Snohomish County is poised for a significant shift in community residential service funding following discussions at the Senate Human Services meeting on February 17, 2025. Senate Bill 5,125 aims to align provider rates in Snohomish County with those in neighboring King County, addressing a long-standing disparity that has left local service providers struggling to compete for qualified staff.

The bill mandates that the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) use King County's rate classification for determining payments to community residential providers in Snohomish County. This change is expected to cost an estimated $2.6 million to the general fund in the 2025-2027 biennium, totaling $5.2 million over four years. The current rate difference can be as much as $1.22 per hour, despite the cost of living in Snohomish County often being equal to or higher than in King County.

Public testimony highlighted the urgency of this bill. Lee Phillips, a representative from Sunrise Services, emphasized that the historical exclusion of Snohomish County from the shared Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) with King County has exacerbated funding inequalities. He noted that the minimum wage in Everett is set to rise to $20.24, further straining local providers who cannot match the higher wages offered across the county line.

Melissa Eaton, also from Sunrise Services, shared the challenges of maintaining staff due to wage disparities, which have led to lower quality care for clients with disabilities. She urged the committee to pass the bill to ensure that providers can offer competitive wages and retain skilled employees.

Kara Marth, a behavioral specialist, illustrated the impact of adequate staffing on client outcomes, sharing a success story of a client who has made significant progress with the support of dedicated staff. She stressed the need for stronger staffing solutions as facilities close and demand for services increases.

The committee's decision on Senate Bill 5,125 could reshape the landscape of community residential services in Snohomish County, ensuring that providers can deliver high-quality care and support to individuals with disabilities. As discussions continue, stakeholders remain hopeful that this legislative change will lead to improved outcomes for both clients and service providers in the region.