FAQ

Step 1 - Learn about the bonds

Read the Preliminary Official Statement (POS) available from this web site or from the participating brokers to learn more about the bonds, including their security, maturity dates, credit ratings, the types of projects they finance and other information that you may find important to help you make an informed investment decision. This website is not an offer to sell any bonds.

Step 2 - Open a brokerage account

You must have an account with one of the brokerage firms participating in the bond sale, or with another firm that can place an order through a brokerage firm participating in the bond sale. Please check to determine if your broker can place an order through the participating brokers. (If you have a brokerage account, go to Step 3.) If you do not have an account, you may open one and purchase bonds during the Retail Sale Order Period.

Investors are encouraged to begin the New Account process well in advance of the sale date. Depending on the brokerage firm, internal new account procedures may take some time to process.

Step 3 - Place your order

Contact the broker with whom you have an account, either online or by phone, to get more information about how to buy bonds during the Retail Sales period. Discuss with the broker the number of bonds, the maturity date and the price at which you are willing to purchase the bonds, as well as any questions you may have from examining the Preliminary Official Statement (POS).

Provided June 11, 2025: Estimating costs for nitrogen treatment is complex and dependent upon available technology, opportunities and limitations at each treatment plant, and market conditions. Our 2020 nitrogen removal study was completed prior to Ecology’s 2021 PSNGP, so King County is not relying upon those cost estimate ranges. Throughout the on-going litigation, King County has been undertaking much of the work required in the first PSNGP permit cycle. Since the PSNGP was invalidated, we are now awaiting a revised opt-in draft PSNGP from Ecology, and so will continue to develop updated nutrient treatment alternatives and cost estimate.

The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) remains committed to strong financial stewardship and transparency. A recent audit conducted by the King County Auditor’s Office (an independent agency within the legislative branch of King County) reviewed a small sample (about 2.6%) of contracts and identified some issues, including payments that lacked sufficient documentation.

Even prior to the audit, DCHS had already begun strengthening its internal processes and financial monitoring systems, by strengthening procurement and contracting capacity, enhancing contract compliance and monitoring, and implementing anti-fraud measures. These efforts align closely with the audit’s recommendations and reflect our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.

To further reinforce our financial controls, DCHS is partnering with two independent financial consultants, one of which is already under contract, to evaluate our systems and ensure best practices are in place. This collaboration will help us identify any additional opportunities to enhance accountability and safeguard public resources.

We are confident in the integrity of our financial systems and are taking thoughtful, proactive steps to ensure they remain strong and responsive to the needs of our community.