New property purchased in Port Angeles

Morningside purchased an office building in Port Angeles in November and is in the throes of minor remodeling. We are slated to move in December 22nd. This venture began with the realization that we needed a more appropriate location and office design in keeping with our corporate image. On September 1st I scheduled an appointment with a local realtor (Kathy Love) to view a few properties on the market. Ironically unbeknownst to me the property we eventually purchased was once owned by current Morningside Board member, Tim Haley. Tim had purchased the building in the early 90’s and complete gutted the building and remodeled it garnering a couple of architectural wards for design and efficiency. Tim operated his architectural firm from this location and eventually sold. The building will not only meet our current need for space but for future growth as well. We will be leasing a portion of the building out to suitable tenants in the future. We are pleased with all the advantage this site offers our business.

Governor's Budget - Cuts but calls for fresh look in January

From Richard Davis WashACE Blog - This morning the governor unveiled her proposed 2010 supplemental budget, then quickly walked away from it. As expected, Gregoire said that resolving a $2.6 billion shortfall in the current biennial budget without new revenues was unacceptable. She explained her thinking in a letter to the public. Referring to the current revenue budget, she writes:

Today’s document does not reflect our values as a state. It does not reflect the Washington I know and love or the Washington I want for our future and the future of our children and grandchildren. I am convinced it is not the plan for the future that Washingtonians would choose, either.

She is required by law to present a balanced budget within current revenues. This budget will be followed by another in January, one which will restore the cuts she finds most egregious - Basic Health, levy equalization, early childhood education, development disability services and more.

Developmental Disability Services shakeout

1. Reduce County Employment Contracts by approximately 3% effective July 1, 2010. (- $2.65 million)
2. Jobs by 21 Partnership will be reduced by 75 percent in 2010 and eliminated effective July 1, 2010. (- $1.75 million)
3. Eliminate State Employment and Day Services for 200 clients who do not qualify for Medicaid. (- $1.2 million)
4. Waiver graduate employment services for 343 graduating transition students who are currently on the Basic Waiver. (+ $1.79 million)

The Governor has accepted the consultant's recommendations on the closure of institutions, and is moving forward on shutting down Francis Haddon Morgan Center in Bremerton by June 2011 and Rainier School by June 2014.