Thurston County

Hot Topics and Events

BoH Opens Second Round of Applications for Community Member Positions

The Thurston County Board of Health (BoH) is accepting a second round of applications to fill three community member positions on the expanded BoH. Individuals who already submitted an application for a community member position do not need to reapply but must submit the supplemental questionnaire to be considered for the position.

News Release

Application and Supplemental Questions

BoH Expansion Website

Toxic Algae Health Advisory in Effect for Pattison Lake

Lab results show toxin levels of microcystins at the sample site at Pattison Lake are 8.2 ug/L. The state advisory level for microcystins is 8.0 ug/L. Microcystins are a liver toxin and possible human carcinogen. Microcystins can also cause illness in livestock and pets that drink affected water. Staff will collect weekly samples until the algae bloom clears. Warning signs are posted at the boat launch and other locations around the lake.

News Release

Harmful Algal Blooms

How to Safely Enjoy Water Recreation in Thurston County

County Enacts Fire Safety Burn Ban

The Fire Safety Burn Ban applies to residential yard waste burning and all land clearing burns. At this time, recreational fires are allowed on private residential properties and in established fire rings within official county, state, and federal campgrounds. Recreational fires must be contained in approved concrete, stone or metal pits like those commonly found in campgrounds. The use of charcoal briquettes, gas, and propane barbeques will continue to be allowed under the burn ban. The fire safety burn ban will be in place until Friday, September 30, 2022.

News Release

Burn Ban Webpage

Board of Commissioners Approve Putting Measure on General Election Ballot to Increase Board From Three to Five Commissioners

Following a public hearing on Tuesday, July 19, the Thurston County Board of Commissioners (BoCC) passed a resolution in a 3-0 vote to put a ballot measure forward in the general election to ask the voters to increase the number of Thurston County Commissioners from three to five. If the ballot proposition receives majority voter approval, voters will vote incumbents into the two newly created positions during the general election in 2023.

News Release

Resolution

Legal Financial Obligation Reconsideration Day

Thurston County law and justice partners are hosting a Legal Financial Obligation Reconsideration Day on Monday, August 15, at the Thurston County Courthouse! If you have legal financial fines or fees, you may be eligible to have them waived or reduced. City of Olympia criminal fines and fees are not eligible for this event. Registration is required. Please register at http://ow.ly/VvRb50JtLBL. You can learn more about this event here:

http://ow.ly/eriw50JtLBS

News Release

Registration

Commissioners Seek Volunteers for Advisory Boards

The Board of County Commissioners continue to seek citizen volunteers to fill vacancies on the 22 advisory boards, commissions, committees, and councils.

Boards and Commissions Website

Check-In for Visitors

Visitors to Building 1, Public Health and Social Services on Lilly Road, and the Clerk's Office in Building 3 must check-in by using the link below, scanning the QRCode before entering the building, or using the Kiosk system upon entry. Check-in is not currently required for the Building Development Center or Commissioner's Office in Building 1.

QMatic Check-In

Addressing Homelessness As A Region

On June 14, 2018, the Thurston County Board of Health (BoH) declared homelessness a public health crisis in Thurston County. On February 24, 2021, Thurston County announced the signing of the interlocal agreement between Thurston County and the cities of Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and Yelm (as the representative of south county) to form the Regional Housing Council.

Homelessness Website

Regional Housing Council Website

Home Fund