costs and responsibilities of such powers, functions and services.
Section 130 Construction.
The powers of the county granted by this charter shall be liberally construed, and the specific statement of particular powers shall not be construed as limiting the general powers. Reference to the state constitution and general law in this charter shall be construed as a continuing reference to them as they may be amended from time to time. This charter and the ordinances enacted hereunder shall supersede special and general laws which are inconsistent with the charter and ordinances to the extent permitted by the state constitution.
Section 140 Name, Boundaries and County Seat.
The name, boundaries and county seat of the county shall remain as they are on the date of the enactment of this charter until changed. Branch county offices may be established by ordinances.
Section 210 Composition.
The legislative branch shall be composed of the metropolitan county council. (Ord. 10530 § 1, 1992).
Section 220 The Metropolitan County Council.
220.10 Composition and Terms of Office.
The metropolitan county council shall consist of nine members. The county shall be divided into nine districts, and one councilmember shall be nominated and elected by the voters of each district. The term of office of each councilmember shall be four years and until the councilmember’s successor is elected and qualified. (Ord. 18316 § 1 (part), 2016: Ord. 14767 § 1, 2004: Ord. 10530 § 1, 1992).
220.20 Powers.
The county council shall be the policy determining body of the county and shall have all legislative powers of the county under this charter. The county council shall exercise its legislative power by the adoption and enactment of ordinances; shall levy taxes, appropriate revenue and adopt budgets for the county; shall establish the compensation to be paid to all county officers and employees and shall provide for the reimbursement of expenses; except as otherwise provided herein shall have the power to establish, abolish, combine and divide administrative offices and executive departments and to establish their powers and responsibilities; shall adopt by ordinance comprehensive plans including improvement plans for the present and future development of the county; shall have the power to conduct public hearings on matters of public concern to assist it in performing its legislative responsibilities and to subpoena witnesses, documents and other evidence and to administer oaths, but the subpoena power of the county council shall be limited to matters relating to proposed ordinances which are being considered by the county council, and any witness shall have the right to be represented by counsel. The specific statement of particular legislative powers shall not be construed as limiting the legislative powers of the county council.
220.30 Organization.
The county council shall elect one of its members as chair, shall be responsible for its own organization and for the employment and supervision of those employees whom it deems necessary to assist it or individual councilmembers in the exercise of their legislative powers and shall appoint a clerk to maintain its records. (Ord. 18316 § 1 (part), 2016).
220.40 Rules of Procedure.
The county council shall adopt by ordinance rules of procedure governing the time, place and conduct of its meetings and hearings and the introduction, publication, consideration and adoption of ordinances. All meetings shall be open to the public, and a verbatim public record shall be kept of each meeting and the votes taken therein in the form, and for a reasonable period of time, as provided by ordinance.
220.50 Relationship with Other Branches.
The county council and the individual councilmembers shall not interfere in the administration, and shall not issue orders to any officer, agent or employee, of any other branch of the county government. (Ord. 18316 § 1 (part), 2016).
Section 230 Ordinances.
230.10 Introduction and Adoption.
Proposed ordinances shall be limited to one subject and may be introduced by any councilmember, by initiative petition, by proposal of a regional committee in accordance with Section 270.30 of this charter or by institutional initiative. At least seven days after the introduction of a proposed ordinance, except an emergency ordinance, and prior to its adoption or enactment, the county council shall hold a public hearing after due notice to consider the proposed ordinance. Except as otherwise provided in this charter, a minimum of five affirmative votes shall be required to adopt an ordinance. (Ord. 16205 § 1, 2008: Ord. 14767 § 1, 2004: Ord. 10530 § 1, 1992).
230.10.10 Metropolitan Municipal Functions.
Each metropolitan municipal function authorized to be performed by the county pursuant to chapter 35.58 RCW shall be operated as a distinct functional unit. Revenues or property received for such functions shall never be used for any purposes other than the operating expenses thereof, interest on and redemption of the outstanding debt thereof, capital improvements, and the reduction of rates and charges for such functions. To the extent not otherwise prohibited by law, this section shall not preclude the county from leasing, selling or conveying the properties at less than fair market value for affordable housing purposes. (Ord. 19124 § 1, 2020: Ord. 10530 § 1, 1992).
230.20 Executive Veto.
Except as otherwise provided in this charter, the county executive shall have the right to veto any ordinance or any object of expense of an appropriation ordinance. Every ordinance shall be presented to the county executive within five days after its adoption or enactment by the county council. Within ten days after its presentation, the county executive shall either sign the ordinance and return it to the county council, veto the ordinance and return it to the county council with a written and signed statement of the reasons for the veto or sign and partially veto an appropriation ordinance and return it to the county council with a written and signed statement of the reasons for the partial veto. If an ordinance is not returned by the county executive within ten days after its presentation it shall be deemed enacted without the executive’s signature. Within thirty days after an ordinance has been vetoed and returned or partially vetoed and returned, the county council may override the veto or partial veto by enacting the ordinance by a minimum of six affirmative votes. (Ord. 18316 § 1 (part), 2016: Ord. 14767 § 1, 2004: Ord. 10530 § 1, 1992).
230.30 Emergency Ordinances.
Any proposed ordinance may be enacted as an emergency ordinance if the county council finds as a fact, and states in the ordinance, that an emergency exists and that the ordinance is necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health or safety or for the support of county government and its existing public institutions. A minimum of six affirmative votes shall be required to enact an emergency ordinance; and unless it is an emergency appropriation ordinance, it shall not be subject to the veto power of the county executive. (Ord. 14767 § 1, 2004: Ord. 10530 § 1, 1992).
230.40 Referendum.
Except as provided herein, an enacted ordinance may be subjected to a referendum by the voters of the county if a proposed referendum petition is submitted as provided in Section 230.70 of this charter and then no later than forty-five days after enactment of the ordinance petitions are filed with the clerk of the county council bearing signatures of registered voters of the county equal in number to not less than eight percent of the votes cast in the county for the office of county executive at the last preceding election for county executive. In addition, except as provided herein, an enacted ordinance which pursuant to state law is effective only in unincorporated areas of the county may be subjected to a referendum by the voters of the unincorporated areas of the county if a proposed referendum petition is submitted as provided in Section 230.70 of this charter and then no later than forty-five days after enactment of the ordinance petitions are filed with the clerk of the county council bearing signatures of registered voters residing in unincorporated areas of the county equal in number to not less than eight percent of the votes cast at the last preceding election for county executive, provided however that the number of required signatures shall be calculated based only upon votes cast within areas which on the date such petitions are required to be filed are unincorporated areas of the county. Each petition shall contain the full text of the ordinance to be referred. Following the verification of sufficient petition signatures and in accordance with state law deadlines for calling an election, the county council shall call for an election to submit the referred ordinance to the voters for approval or rejection at the next available election date specified in state law, in the case of an ordinance effective only in unincorporated areas of the county, the proposed ordinance shall be voted upon only by the registered voters residing in unincorporated areas of the county.
An appropriation ordinance; an emergency ordinance as specified in Section 230.30 of this charter; an ordinance approving a collective bargaining agreement; an ordinance providing for the compensation or working conditions of county employees; or an ordinance which has been approved by the voters by referendum or initiative shall not be subject to a referendum. (Ord. 19308 § 1, 2021: Ord. 10530 § 1, 1992).
230.50 Initiative.
Ordinances except ordinances providing for the compensation or working conditions of county employees may be proposed by filing with the county council petitions bearing signatures of registered voters of the county equal in number to not less than ten percent of the votes cast in the county for the office of county executive at the last preceding election for county executive. In addition, an ordinance which pursuant to state law is effective only in unincorporated areas of the county, except an ordinance providing for the compensation or working conditions of county employees, may be proposed by filing with the county council petitions bearing signatures of registered voters residing in unincorporated areas of the county equal in number to not less than ten percent of the votes cast at the last preceding election for county executive, provided, however that the number of required signatures shall be calculated based only upon votes cast within areas which on the date such petitions are required to be filed are unincorporated areas of the county. Each petition shall contain the full text of the proposed ordinance.
The form of a proposed ordinance petition must be submitted in accordance with Section 230.60 of this charter to the clerk of the council. Once the form is approved, if within ninety days the required signatures of registered votes are filed with the clerk of council, then the county council shall consider the proposed ordinance. If the proposed ordinance is not enacted within ninety days of the date the signed petitions are filed, the county council shall, in compliance with state law timelines for placing local measures on the ballot, place the proposed ordinance on the ballot either at the next general or at an earlier election designated by the county council.
If the county council rejects the proposed ordinance and adopts a substitute ordinance concerning the same subject matter, the substitute ordinance shall be placed on the same ballot with the proposed ordinance; and the voters shall first be given the choice of accepting either or rejecting both and shall then be given the choice of accepting one and rejecting the other, provided that in the case of an ordinance effective only in unincorporated areas of the county, the proposed ordinance shall be voted upon only by the registered voters residing in unincorporated areas of the county. If a majority of the voters voting on the first issue is for either, then the ordinance receiving the majority of the votes cast on the second issue shall be deemed approved. If a majority of those voting on the first issue is for rejecting both, then neither ordinance shall be approved regardless of the vote on the second issue. (Ord. 19308 § 1, 2021: Ord. 10530 § 1, 1992).
230.50.10 Institutional Initiative.
Any city or town located within the county may, after securing the consent, by motion or resolution, of at least one half of the cities within the county, propose an ordinance of county-wide significance directly to the metropolitan county council, except an ordinance which is not subject to a referendum under the provisions of Section 230.40 of this charter. Such proposed legislation shall be in ordinance form. The metropolitan county council shall approve, amend and approve, or reject such proposed legislation within ninety days of its filing with the county council. (Ord. 19308 § 1, 2021: Ord. 10530 § 1, 1992).
230.60 Referendum and Initiative Petitions.
The county council shall establish by ordinance the form to be used for referendum and initiative petitions. All referendum and initiative petitions shall be sponsored by an individual or committee of individuals, which shall secure the approval of the clerk of the county council as to the form of the proposed petitions before circulating them. Within five days after the form of the proposed petitions is submitted to the clerk of the county council, the clerk shall return it to the sponsor with an indication of the clerk’s approval or with a detailed written explanation of the clerk’s objection to the form. (Ord. 18316 § 1 (part), 2016).
230.70 Effective Date of Ordinances.
Except as provided herein, the effective date of an ordinance shall be ten days after its enactment unless a later date is specified in the ordinance. If an ordinance may be subjected to a referendum as provided in Section 230.40 of this charter and the proposed referendum petition is submitted to the clerk of the county council as provided in Section 230.60 of this charter prior to the tenth day after its enactment, and if the department of elections director notifies the clerk of the council in writing that the number of petition signatures is sufficient to proceed to referendum, the ordinance shall not become effective until after it is approved by the voters. If it is approved by a majority of the voters voting on the issue, the effective date of an ordinance which is subjected to referendum or proposed by initiative, or a substitute ordinance proposed by the county council as provided in Section 230.50 of this charter, shall be ten days after the results of the election are certified unless a later date is specified in the ordinance. The effective date of an ordinance no longer subject to referendum is the date the department of elections director notifies the clerk of the council in writing that the number of petition signatures is insufficient to proceed to referendum, unless a later date is specified in the ordinance. A determination of the sufficiency or insufficiency of the required number of petition signatures for a referendum should be completed within ninety days of the enactment of the ordinance. The effective date of an emergency ordinance shall be the date of its enactment unless a later date is specified in the ordinance.
An ordinance which is subject to the veto power of the county executive and which is not vetoed, or the approved portions of an appropriation ordinance which has been partially vetoed, shall be deemed enacted on the date that it is approved by, or ten days after it is presented to, the county executive. An ordinance which is vetoed or the vetoed portions of an appropriation ordinance shall be deemed enacted on the date that the county council overrides the veto or partial veto. An ordinance which is not subject to the veto power of the county executive shall be deemed enacted on the date it is approved by the county council. (Ord. 19308 § 1, 2021).
230.75 Amendment or Repeal of Ordinances Approved by the Voters.
No ordinance that is approved by the county council in response to the filing of an initiative petition or that is approved by a majority of the voters voting thereon, whether as the result of a referendum or initiative, shall be amended or repealed by the county council within a period of two years following the effective date of such ordinance; provided that such ordinance may be amended within the two-year period by ordinance adopted by a vote of not less than two-thirds of all members of the county council, which amendatory ordinance shall not be subject to referendum.
An ordinance approved by the county council in response to the filing of an initiative petition or by the voters may be amended or repealed by an ordinance approved by a majority of the voters voting thereon at any special or general election. Ordinances may be enacted to facilitate and effectuate this provision. (Ord. 19308 § 1, 2021: Ord. 12851 § 2, 1997).
Section 240 Motions.
The county council may pass motions to confirm or reject appointments by the county executive, to organize and administer the legislative branch, to make declarations of policy which do not have the force of law and to request information from any other agency of county government. Motions shall not be subject to the veto power of the county executive, and the county council in passing motions need not comply with the procedural requirements for the introduction, consideration and adoption of ordinances.
Section 250 County Auditor.
The county auditor shall be appointed by a majority of the county council and shall be responsible to the council for conducting, or causing to be conducted, independent post audits of county agencies for the purpose of reporting to the council regarding the integrity of the function of the financial management system, the quality and efficiency of agency management, and the effectiveness of programs. In carrying out this purpose, the auditor shall perform the following audits within guidelines established by the county council by ordinance: financial and compliance audits to supplement those performed by the state pursuant to general law, economy and efficiency audits, and program result audits. In addition, the auditor shall perform such special studies as may be requested by the council. The auditor shall report the results of each agency audit to the county council. Annual audits shall continue to be performed by the state in accordance with general law.
The organization and administration of the auditor's office shall be sufficiently independent to assure no interference or influence external to the organization shall adversely affect an independent and objective judgment by the auditor and the auditor shall be provided a discrete budget and staff allocation. (Ord. 8649 §1, 1988).
Section 260 Office of Public Complaints.
The county council shall establish by ordinance an office to receive complaints concerning the operation of county government and shall grant it sufficient power to permit it quickly and efficiently to investigate and to make and publicize recommendations concerning its findings, including the power to subpoena witnesses, documents and other evidence and to administer oaths. The subpoena power of the office of public complaints shall be limited to matters under written complaint by a member of the public, and any witness shall have the right to be represented by counsel. Any individual who is the subject of a complaint shall have the right to present witnesses in the individual’s own behalf. (Ord. 19123 § 1, 2020: Ord. 18316 § 1 (part), 2016).
Section 265. Office of Law Enforcement Oversight.
The county council shall establish by ordinance an office of law enforcement oversight, which shall be a part of the legislative branch. The office shall have a director who is appointed by a majority of the county council to serve a term of four years and until a successor is appointed. The director may be removed from office at any time for cause by a majority of the county council.
The authority of the office of law enforcement oversight shall be prescribed by ordinance and should include: investigation, review and analysis of conduct of county law enforcement officers that has been the subject of a complaint and the use of force by county law enforcement officers regardless of whether it has been the subject of a complaint; and review and analysis of internal investigations conducted and disciplinary action taken by the department of public safety regarding that conduct or use of force. The authority of the office should also include: the preparation and publication of findings, conclusions and recommendations related to the office's oversight of the department of public safety; and community outreach concerning the department of public safety and the office of law enforcement oversight.
To enable the office of law enforcement oversight to exercise its authority effectively, the office shall be authorized by ordinance to obtain all relevant information, including authority to review and copy relevant department of public safety files, subpoena witnesses, documents and other evidence relating to its investigations or review and administer oaths, inspect crime scenes, conduct interviews and participate in internal investigations and review hearings. Any subpoenaed witness shall have the right to be represented by counsel.
The county council shall establish by ordinance an advisory committee for law enforcement oversight to review, advise and report on the office of law enforcement oversight in a manner that may be prescribed by ordinance. The committee shall also advise the sheriff and the council on matters of equity and social justice related to law enforcement. The committee may also advise the sheriff and the council on systemic problems and opportunities for improvement in the law enforcement practices of the department of public safety. The county council shall prescribe by ordinance the committee's membership, qualifications, and rules and procedures, and the process for appointment of committee members, and may prescribe by ordinance additional duties of the committee. (Ord. 19125 § 1, 2020: Ord. 18087 § 2 (part), 2015).
Section 270 Regional Committees.
270.10 Regional Committees.
Three regional committees shall be established by ordinance to develop, recommend and review regional policies and plans for consideration by the metropolitan county council: one for transit, one for water quality and one for other regional policies and plans. (Ord. 10530 § 1, 1992).
270.20 Composition of regional committees.
Each regional committee shall consist of nine voting members. Three members shall be metropolitan county councilmembers appointed by the chair of the council, and shall include councilmembers from districts with unincorporated residents. Each county councilmember vote shall be weighted as two votes. The remaining six members of each committee except the water quality committee shall be local elected city officials appointed from and in proportion to the relative populations of: (i) the city with the largest population in the county and (ii) the other cities and towns in the county. Committee members from the city with the largest population in the county shall be appointed by the legislative authority of that city. Committee members from the other cities and towns in the county shall be appointed in a manner agreed to by and among those cities and towns representing a majority of the populations of such cities and towns, provided, however, that such cities and towns may appoint two representatives for each allocated committee membership, each with fractional (1/2) voting rights.
The special purpose districts providing sewer service in the county shall appoint two members to serve on the water quality committee in a manner agreed to by districts representing a majority of the population within the county served by such districts. The remaining four local government members of the water quality committee shall be appointed in the manner set forth above for other regional committees. The council may by ordinance authorize the appointment to the water quality committee of additional, nonvoting members representing entities outside of the county that receive sewerage treatment services from the county. Allocation of membership of each committee's members who are city and town representatives shall be adjusted January 1 of each even-numbered year beginning in 1996 based upon current census information or, if more recent, official state office of financial management population statistics.
In the event any areas are annexed pursuant to powers granted to metropolitan municipal corporations under state law, the populations of any cities and towns in such annexed areas shall be considered as if they were within the county for purposes in this section with regard to regional committee participation on policies and plans which would be effective in such annexed areas.
Members representing six and one-half votes constitute a quorum of a regional committee. In the absence of a quorum, the committee may perform all committee functions except for voting on legislation or a work program. Each committee shall have a chair and a vice-chair with authority as specified by ordinance. The chair shall be a county councilmember appointed by the chair of the county council. The vice-chair shall be appointed by majority vote of those committee members who are not county councilmembers, in accordance with voting rights that are apportioned as provided in this section. (Ord. 16205 § 1, 2008: Ord. 10530 § 1, 1992).
270.30 Powers and Duties.
Each regional committee shall develop, propose, review and recommend action on ordinances and motions adopting, repealing, or amending transit, water quality or other regional countywide policies and plans within the subject matter area of the committee. The subject matter area of the regional policies committee shall consist of those countywide plans and policies included in the committee's work program by a majority of the members present and voting, with no fewer than three and one-half affirmative votes.
The county council shall refer each such proposed ordinance or motion, except those developed and proposed by a regional committee, to a regional committee for review. The regional committee shall complete review and recommend action within one hundred twenty days or such other time as is jointly established by the county council and the committee, which shall be confirmed in the form of a motion by the metropolitan county council. If the committee fails to act upon the proposed ordinance or motion within the established time limit, the county council may adopt the proposed ordinance or motion upon six affirmative votes. The committee may request, by motion to the county council, additional time for review.
A proposed ordinance or motion that has been reviewed and recommended or developed and proposed by a regional committee may be adopted, without amendment, by the county council by five affirmative votes. If the county council votes prior to final passage thereof to amend a proposed ordinance or motion that has been reviewed or recommended or proposed by a regional committee, the proposed ordinance or motion, as amended, shall be referred back to the appropriate committee for further review and recommendation. The committee may concur in, dissent from, or recommend additional amendments to the ordinance or motion. After the regional committee has had the opportunity to review all county council amendments, final action to adopt any proposed ordinance or motion that differs from the committee recommendation shall require six affirmative votes of the county council.
Each regional committee may develop and propose directly to the council an ordinance or motion adopting, amending or repealing a countywide policy or plan within the subject matter area of the committee. Such proposals must be approved by a majority of the members present and voting, with no fewer than three and one-half affirmative votes. Within one hundred twenty days of introduction or such other time as is jointly established by the county council and the committee, which shall be confirmed in the form of a motion by the county council, the council shall consider the proposed legislation and take such action thereon as it deems appropriate, as provided by ordinance.
The council shall not call a special election to authorize the performance of an additional metropolitan municipal function under state law unless such additional function is recommended by a regional policy committee, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 230.50.10 of this charter. Such recommendation shall require an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the membership of each of: (1) metropolitan councilmembers of the committee; (2) members from the city with the largest population in the county; and (3) other city or town members of the committee. Nothing in this section prohibits the metropolitan county council from calling a special election on the authorization of the performance of one or more additional metropolitan functions after receiving a valid resolution adopted by city councils as permitted by RCW 35.58.100(1)(a) and RCW 35.58.100(1)(b), or a duly certified petition as permitted by RCW 35.58.100(2). (Ord. 16205 § 1, 2008: Ord. 14767 § 1, 2004: Ord. 10530 § 1, 1992).
270.40 Invalidity-Development of Proposed Amendment.
If any provision of section 270 of this charter is declared invalid, the metropolitan county council shall initiate a process with representatives of cities and towns within the county to develop a proposed charter amendment providing for effective city, town, and unincorporated area participation in regional decisions. (Ord. 10530 § 1, 1992).
Section 310 Composition and Powers.
The executive branch shall be composed of the county executive, the county administrative officer, the county assessor, the officers and employees of administrative offices and executive departments established by this charter or created by the county council and the members of the boards and commissions, except the forecast council and office of economic and financial analysis, the board of appeals and the personnel board. The executive branch shall have all executive powers of the county under this charter. (Ord. 16207 § 1, 2008).
Section 320 County Executive.
320.10 Election, Term of Office and Compensation.
The county executive shall be nominated and elected by the voters of the county, and the executive’s term of office shall be four years and until the executive’s successor is elected and qualified. The county executive shall receive compensation at least one and one-half times the compensation paid to a councilmember. (Ord. 18316 § 1 (part), 2016).
320.20 Powers and Duties.
The county executive shall be the chief executive officer of the county and shall have all the executive powers of the county which are not expressly vested in other specific elective officers by this charter; shall supervise all administrative offices and executive departments established by this charter or created by the county council; shall be the chief peace officer of the county and shall execute and enforce all ordinances and state statutes within the county; shall serve on all boards and commissions on which a county commissioner was required to serve prior to the adoption of this charter, but if more than one county commissioner was required to serve, the county council shall appoint one or more councilmembers to serve on the board or commission with the county executive; shall present to the county council an annual statement of the financial and governmental affairs of the county and any other report which the county executive may deem necessary; shall prepare and present to the county council budgets and a budget message setting forth the programs which the county executive proposes for the county during the next fiscal year; shall prepare and present to the county council comprehensive plans including capital improvement plans for the present and future development of the county; shall have the power to veto any ordinance adopted by the county council except as otherwise provided in this charter; shall have the power to assign duties to administrative offices and executive departments which are not specifically assigned by this charter or by ordinance; and shall sign, or cause to be signed, on behalf of the county all deeds, contracts and other instruments. The specific statement of particular executive powers shall not be construed as limiting the executive powers of the county executive. (Ord. 18316 § 1 (part), 2016).
Section 330 County Administrative Officer.
The county executive shall appoint the county administrative officer who, under the general supervision of the county executive, shall assist the county executive, shall supervise the administrative offices and shall perform such other duties as are delegated to the county administrative officer by the county executive. (Ord. 18316 § 1 (part), 2016).
Section 340 Appointments, Confirmation and Removal.
340.10 Appointments by the County Executive.
The county executive shall appoint the county administrative officer and the chief officer of each executive department except the county assessor and shall appoint the members of all boards and commissions except as otherwise provided in this charter.
340.20 Appointments by the County Administrative Officer.
The county administrative officer shall appoint the chief officer of each administrative office.
340.30 Appointments by the Chief Officers.
The chief officer of each administrative office and executive department shall appoint all officers and employees of the chief officer’s office or department and shall comply with the rules of the personnel system when appointing officers and employees to positions covered by the career service. (Ord. 18316 § 1 (part), 2016).
340.40 Confirmation.
The appointments by the county executive shall be subject to confirmation by a majority of the county council. The appointments by the county administrative officer shall be subject to approval by the county executive.
340.50 Qualifications.
The county administrative officer and the chief officers appointed by either the county executive or the county administrative officer shall be appointed on the basis of their abilities, qualifications, integrity and prior experience concerning the duties of the office to which they shall be appointed.
340.60 Removal.
Any officer, board or commission member, or employee who is not a member of the career service may be removed at any time by the officer who appointed that person, except that a member of the personnel board or the board of appeals may be removed only by a majority of the county council as provided in this charter. (Ord. 18316 § 1 (part), 2016).
Section 350 Administrative Offices and Executive Departments.
The executive branch shall be divided by the county council by ordinance into administrative offices and executive departments.
350.10 Administrative Offices.
The administrative offices shall consist of those agencies of the executive branch which provide administrative services for the various agencies of county government.
350.20 Executive Departments.
The executive departments shall consist of the department of assessments, the department of judicial administration, the department of elections, the department of public defense and those agencies of the executive branch which are primarily engaged in the execution and enforcement of ordinances and statutes concerning the public peace, health and safety and which furnish or provide governmental services directly to or for the residents of the county. (Ord. 17614 § 1 (part), 2013: Initiative 25 § 1, 2008).
350.20.10 Department of Assessments.
The department of assessments shall be administered by the county assessor who shall perform the duties specified by general law. The county assessor shall be elected by the voters of the county unless general law shall provide otherwise, and the assessor’s term of office shall be four years. The department of assessments shall be an executive department subject to the personnel system and shall utilize the services of the administrative offices and the executive departments, but it shall not be abolished or combined with any other executive department or administrative office and shall not have its duties decreased by the county council. (Ord. 18316 § 1 (part), 2016).
350.20.20 Department of Judicial Administration.
The department of judicial administration shall be administered by the superior court clerk who shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of a majority of the superior court judges in the county. The department of judicial administration shall maintain the official court files, records and indexes necessary for the efficient administration of justice and the court system and shall perform such other duties assigned to it by a majority of the superior court judges in the county.
The department of judicial administration shall be an executive department subject to the personnel system and shall utilize the services of the administrative offices and the executive departments, but it shall not be abolished by the county council. (Ord. 8648 § 1, 1988).
350.20.40 Department of Public Safety.
Following expiration of the current elected term of office, thereafter the chief officer of a department of public safety, who may also be referred to as the county sheriff, shall be an appointed position, subject to Section 340 of this charter and shall perform the duties specified by ordinance. Both the executive and the county council shall consider community stakeholder input during the selection, appointment and confirmation processes for appointment of chief officer of a department of public safety, as specified by ordinance. The department of public safety shall be an executive department subject to the civil service personnel system and shall utilize the services of the administrative offices and the executive departments, but it shall not be abolished by the county council. (Ord. 19140 § 2, 2020: Ord. 19139 § 2, 2020: Ord. 18316 § 1 (part), 2016: Ord. 12301 § 1, 1996).
350.20.50 Department of Elections.
The department of elections shall be administered by the county director of elections who shall perform the duties specified by general law. The county director of elections shall be elected by the voters of King County, and the director’s term of office shall be four years. The department of elections: shall be an executive department subject to the career service personnel system and shall utilize the services of the administrative offices and the executive departments, but it shall not be abolished or combined with any other executive department or administrative office and shall not have its duties decreased by the county council or executive. The department of elections shall be responsible for the registration of voters in the county; shall conduct all special and general elections held in the county; shall be responsible for creating and printing the King County voter's pamphlet; shall maintain and be the official repository of political boundary maps, geographic information systems data and of the King County copies of campaign financial disclosure forms; and shall administer other public and nonpublic elections, as required by state law and county code and administrative rules. (Ord. 18316 § 1 (part), 2016: Initiative 25 § 1, 2008).
350.20.60 Duties of the Department of Public Defense.
The duties of the department of public defense shall include providing legal counsel and representation to indigent individuals in legal proceedings, including those in the superior and district courts for King County and in appeals from those courts, to the extent required under the sixth amendment to the United States Constitution or Article I, Section 22, of the Constitution of the State of Washington. The department of public defense shall also foster and promote system improvements, efficiencies, access to justice and equity in the criminal justice system. Additional duties may be prescribed by ordinance. Elected officials shall not interfere with the exercise of these duties by the department; however, the enactment of appropriation ordinances does not constitute interference. The department shall not have its duties, as established in this section, decreased by the county council or the county executive. (Ord. 17614 § 1 (part), 2013).
Section 350.20.61. Administration of the Department of Public Defense. The department of public defense shall be managed by the county public defender. The department shall utilize the services of the executive departments and administrative offices as administered by the county executive.
The county public defender shall be appointed by the county executive, subject to confirmation by the county council, to a term that ends at the same time as the term of the county prosecuting attorney, unless removed earlier by the executive for cause, including the grounds for vacancy for elective office under Section 680 of this charter and such other grounds as the council may prescribe by ordinance. The removal may be appealed by the defender to the council by a process to be prescribed by ordinance. The council’s determination shall be final.
The county executive shall appoint the county public defender from candidates recommended by the public defense advisory board under a process prescribed by ordinance. Qualifications of the county public defender may be established by ordinance. The county executive may reappoint the county public defender to additional terms, subject to confirmation by the county council. Confirmation of the appointment or reappointment, or removal when appealed, shall require the affirmative votes of at least five members of the county council. (Ord. 17614 § 1 (part), 2013).
Section 350.20.65. Public Defense Advisory Board.
The public defense advisory board is established to review, advise and report on the department of public defense in a manner that may be prescribed by ordinance. The board shall also advise the executive and council on matters of equity and social justice related to public defense. In the event of a vacancy in the office of county public defender, the board shall recommend candidates from whom the county executive shall make an appointment to fill the vacancy subject to confirmation by the county council. The county council shall prescribe by ordinance the board's membership, process and qualifications for appointment to the board, rules and procedures, and may prescribe by ordinance additional duties of the board. (Ord. 17614 § 1 (part), 2013).
Section 405 Biennial Budgets.
The county council may, subject to the provisions of section 230 of this charter, adopt an ordinance providing for a biennial budget cycle for any or all county funds, with a midbiennium review and modification for the second year of the biennium, including specifying the process and timeline for major tasks in the biennial budget process. References in this charter to the fiscal year or to specific dates shall apply to the corresponding annual or biennial period or date for any such fund or funds. Any references to a "quarter of a fiscal year" mean three months. The county council may adopt additional and emergency appropriations ordinances for such fund or funds in the same manner and subject to the same conditions as otherwise provided in this charter. The county council may repeal such an ordinance and revert to adopting annual budgets for any fund or funds, commencing after the end of any biennial budget cycle. (Ord. 14758 § 2, 2003)
Section 410 Presentation and Adoption of Budgets.
At least ninety-five days prior to the end of each fiscal year, the county executive shall present to the county council a complete budget and budget message, proposed current expense and capital budget appropriation ordinances, and proposed tax and revenue ordinances necessary to raise sufficient revenues to balance the budget; and at least thirty days prior to the end of the fiscal year, the county council shall adopt appropriation, tax and revenue ordinances for the next fiscal year. (Ord. 16208 § 1, 2008: 981 § 1, 1971).
Section 420 Budget Information.
At least one hundred fifty-five days prior to the end of the fiscal year, all agencies of county government shall submit to the county executive information necessary to prepare the budget. (Ord. 16208 § 1, 2008).
Section 425. Economic and Financial Analysis.
425.10. Forecast Council and Office of Economic and Financial Analysis.
The county council shall by ordinance establish the forecast council, which shall adopt official county economic and revenue forecasts that must be used as the basis for the executive's budget proposals. The county council shall by ordinance establish the office of economic and financial analysis. (Ord. 16207 § 1, 2008).
425.20. Oversight of Office of Economic and Financial Analysis.
The forecast council shall by unanimous vote appoint the chief county economist who shall administer the office of economic and financial analysis. The forecast council shall conduct an open and competitive process to select the chief economist. The chief economist may be removed by a vote of three members of the forecast council. The chief economist shall be responsible for the employment and supervision of those employees whom he or she deems necessary to assist in the performance of the duties of the office.
The forecast council shall approve an annual work program for the office of economic and financial analysis and also may assign additional economic and financial studies to the office. (Ord. 16207 § 1, 2008).
425.30. Forecast Council Composition.
The forecast council shall be composed of the executive, two county council members and a county employee with knowledge of the budgeting and financial management practices of the county to be appointed by the executive. County council members shall be appointed annually by the chair of the county council. Appointments to the forecast council shall not be subject to confirmation. (Ord. 16207 § 1, 2008).
425.40. Revenue Forecasts.
By March 1 and at least one hundred-seventy days prior to the end of each year or alternate dates approved by a majority of the forecast council of each year, the chief economist shall prepare, respectively, proposed preliminary and updated official economic and revenue forecasts for county government and submit these to the forecast council. Forecasts may be adopted or revised by a vote of the majority of the forecast council within fifteen days of their submittal by the chief economist, or the forecast shall be deemed adopted. The preliminary forecast shall be used as the basis for the executive's preliminary budget preparation including preparation of the status quo budget, budget instructions to departments, and preliminary review of departmental submittals to the executive. The updated forecast shall be used as the basis for the executive's proposed budget. The most-current forecast shall be used as the basis for budget amendments. (Ord. 16207 § 1, 2008).
Section 430 Contents of Budget.
The budget shall include all funds, revenues and reserves; shall be divided into programs, projects and objects of expense and shall include supporting data deemed advisable by the county executive or required by ordinance; shall indicate as to each program, project or object of expense the actual expenditures of the preceding fiscal year, the estimated expenditures for the current fiscal year and requested appropriations for the next fiscal year; and shall include the proposed capital improvement program for the next six fiscal years. The expenditures included in the budget for the ensuing fiscal year shall not exceed the estimated revenues as forecast under Section 425.40 of this charter. (Ord. 16207 § 1, 2008).
Section 440 Budget Message.
The budget message shall explain the budget in fiscal terms and in terms of the goals to be accomplished and shall relate the requested appropriations to the comprehensive plans of the county.
Section 450 Copies of Budget.
Copies of the budget and budget message shall be delivered to the clerk and each councilmember. Prior to the public hearing on the budget, the budget message and supporting tables shall be furnished to any interested person upon request, and copies of the budget shall be furnished for a reasonable fee as established by ordinance and shall be available for public inspection. (Ord. 18316 § 1 (part), 2016).
Section 460 Consideration and Adoption of Appropriation Ordinances
Prior to the adoption of any appropriation ordinances for the next fiscal year, the county council shall hold a public hearing to consider the budget presented by the county executive and shall hold any other public hearing on the budget or any part thereof that it deems advisable. The county council in considering the appropriations ordinances proposed by the county executive may delete or add items, may reduce or increase the proposed appropriations and may add provisions restricting the expenditures of certain appropriations; but it shall not change the form of the proposed appropriation ordinances submitted by the county executive. The appropriation ordinances adopted by the county council shall not exceed the estimated revenues of the county for the next fiscal year for each fund including surpluses and reserves, but the county council may increase the amount of the estimated revenues contained in the budget presented by the county executive by reestimating the amount by motion passed by a minimum of six affirmative votes or by creating additional sources of revenue which were not included in the proposed tax and revenue ordinances presented by the county executive. (Ord. 14767 § 1, 2004: Ord. 10530 § 1, 1992).
Section 470 Additional Appropriations.
470.10 Contingency Appropriations.
The appropriation ordinances shall include contingency funds which shall not be expended unless the county executive certifies in writing that sufficient funds are available and the county council adopts an additional appropriation ordinance after being requested to do so by the county executive.
470.20 Emergency Appropriations.
The county council may adopt an emergency appropriation ordinance which may appropriate contingency funds, revenues received in excess of the revenues estimated in the budget and funds from any other source available to the county in an emergency.
470.30 Additional Capital Budget Appropriations.
The county council shall not adopt an additional or amended capital budget appropriation ordinance during the fiscal year unless requested to do so by the county executive.
Section 480 Lapses of Appropriations.
Unless otherwise provided by the appropriation ordinances, all unexpended and unencumbered appropriations in the current expense appropriation ordinances shall lapse at the end of the fiscal year. An appropriation in the capital budget appropriation ordinances shall lapse when the project has been completed or abandoned or when no expenditure or encumbrance has been made for three years.
Section 490 Interfund Borrowing and Reimbursement.
One agency of county government or fund may reimburse another agency or fund for services rendered, and the county council when requested to do so by the county executive may adopt an ordinance to provide for temporary interfund borrowing.
Section 495 Illegal Contracts.
Except as otherwise provided by ordinance, any contract in excess of an appropriation shall be null and void; and any officer, agent or employee of the county knowingly responsible shall be personally liable to anyone damaged by the action. The county council when requested to do so by the county executive may adopt an ordinance permitting the county to enter into contracts requiring the payment of funds from appropriations of subsequent fiscal years, but real property shall not be leased to the county for more than one year unless it is included in a capital budget appropriation ordinance. (Ord. 18316 § 1 (part), 2016).
Section 510 Purpose.
The county shall establish and maintain an effective personnel system for
the county which will assure: recruitment, selection and retention of county employees on the basis of merit; the development of a county career service; promotion on the basis of demonstrated ability; and compensation and personnel practices which will keep the county system competitive.
Section 520 Administration.
The county executive shall administer the personnel system of the county in accordance with the personnel rules adopted by the county council by ordinance. The county administrative officer shall prepare and present proposed personnel rules to the county executive who shall present a proposed ordinance establishing the personnel rules to the county council which shall adopt the ordinance with or without amendments.
Section 530 Personnel Rules.
The personnel rules shall provide for: the classification of all employed positions based on the duties, authority and responsibility of each position with adequate provisions for reclassification of any position whenever warranted; a pay plan for all county positions; methods for determining the merit and fitness of candidates for appointment or promotion; policies and procedures concerning reductions in force and removal of employees; hours of work, attendance, regulations and provisions for vacations and sick leaves; policies and procedures for persons holding provisional appointments; policies and procedures governing relationships with employee organizations; policies governing in‑service training; grievance procedures; procedures for disciplinary actions for just cause; penalties for violation of the provisions of Section 560; and other related policies and procedures.
Section 540 The Personnel Board.
There shall be a personnel board composed of five members, four of whom shall be appointed by the county executive subject to confirmation by a majority of the county council. One member of the personnel board shall be elected by secret ballot by the county employees who are members of the career service according to the procedure established by ordinance. A personnel board member shall serve a five year term and until the member’s successor is appointed or elected, with one member being appointed each year. A majority of the county council, but not the county executive, may remove a personnel board member for just cause after written charges have been served on the personnel board member and a public hearing has been held by the county council. The county council may provide for the compensation of personnel board members on a per diem basis.
The personnel board shall report at least once a year to the county executive concerning the operation of the personnel system with any recommendations it may have for its improvement.
Any member of the career service may appeal to the personnel board; from any action pertaining to the methods of examination, appointment or promotion; from any suspension for more than sixty days, reduction in rank or pay, or removal; and from any classification or reclassification of positions. The personnel board shall hold a public hearing to consider an appeal and shall issue such orders as it deems proper including but not limited to the restoration of rank or pay, with or without loss of benefits and pay, and the allocation and reallocation of positions. The decision of the personnel board shall be final unless reviewed by a court of competent jurisdiction. (Ord. 18316 § 1 (part), 2016).
Section 550 Career Service Positions.
All county employees and officers shall be members of the career service except those in the following positions: all elected officers; the county auditor, the clerk and all other employees of the county council; the county administrative officer; the chief officer of each executive department and administrative office; the members of all boards and commissions; the chief economist and other employees of the office of economic and financial analysis; administrative assistants for the county executive and one administrative assistant each for the county administrative officer, the county auditor, the county assessor, the chief officer of each executive department and administrative office and for each board and commission; a chief deputy for the county assessor; one confidential secretary each for the county executive, the chief officer of each executive department and administrative office, and for each administrative assistant specified in this section; all employees of those officers who are exempted from the provisions of this charter by the state constitution; persons employed in a professional or scientific capacity to conduct a special inquiry, investigation or examination; part-time and temporary employees; administrative interns; election precinct officials; all persons serving the county without compensation; physicians; surgeons; dentists; medical interns; and student nurses and inmates employed by county hospitals, tuberculosis sanitariums and health departments of the county.
Part-time Employees. All part-time employees shall be exempted from career service membership except, effective January 1, 1989, all part-time employees employed at least half-time or more, as defined by ordinance, shall be members of the career service. (Ord. 16207 § 1, 2008: Ord. 8651 § 1, 1988).
Section 555 Department of Public Defense.
Nothing in this Article 5 shall limit the ability of the county to contract with any person, organization, or government for services that could be provided by the department of public defense. (Ord. 17614 § 1 (part), 2013).
Section 560 Political Activities.
The political activities of county employees and officers shall be governed by the applicable provisions of state law. (Ord. 5665 § 1, 1981: 3406 § 1, 1977).
Section 610 Election Procedures.
The nominating primaries and elections for the offices of King County executive, King County assessor, King County council and King County prosecuting attorney shall be conducted in accordance with general law governing the election of nonpartisan county officers. (Ord. 18308 § 1 (part), 2016: Initiative 26 § 1, 2008).
Section 630 Qualifications.
Each county officer holding an elective office shall be, at the time of the officer’s appointment or election and at all times while the officer holds office, at least twenty-one years of age, a citizen of the United States and a resident and registered voter of King County; and each councilmember shall be a resident of the district that the councilmember represents. Any change in the boundaries of a councilmember's district that causes the councilmember to be no longer a resident of the district that the councilmember represents shall not disqualify the councilmember from holding office during the remainder of the term for which the councilmember was elected or appointed. Additional qualifications for those separately elected officials who head executive departments may be established by ordinance. (Ord. 18316 § 1 (part), 2016: Ord. 16206 § 1, 2008: Ord. 12301 § 1, 1996).
Section 640 County Executive and Assessor.
The county executive and county assessor shall be elected as nonpartisan offices by the voters of the county. The election of the county executive and county assessor shall be held at the primary and general elections in 2023 for the county assessor and 2025 for the county executive and then in even-numbered years commencing with the election in 2026 for the county assessor and in 2028 for the county executive, and every four years thereafter. (Ord. 19465 § 1, 2022: Initiative 26 § 1, 2008).
Section 647 County Director of Elections, Term of Office and Compensation.
The county director of elections shall be elected as a nonpartisan office by the voters of the county. Elections for the county director of elections shall occur at the primary and general elections in 2023 and then in even-numbered years commencing in 2026 and every four years thereafter. The county director of elections shall receive compensation as provided by ordinance. (Ord. 19465 § 1, 2022: Initiative 25 § 1, 2008).
Section 649 Prosecuting Attorney.
The county prosecuting attorney shall be elected as a nonpartisan office by the voters of the county, and the term of office shall be for four years and until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Notwithstanding any section of this charter to the contrary, the qualifications for office and the timing of election shall be as prescribed in state law. (Ord. 18308 § 1 (part), 2016).
Section 650 Councilmembers.
650.10 Districts.
The county shall be divided into nine districts numbered one through nine. (Ord. 14767 § 1, 2004: Ord. 10530 § 1, 1992).
650.20 Nomination and Election.
County councilmembers shall be elected as nonpartisan offices by the voters of each councilmember's respective district. The election of councilmembers in even-numbered districts shall be held at the primary and general elections in 2023 and then in even-numbered years commencing in 2026 and every four years thereafter. The election of councilmembers in odd-numbered districts shall be held at the primary and general elections in 2025 and then in even-numbered years commencing in 2028 and then every four years thereafter. (Ord. 19465 § 1, 2022: Initiative 26 § 1, 2008).
650.30 Districting.
650.30.10 District Boundaries.
The boundaries of each district shall correspond as nearly as practical with the boundaries of election precincts, municipalities and census tracts and shall be: drawn to produce districts with compact and contiguous territory, composed of economic and geographic units and approximately equal in population.
650.30.20 Districting Committee.
During the month of January, 2001, and by January 31 of each tenth year thereafter, a five-member districting committee shall be appointed. The county council shall appoint four persons to the committee, the four to appoint the fifth who shall be the chairperson. The districting committee shall no later than April 1 following their appointment meet and appoint a districting master who shall be qualified by education, training and experience to draw a districting plan. If the districting committee is unable to agree upon the appointment of a districting master by April 1, the county council shall appoint a districting master by May 31 of that year. (Initiative 26 § 1, 2008: Ord. 12191 § 1, 1996: Ord. 2494 § 1, 1975).
650.30.30 Districting Plan.
The districting master shall draw a districting plan for the county which shall be submitted by December 31 of the same year to the districting committee for adoption with or without amendment. The districting committee shall adopt the districting plan within fifteen days. Upon adoption, the districting plan shall be submitted to the clerk of the county council by the districting committee. The plan shall become effective upon filing. (Ord. 12191 § 1, 1996: Ord. 2494 § 1, 1975).
Section 650.40 Transitional Provisions.
Section 670 Recall.
The holder of any elective office may be recalled in accordance with the provisions of general law.
Section 680 Vacancies.
An elective county office shall become vacant upon the incumbent's death; resignation; recall; conviction of a felony, crime involving moral turpitude, unlawful destruction of court records, or other crime pertinent to the incumbent’s office; declaration of incompetency by a court of competent jurisdiction; absence from the county for a period of more than thirty days without the permission of a majority of the county council; or failure to fulfill or continue to fulfill the qualifications for office; provided, however, that an elective county office shall not become vacant as the result of a criminal conviction or declaration of incompetency until the conviction or declaration has become final and is no longer subject to appeal. (Ord. 18316 § 1 (part), 2016).
680.10 Designation, Appointment and Election to Fill Vacancy.
Immediately upon commencing their terms of office, the county executive, county assessor, county director of elections and county prosecuting attorney shall each designate one or more employees who serve as a deputy or assistant in such office to serve as an interim official in the event of a vacancy in the elective office of the county executive, county assessor, county director of elections or county prosecuting attorney, respectively.
Except for a designation made by the metropolitan county council, a designation of an interim official shall only be effective if the county executive, county assessor, county director of elections and county prosecuting attorney, each for that officer’s elective office, complies with the following procedure; commits the designation to writing; identifies the order of precedence if more than one county officer or employee is designated; signs the written designation; has the written designation notarized; files the written designation with the county office responsible for records; and provides a copy of the written designation to the chair of the metropolitan county council. The county executive, county assessor, county director of elections and county prosecuting attorney may, at any time, amend such designation by complying with the same procedure established for making the designation.
In the event the county executive, county assessor, county director of elections and county prosecuting attorney neglects or fails to make such a designation within seven calendar days of commencing his or her term of office, the metropolitan county council may by ordinance designate one or more employees who serve as a deputy or assistant in such office to serve as an interim official in the event of a vacancy in the elective office of the county executive, county assessor, county director of elections or county prosecuting attorney, respectively. A designation made by the metropolitan county council shall be effective upon adoption of the ordinance therefor and may be amended by ordinance; provided that a designation by the county executive, county assessor, county director of elections or county prosecuting attorney which occurs subsequent to the adoption of an ordinance shall take precedence over the designation by ordinance.
The designated county officer or employee shall immediately upon the occurrence of a vacancy serve as the interim official and shall exercise all the powers and duties of the office granted by this charter and general law until an acting official is appointed as provided in this section.
The metropolitan county council shall, after being appraised of a vacancy in the elective office of county executive, county assessor, county director of elections or county prosecuting attorney, fill the vacancy by the appointment of an employee who served as a deputy or assistant in such office at the time the vacancy occurred as an acting official to perform all necessary duties to continue normal office operations. The acting official shall serve until the vacancy is filled by appointment pursuant to general law for nonpartisan county elective offices.
A vacancy in an elective county office shall be filled at the next primary and general elections which occur in the county; provided that an election to fill the vacancy shall not be held if the successor to the vacated office will be elected at the next general election as provided in Section 640 of this charter. The term of office of an officer who has been elected to fill a vacancy shall only be for the unexpired portion of the term of the officer whose office has become vacant and shall commence as soon as he or she is elected and qualified.
A majority of the county council may temporarily fill a vacancy by appointment until the vacancy has been filled by election or the successor to the office has been elected and qualified. (Ord. 19139 § 2, 2020: Ord. 18308 § 1 (part), 2016: Initiative 26 § 1, 2008: Initiative 25 § 1, 2008: Ord. 12847 § 2, 1997).
Section 690 Statement of Campaign Contributions and Expenditures.
Every candidate for nomination or election to an elective county office shall, within ten days after the primary, general or special election as the case may be, file an itemized statement with the executive department responsible for conducting elections showing all campaign contributions and pledges of labor and material made to the candidate or on the candidate's behalf and all campaign expenditures and obligations incurred by the candidate or on the candidate's behalf. Such statement when filed shall be a public record. The county council shall by ordinance prescribe the form of such statement. Timely filing of a statement of campaign receipts and expenditures with the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission in accordance with chapter 42.17 RCW satisfies the filing obligations of this section. A willful violation of this section shall disqualify the candidate from holding county elective office. (Ord. 18316 § 1 (part), 2016: Ord. 16885 § 1, 2010).
690.10 Limits on Campaign Contributions and Expenditures.
The county shall provide for a system of limits on campaign contributions and expenditures to safeguard the integrity of the political process. The county council shall by ordinance establish mandatory limits on campaign contributions and voluntary limits on campaign expenditures with public matching funds for county charter elected offices. The ordinance may provide for penalties including disqualification of a candidate from holding county elective office for willful violations. (Ord. 8977 § 2, 1989).
Section 710 Composition, Appointment, Removal.
The board of appeals shall be composed of seven members appointed by the county executive subject to confirmation by a majority of the county council. Each member of the board of appeals shall serve a four year term and until the member’s successor is appointed. Two members shall be appointed each year; except that every fourth year, only one member shall be appointed. A majority of the county council, but not the county executive, may remove a board of appeals member for just cause after written charges have been served on the board of appeals member and a public hearing has been held by the county council. The county council shall provide for the compensation of the board of appeals members on a per diem basis. (Ord. 18316 § 1 (part), 2016).
Section 720 Powers.
The board of appeals shall hear and decide all appeals from any valuation by the department of assessments. The county council may by ordinance provide for an appeal to the board of appeals from any other order by an executive department or administrative office. The decision of the board of appeals shall be final unless reviewed by a state agency as provided by general law or appealed to a court of competent jurisdiction within the time limits established by ordinance or general law. (Ord. 3405, 1977).
Section 730 Rules of Practice and Procedure.
The board of appeals shall prepare, publish and amend rules of practice and procedure establishing the method for appealing to the board and shall provide for the selection of those of its members who shall serve with representatives of cities or other agencies of government on any joint board or commission established by general law which hears appeals which would otherwise be within the jurisdiction of the board of appeals established by this charter.
Section 800 Charter Review and Amendments.
At least every ten years after the adoption of this charter, the county executive shall appoint a resident commission of not less than fifteen members whose mandate shall be to review the charter and present, or cause to be presented, to the county council a written report recommending those amendments, if any, which should be made to the charter. Appointees shall be subject to confirmation by a majority of the county council. This resident commission shall be composed of at least one representative from each of the county council districts. The county council shall consider the commission's report and recommendations and decide at an open public meeting how to proceed on each of the commission's recommended charter amendments, as provided by ordinance.
The county council may propose amendments to this charter by enacting an ordinance to submit a proposed amendment to the voters of the county. The county council shall comply with state law timelines for placing local measures on the ballot and shall place the proposed amendments on the ballot at the next general election. An ordinance proposing an amendment to the charter shall not be subject to the veto power of the county executive. Publication of a proposed amendment and notice of its submission to the voters of the county shall be made in accordance with the state constitution and general law. If the proposed amendment is approved by a majority of the voters voting on the issue, it shall become effective ten days after the results of the election are certified unless a later date is specified in the amendment. (Ord. 19308 § 1, 2021: Ord. 19123 § 1, 2020: Ord. 16599 § 1, 2009: Ord. 8647 § 1, 1988).
Section 810 Severability and Construction.
The provisions of this charter are severable; and, if any provision should be declared to be unconstitutional or inapplicable, it shall not affect the constitutionality or applicability of any other provision of this charter.
Section 815 Contracts and Procurement Processes.
The construction of all public buildings and works shall be performed by independent contractors except as provided otherwise in this charter or by general law. County employees may perform county road projects up to the separate project cost limits authorized by general law for the performance of public buildings and works by county employees. The county shall purchase all property and award all contracts by procurement processes established by ordinance or general law. (Ord. 12846 § 2, 1997: Ord. 8650 § 1, 1988).
Section 820 Conflict of Interest.
The county council shall adopt an ordinance prohibiting an officer or employee of the county when it might conflict with the performance of the officer’s or employee’s official duties from directly or indirectly: receiving or having any financial interest in any sale to or by the county of any service or property; accepting or seeking for others any service or thing of value on more favorable terms than those granted to the public generally from any person, firm or corporation having dealings with the county; or accepting any gift from any person, firm or corporation having dealings with the county. The ordinance shall include civil and criminal penalties for the negligent or willful violation of this section by any county officer or employee or by any person, firm or corporation having dealings with the county. (Ord. 18316 § 1 (part), 2016).
Section 830 Public Inspection of Public Records.
All official acts and documents except those which have been specifically prepared for use by the county in court proceedings, criminal and law enforcement files, those which would invade a person's right of privacy and those which are specified as confidential by general law shall be open for public inspection; and the agency having custody and control of public records shall upon request supply certified copies of the records requested for a reasonable fee as established by ordinance.
Section 840 Antidiscrimination.
There shall be no discrimination in employment or compensation of county officers or employees on account of sex, race, color, national origin, religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age except by minimum age and retirement provisions, status as a family caregiver, military status or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of the person's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, and the county shall not enter into any contract with any person, firm, organization, corporation or other nongovernmental entity that discriminates on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age except by minimum age and retirement provisions, status as a family caregiver, military status or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of the person's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. (Ord. 19135 § 1, 2020: Ord. 16204 § 1, 2008).
Section 843 Freedom of religion guarantee.
Absolute freedom of conscience in all matters of religious sentiment, belief and worship, shall be guaranteed to every individual, and no one shall be molested or disturbed in person or property on account of religion; but the liberty of conscience hereby secured shall not be so construed as to excuse acts of licentiousness or justify practices inconsistent with the peace and safety of the state. No public money or property shall be appropriated for or applied to any religious worship, exercise or instruction, or the support of any religious establishment: provided, however, that this section shall not be so construed as to forbid the employment by the county of a chaplain for such of the county custodial, correctional, and mental institutions, or by a county public hospital, health care facility, or hospice, as may be allowed by law. No religious qualification shall be required for any public office or employment, nor shall any person be incompetent as a witness or juror, in consequence of the person’s opinion on matters of religion, nor be questioned in any court of justice touching the person’s religious belief to affect the weight of the person’s testimony. This section shall not diminish or limit any other protections guaranteed by Article I, Section 11 of the Washington State Constitution or by the first amendment of the United States Constitution. (Ord. 18316 § 1 (part), 2016: Ord. 14206 § 3, 2001).
Section 850 Delegation of Authority.
Any power or duty of a county officer except the veto power of the county
executive may be delegated by that officer to another officer or employee under the delegating officer’s control and supervision; provided, however, that the delegating officer shall continue to be responsible for the exercise of the power or the performance of the duty delegated. The county council shall not delegate its legislative power except to the extent that it delegates to a county officer the authority to promulgate regulations in accordance with adequate standards established by the county council.
Section 860 References to County Agencies and Officers in the Constitution or General Law.
Whenever the state constitution or a general law which has not been superseded by this charter or by the ordinances enacted hereunder refers to an agency or officer of county government who has been superseded by this charter, it shall be deemed to refer to the agency or officer designated by this charter or by the county council to perform the functions of the superseded agency or officer or in the absence of such a designation to the agency or officer designated by the county executive.
Section 870 Additional Compensation.
Any county officer or employee who is compensated by salary shall not receive any additional compensation for serving on any board or commission or in any other position established by or pursuant to this charter. An elected officer of the county shall not be appointed to any other compensated county office or position during the officer’s term of office. (Ord. 18316 § 1 (part), 2016).
Section 880 Compilation and Codification of Ordinances.
Within two years after the effective date of this charter and as often thereafter as it deems necessary, the county council shall provide for a compilation and codification of all county ordinances and regulations which have the force of law and are permanent or general in nature. Each codification shall be presented to the county council and, when adopted by ordinance, shall be known as the "King County Code." It shall be published together with this charter, a detailed index and appropriate notes, citations and annotations. The county council shall also provide for an annual supplement.
Section 890 Employee Representation.
The county council may enact an ordinance providing for collective bargaining by the county with county employees covered by the personnel system. If an ordinance providing for collective bargaining is enacted, it shall not be subject to the veto power of the county executive; and it shall designate the county executive as the bargaining agent of the county. Any agreement reached as a result of negotiations by the county bargaining agent with county employees shall not have the force of law unless enacted by ordinance. (Ord. 19140 § 2, 2020: Ord. 19139 § 2, 2020: Ord. 16900 § 2, 2010).
Section 895 Mandatory Inquests.
An inquest shall be held to investigate the causes and circumstances of any death where an action, decision or possible failure to offer the appropriate care by a member of any law enforcement agency might have contributed to an individual's death. For the purposes of this section, "member of any law enforcement agency" includes a commissioned officer, noncommissioned staff and agent of any local or state police force, jail, detention facility or corrections agency. The county shall assign an attorney to represent the family of the decedent in the inquest proceeding, but the family has the option of accepting the attorney or not. (Ord. 19116 § 2, 2020: Ord. 18316 § 1 (part), 2016).
Section 896 Appeals Process.
The county council shall by ordinance provide the opportunity for an administrative appeal to a hearing examiner or other body for appeals from the granting or rejecting of an application for zoning variance or conditional use permit. (Ord. 3405, 1977).
Section 897 High Conservation Value Properties.
The county council may, by a minimum of seven affirmative votes, adopt an ordinance establishing an inventory of those high conservation value properties that are to be preserved under the terms of this section. Such an ordinance may be adopted before, on, or after the effective date of this section. The inventory shall include only properties in which the county has a real property interest. The inventory may not be modified by the addition or removal of a property except by an ordinance adopted by a minimum of seven affirmative votes and including specific findings of fact supporting the modification. An ordinance removing a property from the inventory shall include findings of fact that one or more of the following factors exist: (1) the property no longer provides the open space values initially contemplated, for specific reasons set forth in the ordinance; (2) maintaining the property in public ownership is no longer practical, for specific reasons set forth in the ordinance; or (3) open space values will be enhanced by substituting the property interest for another property interest. At least twenty-eight days after the introduction of a proposed ordinance modifying the inventory, except an emergency ordinance, and prior to its adoption, the county council shall hold a public hearing after due notice to consider the proposed ordinance. Before the county council adopts an ordinance modifying the inventory, the chair or other designee of the county council shall make a reasonable effort to consult with the county executive about the modification. Seven affirmative votes are required to override the veto of an ordinance establishing or modifying the inventory following the effective date of this section.
The county shall not convey or relinquish its interest in an inventoried property or authorize an inventoried property to be converted to a use that was not permissible when the county acquired its interest, as evidenced by deed, easement, covenant, contract or funding source requirements, except that this section shall not prevent: the conveyance of the county’s interest in an inventoried property to another government or to a non-profit nature conservancy corporation or association as defined in RCW 84.34.250, as currently adopted or hereafter amended; the conveyance of the county’s interest in an inventoried property under the lawful threat or exercise of eminent domain; the grant of an easement, license, franchise or use agreement for utilities or other activities compatible with use restrictions in place when the county acquired its interest; or the use of an inventoried property for habitat restoration, flood control, low-impact public amenities or regionally significant public facilities developed for purposes related to the conservation values of the property, road or utility projects or emergency projects necessary to protect public health, welfare or safety. This section shall not affect any contractual obligations entered into as part of the county's acquisition of an interest in an inventoried property. (Ord. 16600 § 2, 2009).
Section 899. Department of Public Defense Employee Collective Bargaining.
The county executive shall consult with the county public defender on the plans and goals for bargaining before and periodically during the negotiation of terms and conditions of employment with employees of the department of public defense. The council may prescribe the method of consultation by ordinance. (Ord. 17614 § 1 (part), 2013).
The provisions of this article relate to the transition from the existing form of government to the form of government established by this charter; and where inconsistent with the foregoing articles of this charter, the provisions of this article shall constitute exceptions.
970.20 Effective Date.
The county executive shall present to the county council a proposed ordinance containing a comprehensive set of personnel rules as soon as possible, and the effective date of the personnel system shall be no later than January 1, 1970. Prior to the effective date of the personnel system, each employee shall be appointed, promoted, suspended and removed by the officer in whose office the employee serves. (Ord. 18316 § 1 (part), 2016).
Section 990 Transition.
All ordinances, resolutions and other official actions of the board of county commissioners that are in effect on the May 1, 1969, effective date of this charter and that are not inconsistent with this charter shall continue in effect until they are amended, repealed or superseded in accordance with the provisions of this charter. All rights, claims, actions, orders, obligations, proceedings and contracts existing on May 1, 1969, shall not be affected by the adoption of this charter. (Ord. 16484 § 1, 2009).
We, the duly elected members of the Board of King County Freeholders, having been elected on November 7, 1967, pursuant to Article 11, Section 4, of the Constitution of the State of Washington, as amended, and having been empowered to prepare and propose a "Home Rule" charter for the government of the county, have prepared and do hereby propose the foregoing King County Charter for adoption by the voters of King County. We request the Board of King County Commissioners to take whatever action may be necessary to place the following question before the voters of the county at the general election to be held on November 5, 1968:
Shall the proposed Home Rule Charter for King County providing for the separation of legislative and executive powers and for improved administration be adopted?
For Home Rule Charter
Against Home Rule Charter
We, the undersigned Freeholders of King County, do hereby approve the above resolution:
Norman B. Ackley Lyle R. Schneider
Richard P. Albrecht Donald N. McDonald
Robert J. Block Terrence R. McKenna
Howard E. Bothell Lois H. North
James P. Curran James N. O'Connor
Robert Eberle Virginia K. Gunby
Paul S. Friedlander Simon Wampold
Jack M. Geoffroy
FREEHOLDER STAFF:
Paul R. Meyer, Executive Secretary
John H. Strasburger, Legal Counsel, representing the law firm of Short, Cressmen & Cable
Helen Grigsby, Secretary
CONSULTANTS:
Others who have assisted the freeholders during the course of their deliberations in various capacities include:
Virginia Galle, Research Consultant; Raj Joshi, Urban Planning Consultant;
John A. Donaho, Management Consultant; Nancy Goodfellow, transcription.
This table contains a numerical list of sections no longer appearing in the King County Charter because of the repeal, expiration, decodification or recodification of the sections. Each entry gives the affected charter section number, its caption, its ordinance source (unless it is a section in the original charter) and disposition. The text of the section can be found by referring to the ordinance source citation contained in brackets or, if it is a section in the original charter, in the original charter.
ARTICLE 3 - THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH
350.20.30—Metropolitan Services Department Transitory Provisions.—[10530 § 1, 1992]. Repealed by 16484 § 1, 2009.
ARTICLE 4 - FINANCIAL PROCEDURES
475—Work Programs and Allotments. Repealed by Ordinance 16546 § 1, 2009.
620—Independent Candidates. Repealed by Initiative 26 § 1, 2004.
640.40.10—Districting in 1993.—[10530 § 1, 1992]. Repealed by 14767 § 1, 2004.
640.40.20—Initial elections and terms of office for districts ten, eleven, twelve and thirteen.—[10530 § 1, 1992]. Repealed by 14767 § 1, 2004.
645—Sheriff; Election, Term of Office and Compensation. Repealed by 19139 § 2, 2020.
ARTICLE 8 - GENERAL PROVISIONS
898—Department of Public Safety Employee Collective Bargaining. Repealed by 19139 § 2, 2020; 19140 § 2, 2020.
ARTICLE 9 - TRANSITORY PROVISIONS
900—Effective Date and Elections. Repealed by 16484 § 1, 2009.
910—Councilman Districts. Repealed by 16484 § 1, 2009.
920—Administrative Offices and Executive Department. Repealed by 16484 § 1, 2009.
920.10—Administrative Offices. Repealed by 16484 § 1, 2009.
920.10.10—Office of Budgets and Accounts. Repealed by 16484 § 1, 2009.
920.10.20—Office of Personnel. Repealed by 16484 § 1, 2009.
920.10.30—Office of Systems Services. Repealed by 16484 § 1, 2009.
920.10.40—Office of Property and Purchasing. Repealed by 16484 § 1, 2009.
920.20—Executive Departments. Repealed by 16484 § 1, 2009.
920.20.10—Department of Public Works, Utilities and Transportation. Repealed by 16484 § 1, 2009.
920.20.20—Department of Public Safety. Repealed by 16484 § 1, 2009.
920.20.30—Department of Public Health. Repealed by 16484 § 1, 2009.
920.20.40—Department of Records and Elections. Repealed by 16484 § 1, 2009.
920.20.50—Department of Finance. Repealed by 16484 § 1, 2009.
920.20.60—Department of Parks. Repealed by 16484 § 1, 2009.
920.20.70—Department of Planning. Repealed by 16484 § 1, 2009.
920.20.80—Department of Building. Repealed by 16484 § 1, 2009.
920.30—Modification of Administrative Offices and Executive Departments. Repealed by 16484 § 1, 2009.
930—County Commissioners. Repealed by 16484 § 1, 2009.
940—County Assessor. Repealed by 16484 § 1, 2009.
950—Commencement and Terms of Office. Repealed by 16484 § 1, 2009.
960—Compensation. Repealed by 16484 § 1, 2009.
970—The Personnel System. Repealed by 16484 § 1, 2009.
970.10—Personnel Board Members. Repealed by 16484 § 1, 2009.
970.30—Elective County Officers. Repealed by 16484 § 1, 2009.
970.40—County Employees. Repealed by 16484 § 1, 2009.
970.50—Sheriff's Civil Service System. Repealed by 16484 § 1, 2009.
980—Board of Appeals. Repealed by 16484 § 1, 2009.
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, COUNTY
APPOINTMENT AUTHORITY § 340.20
DUTIES § 330
PERSONNEL RULES PRESENTATION § 520
POLITICAL ACTIVITY PROHIBITED § 560
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
See also Specific Office
COMPOSITION § 350.10
ADMINISTRATOR, COUNTY
QUALIFICATIONS § 340.50
ANTIDISCRIMINATION § 840
APPEALS PROCESS, ZONING VARIANCE,
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT § 896
APPOINTMENTS
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER AUTHORITY § 340.20
CHIEF OFFICERS, AUTHORITY § 340.30
CONFIRMATION AUTHORITY § 340.40
EXECUTIVE, COUNTY, AUTHORITY § 340.20
QUALIFICATIONS § 340.50
REMOVAL PROCEDURE § 340.60
ASSESSMENTS, DEPARTMENT OF
COMPOSITION § 350.20.10
ASSESSOR, COUNTY
ASSESSMENTS DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATION AUTHORITY § 350.20.10
AUDITOR, COUNTY
POWERS, DUTIES § 250
AUTHORITY
DELEGATION POWER § 850
BOARD OF APPEALS
COMPOSITION, APPOINTMENT, REMOVAL § 710
POWERS § 720
PRACTICE, PROCEDURE RULES § 730
BUDGET
APPROPRIATIONS
Additional capital budget § 470.30
Emergency § 470.20
Lapse when § 480
Ordinances, consideration and adoption § 460
BIENNIAL § 405
CONTENTS § 430
CONTRACTS ILLEGAL WHEN § 495
COPIES DELIVERY REQUIRES § 450
INFORMATION REQUIRED § 420
INTERFUND BORROWING, REIMBURSEMENT, WHEN § 490
MESSAGE REQUIREMENTS § 440
PRESENTATION AND ADOPTION § 410
CHARTER
CONSTITUTION, GENERAL LAW REFERENCES § 860
ORDINANCE COMPILATION, CODIFICATION § 880
REVIEW, AMENDMENT WHEN § 800
SEVERABILITY, CONSTRUCTION § 810
CHIEF ECONOMIST See ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL ANALYSIS § 425
CHIEF OFFICERS, COUNTY
APPOINTMENT AUTHORITY § 340.50
POLITICAL ACTIVITY PROHIBITED § 560
QUALIFICATIONS § 340.50
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING See §§ 230.40, 890, 899.
COMPENSATION
ADDITIONAL, WHEN § 870
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
ORDINANCE PROHIBITING § 820
CONTRACTS
CONTRACTS AND PROCUREMENT PROCESSES § 815
COUNCIL, METROPOLITAN COUNTY
APPOINTMENT CONFIRMATION AUTHORITY § 340.40
BOARD OF APPEALS COMPENSATION PROVISION § 710
BUDGET APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION § 460
CHARTER ORDINANCE COMPILATION, CODIFICATION AUTHORITY § 880
CITIZEN COMPLAINTS, OFFICE OF § 260
COMPOSITION AND TERMS OF OFFICE § 220.10
CONFLICT OF INTEREST ORDINANCE ADOPTION § 820
ELECTION
See also ELECTIONS
Districting committee appointment § 650.30.20
LAW ENFORCEMENT OVERSIGHT, OFFICE OF § 265
MOTIONS AUTHORITY § 240
ORGANIZATION § 220.30
OTHER BRANCH RELATIONSHIP § 220.50
POWERS § 220.20
PROCEDURE RULES § 220.40
COUNTY
POWERS
Construction § 130
General § 110
Intergovernmental relations § 120
Name, boundaries, county seat § 140
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY See PUBLIC SAFETY, DEPARTMENT OF
DISCRIMINATION
PROHIBITED § 840
DISTRICTING COMMITTEE § 650.30.20
ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL ANALYSIS § 425
FORECAST COUNCIL AND OFFICE OF ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL ANALYSIS § 425.10
FORECAST COUNCIL COMPOSITION § 425.30
OVERSIGHT OF OFFICE OF ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL ANALYSIS § 425.20
REVENUE FORECAST § 425.40
ELECTIONS
CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS, EXPENDITURES, STATEMENT REQUIRED § 690
COUNCILMEMBERS (COUNCILMEN)
Districts § 650.10
Nomination, election § 650.20
Nonpartisan § 650.20
DISTRICTING
Boundaries § 650.30.10
Committee, master § 650.30.20
Plan § 650.30.30
ELECTIONS, COUNTY DIRECTOR OF § 647
EXECUTIVE AND ASSESSOR, COUNTY, WHEN § 640
NONPARTISAN COUNCILMEMBERS § 610, § 650.20
NONPARTISAN DIRECTOR OF ELECTIONS § 647
NONPARTISAN EXECUTIVE, ASSESSOR § 610, § 640
NONPARTISAN PROSECUTING ATTORNEY § 610
PROCEDURES § 610
QUALIFICATIONS § 630
RECALL WHEN § 670
TERMS OF OFFICE, COMMENCEMENT § 950
VACANCIES
Filling procedure, designated § 680
ELECTIONS, DEPARTMENT OF 350.20.50
ELECTIONS, DIRECTOR OF,
NONPARTISAN, TERM, COMPENSATION § 647
EMPLOYEE, COUNTY
See PERSONNEL SYSTEM
EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATION § 890
EXECUTIVE BRANCH
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES,
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS, DIVISION § 350
COMPOSITION AND POWERS § 310
EXECUTIVE, COUNTY
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER APPOINTMENT § 330
APPOINTMENT
Authority § 340.10
Confirmation require § 340.40
BOARD OF APPEALS APPOINTMENT § 710
BUDGET PRESENTATION § 410
CHARTER REVIEW AUTHORITY § 800
ELECTION, TERM OF OFFICE, COMPENSATION § 320.10
ORDINANCE VETO AUTHORITY § 230.20
PERSONNEL SYSTEM
Administration authority § 520
Board appointment § 540
POWERS, DUTIES § 320.20
SUPERIOR COURT CLERK APPOINTMENT AUTHORITY § 350.20.20
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS
See also Specific Departments
COMPOSITION § 350.20
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS see ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL ANALYSIS § 4.25
FORECAST COUNCIL see ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL ANALYSIS § 425
FREEDOM OF RELIGION GUARANTEE § 843
HIGH CONSERVATION VALUE PROPERTIES § 897
JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF
COMPOSITION § 350.20.20
LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY
MANDATORY INQUESTS REQUIRED, WHEN § 895
LAW ENFORCMENT OVERSIGHT, OFFICE OF § 265
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
COMPOSITION § 210
METROPOLITAN MUNICIPAL FUNCTIONS 230.10.10
ORDINANCE
AMENDMENT OR REPEAL OF ORDINANCES APPROVED BY VOTERS § 230.75
EFFECTIVE DATE § 230.70
EMERGENCY, WHEN § 230.30
EXECUTIVE VETO AUTHORITY § 230.20
INITIATIVE, INSTITUTIONAL § 230.50.10
INITIATIVE WHEN § 230.50
INTRODUCTION, ADOPTION § 230.10
PETITIONS, REFERENDUM, INITIATIVE § 230.60
REFERENDUM WHEN § 230.40
PERSONNEL SYSTEM
ADMINISTRATION AUTHORITY § 520
PROSECUTING ATTORNEY, COUNTY § 649
PUBLIC COMPLAINTS, OFFICE OF
ESTABLISHED § 260
PUBLIC DEFENSE, DEPARTMENT OF
ADMINISTRATION § 350.20.61
CONTRACTING - NOT LIMITED BY ARTICLE 5 § 555
DUTIES § 350.20.60
EMPLOYEE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING § 899
PUBLIC DEFENSE ADVISORY BOARD
GENERALLY § 350.20.65
PUBLIC SAFETY, DEPARTMENT OF
GENERALLY § 350.20.40
REGIONAL COMMITTEES
COMPOSITION § 270.20
INVALIDITY-DEVELOPMENT OF
PROPOSED AMENDMENT § 270.20
POWERS AND DUTIES § 270.30
RELIGION see FREEDOM OF RELIGION GUARANTEE
REVENUE FORECASTS see ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL ANALYSIS § 425
SHERIFF
APPOINTMENT § 350.20.40
TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS
DESIGNATION, APPOINTMENT AND ELECTION TO FILL VACANCY § 680.10
EFFECTIVE DATE 970.20
TRANSITION 990
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ARTICLE/ SECTION
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ELECTION |
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981 |
Budget schedule Council has 15 more days |
4/410 |
11/2/1971 |
CARRIED |
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2481 |
Non-partisan nominating primaries and general election |
6/610, 620 (repeal), 630 through 690 (renumber) |
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RECONSIDERED AND REREFERRED BY COUNCIL 8/29/1975. LAPSED. |
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2494 |
Districting Committee |
6/650.30.20, 650.30.30 |
11/4/1975 |
CARRIED |
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3404 |
Age for Holding Elective Office |
6/630 |
11/23/1977 |
CARRIED |
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3405 |
Appeals for Variance and Conditional Use Permit Decisions |
7/720, 8/896 |
11/23/1977 |
CARRIED |
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3406 |
Political activities |
5/560 |
11/23/1977 |
CARRIED |
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5665 |
Political activities |
5/560 |
11/3/1981 |
CARRIED |
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7765 |
Executive compensation |
3/320.10 |
11/4/1986 |
DEFEATED |
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8647 |
Charter review and amendments |
8/800 |
11/8/1988 |
CARRIED |
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8648 |
Judicial administration |
3/350.20.20 |
11/8/1988 |
CARRIED |
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8649 |
County auditor |
2/250 |
11/8/1988 |
CARRIED |
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8650 |
Contracts and competitive bidding |
8/815 |
11/8/1988 |
CARRIED |
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8651 |
Career service and exempt positions |
5/550 |
11/8/1988 |
CARRIED |
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8977 |
Campaign contributions |
6/690.10 |
11/7/1989 |
CARRIED |
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10065 |
Thirteen-member council/Inter-governmental committees |
2/210, 220, 220.10, 230.10, 230.20, 230.30, 270(new), 270.10(new), 270.20(new), 270.30(new), 280(new); 6/650, 650.10, 650.40(new), 650.40.10(new), 650.40.20(new) |
11/5/1991 |
CARRIED BUT CONTINGENT UPON PASSAGE OF PROP. NO. 1 - METRO ASSUMPTION THAT WAS DEFEATED IN NON-SEATTLE. |
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10212 |
Thirteen-member council/Inter-governmental committees |
2/210, 220, 220.10, 230, 230.10, 230.20, 230.30, 270, 270.10, 270.20, 270.30, 280 (new); 6/650, 650.10, 650.40, 650.40.10, 650.40.20 |
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Repealed by Ordinance 10523 |
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10523 |
Removing a proposed amendment concerning the legislative branch and elections from the general election ballot, and repealing Ordinance 10212
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2/210, 220, 220.10, 230, 230.10, 230.20, 230.30, 270, 270.10, 270.20, 270.30, 280 (repeals); 6/650, 650.10, 650.40, 650.40.10, 650.40.20 (repeals 10212) |
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10530 |
Thirteen-member council/establishing regional policy committees, initiative and referendum procedures |
2/210, 220.10, 230.10, 230.10, 230.20, 230.30, 270, 270.10, 270.20, 270.30, 280; 4/460 (new); 6/650, 650.10, 650.40, 650.40.10, 650.40.20 |
11/3/1992 |
CARRIED |
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12191 |
Districting once every ten years |
6/650.30.20, 650.30.30 |
11/5/1996 |
CARRIED |
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12301 |
Electing sheriff |
3/350.20.40; 6/630, 645 |
11/5/1996 |
CARRIED |
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12845 |
Related to referendums and initiatives in unincorporated areas |
2/230.40, 230.50 |
11/4/1997 |
DEFEATED |
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12846 |
Regarding contracts and procurement processes |
8/815 |
11/4/1997 |
CARRIED |
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12847 |
Regarding filling vacancies in elective county offices |
6/680.10 |
11/4/1997 |
CARRIED |
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12848 |
Creating an independent board of ethics |
3/310; 8/825 |
11/4/1997 |
DEFEATED |
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12851 |
Related to ordinances approved by the voters by initiative and referendum |
2/230.75 |
11/4/1997 |
CARRIED |
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12852 |
Relating to qualifications for county officers |
6/630 |
11/4/1997 |
DEFEATED |
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13633 |
Relating to a new right of referendum in which the King County council may submit an ordinance directly to the voters of the county |
2/230.45(new),230.70 |
11/2/1999 |
DEFEATED |
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14206 |
Relating to the guarantee of the free exercise of religion and absolute freedom of conscience in all matters of religious sentiment, belief and worship to every individual within King County |
8/843 |
11/6/2001 |
CARRIED |
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14758 |
Proposing an amendment to Article 4 of the King County Charter; authorizing the council to adopt ordinances providing for biennial budgeting |
4/405 |
11/4/03 |
CARRIED |
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14767 |
Proposing an amendment to the King County Charter reducing in size the King County council from thirteen to nine members; consequently reducing council voting requirements related to the size of the council; phasing in the reduction of council members with elections and terms of office |
2/220.10, 230.10, 230.20, 230.30, 20.30; 4/460; 6/650.10, 650.40.15 (new), 650.40.25 (new), 650.40.10 (repeal), 650.40.20 (repeal) |
11/2/2004 |
CARRIED (Alternative 1A) |
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14965 |
Proposing an amendment to the King County Charter reducing in size the King County council from thirteen to nine members; consequently reducing council voting requirements related to the size of the council; phasing in the reduction of council members with elections and terms of office; reducing the size of the regional committees of the council from twelve to six members |
2/220.10, 230.10, 230.20, 230.30, 230.30, 270.20, 270.30; 4/460; 6/650.10, 650.40.15 (new), 650.40.25 (new), 650.40.10 (repeal), 650.40.20 (repeal) |
11/2/2004 |
DEFEATED (Alternative 1B) |
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16128 |
Related to elections; rejecting Initiative 26 and adopting an alternative ordinance to amend the King County Charter to make the offices of King County executive, King County assessor and King County council nonpartisan, to establish the nonpartisan selection of districting committee members, and to allow candidates for the office of King County executive, King County assessor and King County council to state his or her preference for a political party, or not state a preference. |
6/610, 620 (repeal), 650.20, 650.30.20, 680.10 |
8/19/2008 |
DEFEATED |
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Initiative 25 |
Proposing an amendment to the King County Charter to create the elective office of county director of elections |
3/350.20, 350.20.50 (new), 6/647 (new), 680.10 |
Takes effect upon certification of the results of the election of the initial county director of elections. |
CARRIED |
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16204 |
Proposing an amendment to Section 840 of the King County Charter, to prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability, sexual orientation or gender identity or expression in county employment and in county contracting with nongovernmental entities. |
8/840 |
11/4/2008 |
CARRIED |
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16205 |
Proposing an amendment to Section 230.20 of the King County Charter and Section 270.30 of the King county Charter, to reduce the number of county council members on regional committees, establishing a vice chair position on regional committees, authorize the regional policy committee to adopt its own work program and add authority for regional committees to initiate legislation. |
2/230.10, 270.20, 270.30 |
11/14/2008 |
CARRIED |
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16206 |
Proposing an amendment to Section 630 of the King County Charter, to authorize the county council to establish additional qualifications for separately elected officials who head executive departments, including the sheriff, assessor, and the proposed director of elections. |
6/630 |
11/4/2008 |
CARRIED |
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16207 |
Proposing an amendment to Section 310 of the King County Charter, Section 430 of the King county Charter and Section 530 of the King County Charter and addition of a new Section 425 to the King County Charter, requiring the establishment of the forecast council and the office of economic and financial analysis. |
3/310, 4/425 (new), 425.10 (new), 425.20 (new), 425.30 (new), 425.40 (new), 430, 5/550 |
11/4/2008 |
CARRIED |
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16208 |
Proposing an amendment to Section 410 of the King County Charter and Section 420 of the King County Charter, to impose deadlines that are twenty days earlier than existing deadlines for county agencies to submit budget information to the county executive and for the county executive to present a proposed budget to the county council. |
4/410, 420 |
11/4/2008 |
CARRIED |
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16221 |
Proposing to amend Section 800 of the King County Charter, to establish a process and signature threshold for amendment to the King County Charter by citizen initiative. |
8/800 |
11/4/2008 |
DEFEATED |
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Initiative 26 |
Proposing an initiative to amend the King County Charter to make the offices of King County executive, King County assessor and King County council nonpartisan, and to establish the nonpartisan selection of districting committee members. |
6/610, 620 (repeal), 640, 650.20, 650.30.20, 680.10 |
11/4/2008 |
CARRIED |
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16484 |
Proposing amendments and repeals regarding the county's prior transition to a metropolitan government. |
3/350.20.30 (repeal), 9/900 (repeal), 910 (repeal), 920 (repeal),920.10 (repeal), 920.10.10 (repeal), 920.10.20 (repeal), 920.10.30 (repeal), 920.10.40 (repeal), 920.20, 920.20.10 (repeal), 920.20.20 (repeal), 920.20.30 (repeal), 920.20.40 (repeal), 920.2-0.50 (repeal), 920.20.60 (repeal), 920.20.70 (repeal), 920.20.80 (repeal), 920.30 (repeal), 930 (repeal), 940 (repeal, 950 (repeal), 960 (repeal), 970 (repeal), 970.10 (repeal), 970.30 (repeal), 970.40 (repeal), 970.50 (repeal), 980 (repeal), 990 |
11/3/2009 |
CARRIED |
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16546 |
Proposing to repeal Section 475 of the King County Charter pertaining to work programs and allotments. |
4/475 (repeal) |
11/3/2009 |
CARRIED |
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16547 |
Proposing an amendment to provide for council confirmation of charter review commission members and to require council consideration of charter review commission recommended charter amendments. |
8/800 |
11/3/2009 |
CARRIED |
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16599 |
Amending Ordinance 16547, Section 1, to correct a typographical error. |
8/800 |
11/3/2009 |
CARRIED |
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16600 |
Proposing an amendment to the King County Charter to provide enhanced protection for certain high conservation value properties that are designated by a supermajority vote of the council, by prohibiting the county from conveying or relinquishing its interest in those properties or authorizing their expended use, except in specified circumstances. |
8/897 (new) |
11/3/2009 |
CARRIED |
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16884 |
Proposing to amend the Preamble of the King County Charter, to specify the local and regional role of county government and clarify the purposes of county government. |
Preamble |
11/2/2010 |
CARRIED |
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16885 |
AN ORDINANCE proposing an amendment to Section 690 of the King County Charter, to specify that timely filing of a statement of campaign receipts and expenditures with the Washington state Public Disclosure Commission in accordance with chapter 42.17 RCW satisfies the filing obligations of Section 690 of the King County Charter; making technical corrections. |
6/690 |
11/2/2010 |
CARRIED |
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16900 |
AN ORDINANCE proposing to amend Section 890 of the King County Charter and to add a new Section 897 of the King County Charter, to designate the county sheriff as the county's bargaining agent on all department of public safety issues except for compensation and benefits. |
8/890, 897 [898] |
11/2/2010 |
CARRIED |
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17614 |
AN ORDINANCE relating to the creation of a department of public defense, amending Section 350.20 of the King County Charter adding a new Section 350.20.60 entitled "Duties of the Department of Public Defense" to the King County Charter creating a department of public defense and an appointed office with the title of "county public defender," adding a new Section 350.20.61 to the King County Charter, adding a new Section 350.20.65 to the King County Charter creating a public defense advisory board, adding a new Section 555 to the King County Charter, permitting the county to contract for public defense services, adding a new Section 899 to the King County Charter, requiring the executive to consult with the county public defender on the executive's bargaining with employees of the department of public defense, submitting the same to the voters of the county for their ratification or rejection at the November 2013 general election.
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3/350.20, 350.20.60, 350.20.61, 350.20.65, 5/555, 8/899 |
11/5/2013 |
CARRIED |
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18087 |
AN ORDINANCE providing for the submission to the qualified electors of King County at a special election to be held in King County on November 3, 2015, a proposition to amend Section 898 of the King County Charter and add a new Section 265 to the King County Charter, establishing a charter-based civilian office of law enforcement oversight, providing the office with appropriate authority to carry out its duties and establishing a charter-based citizen advisory committee on law enforcement oversight, making the county executive, in consultation with the county sheriff, the county's bargaining agent concerning civilian oversight of law enforcement; and appointing a committee to write the voters pamphlet statement for the November 3, 2015, special election. |
2/268, 8/898 |
11/3/2015 |
CARRIED |
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18308 |
AN ORDINANCE proposing an amendment to the King County Charter to make the office of King County prosecuting attorney nonpartisan; amending Section 610 of the King County Charter; adding a new Section 649 to the King County Charter; amending Section 680.10 of the King County Charter; and submitting the same to the qualified voters of the county for their approval or rejection at the next general election occurring more than forty-five days after the enactment of this ordinance. |
6/610, 649 (new), 680.10 |
11/8/2016 |
CARRIED |
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18316 |
AN ORDINANCE proposing an amendment to the King County Charter to make the language of the charter gender-neutral; amending Sections 220.10, 220.30, 220.50, 230.20, 230.60, 260, 320.10, 320.20, 330, 340.30, 340.60, 350.20.10, 350.20.40, 350.20.50, 450, 495, 540, 630, 645, 680, 680.10, 690, 710, 820, 843, 850, 870, 895 and 970.20 of the King County Charter; and submitting the same to the qualified voters of the county for their approval or rejection at the next general election occurring more than forty-five days after the enactment of this ordinance. |
2/220.10, 220.30, 220.50, 230.20, 230.60, 260, 3/320.10, 320.20, 350.20.50, 4/450, 495, 5/540, 7/710, 8/820, 843, 850, 870, 895, 9/970.20 |
11/8/2016 |
CARRIED |
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19116 |
AN ORDINANCE proposing an amendment to the King County Charter to clarify when an inquest will be held and to require the county to assign an attorney to represent the family of the decedent in the inquest proceeding; amending Section 895 of the King County Charter; and submitting the same to the qualified voters of the county for their ratification or rejection at the next general election occurring more than forty-five days after the enactment of this ordinance. |
8/895 |
11/3/2020 |
CARRIED |
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19123 |
AN ORDINANCE proposing to amend the King County Charter to replace the word "citizen" to either "public," "member of the public" or "resident," as applicable in the King County Charter; amending the Preamble and Sections 260 and 800 of the King County Charter; and submitting the same to the voters of the county for their ratification or rejection at the next general election to be held in this county occurring more than forty-five days after the enactment of this ordinance. |
2/260, 8/800 |
11/3/2020 |
CARRIED |
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19124 |
AN ORDINANCE proposing an amendment to the King County Charter removing restrictions related to the disposition of real property for less than full value when the property would be used for affordable housing; amending Section 230.10.10 of the King County Charter; and submitting the same to the voters of the county for their ratification or rejection at the next general election to be held in this county occurring more than forty-five days after the enactment of this ordinance. |
2/220.10, 2/230.10.10 |
11/3/2020 |
CARRIED |
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19125 |
AN ORDINANCE proposing to amend the King County Charter to grant the office of law enforcement oversight subpoena powers; amending Section 265 of the King County Charter; and submitting the same to the voters of the county for their ratification or rejection at the next general election to be held in this county occurring more than forty-five days after the enactment of this ordinance. |
2/265 |
11/3/2020 |
CARRIED |
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19135 |
AN ORDINANCE proposing an amendment to the King County Charter, to more broadly prohibit discrimination on the basis of family caregiver, military or veteran status in county employment and in county contracting with nongovernmental entities; amending Section 840 of the King County Charter; and submitting the same to the voters of the county for their ratification or rejection at the next general election to be held in this county occurring more than forty-five days after the enactment of this ordinance. |
8/840 |
11/3/2020 |
CARRIED |
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19139 |
AN ORDINANCE proposing the position of King County sheriff be returned to an appointed position with a requirement for consideration of community stakeholder input during the selection process, and with the county executive being responsible for bargaining with the department of public safety's represented employees; amending Sections 350.20.40, 680.10 and 890 of the King County Charter and repealing Sections 645 and 898 of the King County Charter; and submitting the same to the voters of the county for their ratification or rejection at the next general election to be held in this county occurring more than forty-five days after the enactment of this ordinance. |
3/350.20.40, 6/680.10, 645 (repeal), 8/890, 898 (repeal) |
11/3/2020 |
CARRIED |
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19140 |
AN ORDINANCE proposing to amend the King County Charter relating to the county sheriff and the department of public safety; amending Sections 350.20.40 and 890 of the King County Charter and repealing Section 898 of the King County Charter; and submitting the same to the voters of the county for their ratification or rejection at the next general election to held in this county occurring more than forty-five days after the enactment of this ordinance. |
3/350.20.40, 8/890, 898 (repeal) |
11/3/2020 |
CARRIED |
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19300 |
AN ORDINANCE proposing to amend the Preamble to the King County Charter to include among the charter goals, equitable government, a strong urban and rural economy and superior quality of life and to make a grammatical correction; and submitting the same to the voters of the county for their ratification or rejection at a special election to be held in conjunction with the November 2, 2021, general election.
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Preamble |
11/2/2021 |
CARRIED |
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19308 |
AN ORDINANCE proposing an amendment to the King County Charter to update the charter, clarify terms and bring the charter into compliance with state law, as it pertains to referendum, initiative and charter ballot measure timelines; amending Sections 230.40, 230.50, 230.50.10, 230.60, 230.70, 230.75 and 800 of the King County Charter; and submitting the same to the voters of the county for their ratification or rejection at the November 2, 2021, general election.
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2/230.40, 230.50, 230.50.10, 230.60, 230.70, 230.75 8/800 |
11/2/2021 |
CARRIED |
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19465 |
AN ORDINANCE proposing an amendment to the King County Charter to move elections for certain county offices from odd-numbered to even-numbered years; amending Sections 640, 647 and 650.20 of the King County Charter and repealing Sections 650.40.15, 650.40.25 and 660 of the King County Charter; and submitting the same to the voters of the county for their ratification or rejection at the November 8, 2022, general election. |
6/640, 647, 650.20, 650.40.15, 650,40.25, 660 |
11/8/2022 |
CARRIED |
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Sections:
1. Titles 1 through 4, 6 through 8, 10 through 17, 19 through 23, 24 through 26, and 46 adopted.
2. Title 18 adopted.
3. Title 9 adopted.
Section 1.
Pursuant to the requirement of King County Charter Section 880, there is adopted Titles 1 through 4, 6 through 8, 10 through 17, 19 through 23, 24 through 26, and 46 of the "King County Code" as compiled by the King County council. (Ord. 5961 § 2, 1982).
Section 2.
Pursuant to the requirement of King County Charter Section
880, there is adopted Title 18 of the "King County Code" as compiled by the King County council. (Ord. 5770 § 102, 1981).
Section 3.
Pursuant to the requirement of King County Charter Section 880, there is adopted Title 9 of the "King County Code" as compiled by the King County council. K.C.C. 20.50.010‑.200 and K.C.C. 20.52.010‑.140 are hereby transferred into Title 9. (Ord. 7817 §§ 1‑2, 1986).