How King County plans to manage a Kent motel as an isolation/quarantine facility during the coronavirues pandemic is upsetting city officials.

The city of Kent issued the following response Wednesday:

“The Mayor (Dana Ralph) is extremely disappointed in the actions today by the courts. While the Court Commissioner put additional limitations on the facility including requiring 24-hour security, we have many concerns that remain unaddressed. The county revealed their true intent today by arguing that they should be allowed to house other patients at the facility including tuberculosis, measles and hepatitis patients. They have made it clear this isn’t just about COVID-19.

“We are also disappointed in the actions yesterday by the King County Council. A councilmember offered a budget amendment that would require County Council approval to use the facility for anything other than COVID-19. That amendment failed having only received the support of two council members and we thank them for their effort.

“We understand we have a role to play in responding to this public health crisis. However, we remain disappointed in the approach and actions taken by the King County government.”

The King County Council on Tuesday approved a suite of legislation to aid in the county’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, including putting millions of dollars into 85-room motel that will serve an isolation/quarantine facility.

Tuesday’s legislation funds measures already underway and takes more action to help the continued response.

The package includes $28.2 million in funding for COVID-19 response, of which $15 million will go toward the purchase and improvements for the motel. Another $4.5 million will support temporary staffing to manage the motel.