Drafter
Clerk 12/07/2021
Title
AN ORDINANCE relating to the executive's authority to appoint directors of executive departments; amending Ordinance 11955, Section 13, as amended, and K.C.C. 2.16.120; and declaring an emergency.
Body
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KING COUNTY:
SECTION 1. Findings:
A. In November 2020, the voters of King County approved Charter Amendment No. 5, returning the King County sheriff to an appointed position with a requirement for consideration of community stakeholder input during the selection, appointment and confirmation process to be prescribed by county ordinance. The charter amendment becomes operational at the end of the current elected sheriff's term, which takes effect January 1, 2022.
B. In November 2020, the voters of King County approved Charter Amendment No. 6, allowing the duties of the chief officer of the department of public safety, who may also be referred to as the county sheriff, and the duties and structure of the department of public safety to be established by county ordinance.
C. In advance of the effective date of Charter Amendment No. 5, Ordinance 19249, as amended by Ordinance 19313, established an advisory committee regarding the selection, appointment and confirmation of the county sheriff. The advisory committee's report was filed with the council in September 30, 2021.
D. This ordinance modifies the King County Code to reflect the passage of Charter Amendment No. 5, by allowing the executive to appoint an acting director of public safety.
E. For the continuance of leadership in the department of public safety, the executive must be able to appoint an acting director of public safety no later than January 1, 2022. As a result, this ordinance must be enacted as an emergency ordinance.
SECTION 2. Ordinance 11955, Section 13, as amended, and K.C.C. 2.16.120, are hereby amended to read as follows:
A. The county executive shall appoint the county administrative officer and the director o...

Click here for full text