Council members-elect Lovel Pratt and Richard Fralick have both spent time watching and participating in San Juan County Council meetings as private citizens.

Today, they began an intense two-day tour, looking behind the scenes at county facilities and meeting with county department heads and staff.

On Jan. 12, 2009, Fralick will move into the District 4 Orcas West Council position now held by Alan Lichter. Pratt will succeed Kevin Ranker in representing District One, San Juan Island South.

Today, Pratt and Fralick toured the council offices and met with Council Chairman Howie Rosenfeld, followed by meetings with the District Court, Juvenile Court, the county auditor, treasurer, assessor, county administration staff, the county clerk and the Superior Court.

Tuesday, the two will meet with the Community Development and Planning Department, Health Department, Parks Department, Prosecuting Attorney, Sheriff’s Department, Public Works and the WSU Extension staff.

Meetings with the Land Bank and County Fair will be scheduled at a later date.

The 2009 County Council will be the first council comprised entirely of members elected under the county charter.

County Council members are elected by district, serve four-year terms and receive $34,000 a year plus benefits. The County Council is the legislative authority of the county, approves the annual county budget, is responsible for county property and funds, considers land-use appeals, provides for county infrastructure, roads and buildings, fixes the amount of county taxes according to law, and serves as the county franchising authority.