Legislative Advocacy

Sustainable Policies, Sustainable Counties



Counties provide constitutionally and statutorily directed state services to all of Washington’s residents. The Washington Association of County Officials (WACO) is working to secure clear and sustainable policies to provide all 39 counties with the foundation to provide sustainable service levels to every Washingtonian.

County Assessors


Seek to make technical corrections to fix the levy calendar.

Update / resolve inequities on the Agricultural Property Tax Exemption by adding an income requirement of $4,000 for properties 20 acres and above.

County Auditors


Seek legislation for equitable share of election costs by making counties, cities, towns, districts, and the state pay their proportionate share of elections costs for every election.

Eliminate the three-day waiting period for marriage licenses and allow elected County Auditors to officiate weddings.

County Clerks

Allow for the state to pay for publications related to their state dependency actions.

Eliminate unnecessary provisions related to Clerks’ duites and court-ordered bond increases in RCW 36.23.020

County Coroners


Require all Coroners and Medical Examiners to achieve certification and accreditation within 12 months of taking office with funding already provided.

Fix autopsy reimbursement rates to create more equity in costs between Coroner and ME offices.

County Sheriffs

Require certification of county corrections officers; including training, background checks and psychological evaluation.

Reduce the wait time for newly hired law enforcement officers to complete Basic Law Enforcement Academy from 6 months to 2 months.

County Treasurers

Align interest and penalty relief for qualified manufactured homeowners with that of site-built homes. The proposal will align foreclosure and distraint timelines for qualified manufactured homes.

2020 Handouts

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