County Council recognizes longtime employee

Longtime county employee Marc Simpson was honored for more than 47 years of service at the July 28 meeting of the Pierce County Council.

The council approved Proposal No. R2020-55, a proclamation lauding Simpson's nearly half-century tenure. The resolution passed with a unanimous 7-0 vote.

Simpson retired on July 31 as an office assistant II for the Department of Public Works and Utilities, traffic section. He began his career with Pierce County in April 1973, working as a typesetter for General Services.

“Well, I’d like to thank you all for this honor,” Simpson said, calling into the meeting via video. “It’s quite touching, and it’s humbling.”

What started out as a five-year job in his mind turned into a career spanning his entire adult life, Simpson noted, saying it would be hard not getting up to go to work on Monday, but that he would manage.

In other business, the council unanimously passed Proposal No. 2020-66, an ordinance amending Chapter 10.38 of the Pierce County Code, “ferry fares.” The ordinance reduces the youth fare from $3.25 to $2.70, effective Sept. 1. The fare change is expected to result in an annual loss of revenue for the county in the amount of $10,000.