The Metropolitan King County Council approved the county’s 2014 budget on Nov. 12, and Councilmember Joe McDermott (representing White Center, West Seattle, Burien and more) had some specifics to share with the White Center community.

McDermott, who also acted as chair of Council’s Budget and Fiscal Management Committee during the budget process, confirmed White Center’s Storefront Deputy position (currently held by Deputy BJ Myers) “was secured.”

“I know what an asset BJ is to the community, so I’m thrilled we were able to keep his position in the budget,” he said.

McDermott said the budget “also allocates funding to turn the fields at Steve Cox Memorial Park into AstroTurf, so that the fields can be more easily used year-round.”

Back to public safety, the Council also announced eight additional deputies will be hired in 2014, although McDermott said they will be stationed “throughout King County” with none specifically earmarked for the White Center/North Highline area at this time.