Island County Commissioners Angie Homola and Kelly Emerson are in Washington, D.C., this week to attend a National Association of Counties legislative conference.
The annual event, which began Saturday, brings over 2,000 elected and appointed county officials from across the country to focus on legislative issues facing county government. Attendees hear from key presidential and congressional leaders and have the chance to attend additional educational opportunities concerning current issues.
All three Island County commissioners are appointed to NACo committees. Emerson is a participating member on NACo’s Public Lands Steering Committee, Homola is a participating member on NACo’s Environment, Energy & Land Use Steering Committee, and Commissioner Helen Price Johnson serves on the Human Services & Education Steering Committee.
Price Johnson decided not to attend this year, believing it was important for at least one commissioner to remain behind to conduct county business, according to Budget Director Elaine Marlow.
The estimated cost of the trip, including travel, meals, hotel and conference registration, will run about $2,300 per commissioner, totaling $4,600. Marlow said the board has an annual travel budget of about $20,000.
