Contact:
Bryan Dominique, Public Information Officer, (360) 463-3437 or bryan.dominique@co.thurston.wa.us

​OLYMPIA – In an effort to promote citizen engagement in local government, the Thurston County Board of Commissioners is exploring the impact on public involvement by moving one of the board's regular weekly meetings to 6 p.m. each month.

On Tuesday, Sept. 27, the Board of County Commissioners meeting will begin at 6 p.m., and on the fourth Tuesday of the month following. There is no set timeframe for how long this exploratory period will last. The Board of County Commissioners may choose to move meetings back to the normal start time of 2 p.m. at any time. The county will provide advance notice to any change in meeting times.

This effort began in July when the board adopted Ordinance 16179 on Tuesday, July 19. The ordinance states, "the board may hold a regular meeting at 6 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month. The Clerk of the Board will post the board's weekly schedule of regular meetings on the Friday prior to the upcoming week."

Revised Code of Washington, or RCW, 42.30.070, requires the board provide the time and place for holding regular meetings by ordinance, resolution, bylaws, or whatever rule is required for the conduct of business.

In addition, ordinance 16179 allows the Board of County Commissioners to hold regular quarterly meetings outside the county seat of Olympia, but within the county, to help support greater citizen engagement in local government. No such meeting is planned, but at least 30 days notice is required before a meeting outside the county seat.

You can find board agendas on the board's weekly meetings and work sessions agendas webpage. For a comprehensive view of the board's calendar, please visit the board's master schedule, public hearings, and special meetings webpage. 

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