OLYMPIA – Thurston County Commissioners today adopted a “no cuts” budget for 2012. Total expenditures in the 2012 budget are down about 7% from the 2011 level of $336-million to $313-million. The spending plan is a “maintenance” budget that does not provide for any major new programs, but will also not require any major reductions from 2011 levels. The General Fund budget for 2012 is $86.5 million.
As a result of layoffs, cutbacks and other measures taken in 2009 and subsequent years, the general fund for 2012 appears to be enough to sustain current levels of programs and services. However, funding in Public Health and Social Services, Permitting and the Roads Division continues to decline. Thurston County Commission Chair Karen Valenzuela says it is difficult to balance increasing demand from an ever-growing population with declining revenues. “Elected officials and department directors across the county have done a good job of holding the line on spending. We are all doing more with less”
In putting together the 2012 budget, commissioners had a number of policy issues to consider including-
- Setting aside funds for the opening of the Accountability and Restitution Center.
- The continuing reductions in grants and other funding from the state and federal governments for programs like Health, Law and Justice and Transportation.
- Maintaining aging infrastructure that supports clean water, safe roads, and environmental protection.
The county budget is very complex, comprised of 78 funds and thousands of line items managed by 21 offices and departments. The budget outlines support for the law and justice system, health and human services programs, roads, parks, land-use planning, elections, environmental protections and dozens of other services and programs.
Those wishing to learn more about the 2012 budget can go the Thurston County web site and put “2012 budget” in the search engine. ( http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/budget/ )
