Executive Constantine unveils 2023 – 2024 budget

Focusing on four priority pillars of work first introduced in his 2022 State of the County address, King County Executive Dow Constantine joined the King County Council today to deliver his 2023 – 2024 biennial Proposed Budget. The $15.8 billion budget will make major investments in the Executive’s priority areas focused on battling the climate crisis and restoring our environment, ensuring every person has a home, ensuring a community where every person is safe, and uprooting racism and racial disparities. Read more.

Sept. 29 is the third payday of the month

All King County employees get paid on a biweekly basis, every other Thursday, resulting in 26 pay periods per year. You usually receive two paychecks per month; however, Sept. 29 will be your third payday of the month.

The net dollar amount of these “third” paychecks may be larger because not all deductions are taken out. For example, Deferred Compensation, supplemental insurance premiums, Benefit Access Fees, and Employee Giving donations are not deducted from these checks.

For more information about your paycheck, go to Payroll or speak with your department Payroll representative or timekeeper.

King County’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan survey deadline is Oct. 16

King County is starting a once-a-decade update to its Comprehensive Plan, which guides where people live, work, and play in unincorporated King County. To ensure that King County will be a welcoming community where every person can thrive, the 2024 update will focus on policies related to racial equity, affordable housing, and climate change.

To achieve this goal, King County employees and residents are encouraged to participate in a survey to provide input. The deadline is Oct. 16. Click here to learn more.

Community Conversations with Tony Ventrella

Cross-posted from the Sheriff's Office Weekly Newsletter

Local TV personality and host of Community Conversations, Tony Ventrella, recently met with Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall for an episode of Community Conversations, produced by King County TV. Their discussion covered a variety of topics including recruiting efforts by the department, community engagement, and collaboration with local organizations. Watch the entire episode here. 

Annual Cybersecurity Training required for all King County employees

Cybersecurity Training is an important safeguard that protects King County systems, and the number of employees who complete training each year impacts our insurance rates.

When your training is assigned, you will receive an email from kc-knowbe4@kingcounty.gov with a direct link to your required training modules. If you can’t find the email, check your Junk folder or login with your work email here.

All employees must complete annual Cybersecurity Training by Dec. 31, 2022 unless your agency has specified a different deadline. Thank you for doing your part to protect King County! Read more.

King County is moving all laptops to Windows 11 – see what’s changing

King County is transitioning all employee workstations to the new Windows 11 operating system. Designed to enhance productivity, Windows 11 offers a brighter, more user-friendly interface engineered to help you get more done. All business software will function the same, but the new start menu and desktop layout keeps your frequently used applications front and center.

KCIT will roll out Windows 11 through 2024 as laptops are replaced, repaired, or issued to new employees. Please do not upgrade your workstation yourself. Read more about Windows 11.

Upcoming flu shot clinics

The county makes it free for employees and anyone covered by your benefits to get a flu shot at one of our onsite clinics, or at your doctor’s office or local pharmacy. The Balanced You team is again organizing free onsite flu shot clinics for those workers onsite.

Appointments ahead of time are highly encouraged. Read about free onsite flu shot clinics and schedule your appointment here.  

Upcoming flu shot clinics:

• Rail Division: Monday, Oct. 3 from 5:30 to 8 a.m.
• Youth Services Center: Monday, Oct. 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Atlantic/Central Transit Base: Friday, Oct. 7 from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 to 5 p.m.

Benefits-covered employees who are telecommuting and their insurance-covered family members may find it more convenient to go to their healthcare provider’s office or a local pharmacy for their free flu shot. Learn more about how to get a flu shot through your provider or local pharmacy.

Balanced You presents: A Conversation on Suicide Prevention Awareness

This event is intended to provide an opportunity for King County employees to normalize the discussion around mental health, learn how to identify early warning signs of suicidal ideation, and learn more about resources available to support the mental health of employees and their loved ones. 

The panel will be coordinated by the employee well-being team, Balanced You, and feature a panel of King County mental health experts.

• Thursday, Sept. 29 from 1 to 2 p.m. Register here.

Recognizing Administrative Professionals

Administrative Professionals are a large part of King County government’s workforce and valuable contributors to the success of every department. They support and provide direct services to internal customers and the public.

Submissions for recognition for the third quarter are due by Sept. 30. To show your appreciation and recognize an Administrative Professional that you've worked with, click here. 

Register now for October retirement classes

Check out the following educational opportunities to help you prepare for retirement. These online classes will be held on Zoom or Teams and are provided by your King County Retirement Team.

Introduction to Social Security: Join this 90-minute class if you are interested in learning more about Social Security. Guest speaker Kirk Larson from the Social Security Administration will discuss your options as a King County employee and answer your questions.

• Wednesday, Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register here. 

Road to Retirement: This 90-minute class is designed for employees who are planning to retire from King County in the next six months. It covers procedures, forms, medical coverage options, and pension plans—so you’ll be on a smooth road toward a happy retirement.

• Tuesday, Oct. 18 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Register here.
• Tuesday, Oct. 25 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Register here.

Registration is required. Use the registration links above, then select the date you’d like to attend. Before classes start, you’ll receive a meeting invitation at the email address you register with.

Please note, attendance at retirement classes is strictly voluntary, on your own time, and non-work related.

For additional information, visit the King County Retirement page, refer to the Retirement Guide, or contact Carmen Johnson, retirement navigator.

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