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10/26/2005: "$13,383,585.00 Budget For 2006"

Just like one's personal budget, there some expenses one simply cannot reduce, and some items that are choices. The problem is what to include and what to reject, and based on the input from all of the county departments, and discussion between the Commissioners, choices have been made, and now they wait to hear from the public, who will be able give their input at a November 15 public hearing on the proposed budget. Based on the input, and discussion by the BOCC following the public hearing, it will be decide what, if any, changes will be made, and then the 2006 budget will be finalized.

The problem each year for the Commissioners is the balancing act in meeting the County's financial obligations for the programs they must provide under state and federal law (some of which are not funded), and the additional programs they would like to provide, and to do so within the limitations of the available revenue that is generated by taxes, fees, grants, and, or course, borrowed money.

To compound the problem, there is always an uncertainty of the cash flow to the county, which can be more or less than the projections; a simple fact of the budget process which was most famously acknowledged by Commissioner Lichter's comment to the Freeholders that "Si has this magic desk that has drawers that sometimes allows more or less money to be found". When the forecasts fall short of the revenue (E.g. a poor business year means less sales tax to the County), the BOCC can cut services or borrow money, or increase fees. For 2006 the fees will be increased for both land use and building permits; a move that is assumed will raise $150,000.00 +/- for the year.


For 2006 the forecasts of revenue from all sources have allowed for the continuation of most serves, some replacements of positions that have been vacant, and some new positions. The big one in the Program & Capital Requests is the inclusion in the budget of funding for a County Manager (see related story below). There is also money for the wages of the Agriculture Program Coordinator (wages only, benefits to be paid by State), and a return of some staff to Community Development & Planning, and also to the Health Department.

In the area of cuts in the budget, the experiment of directing traffic from the ferry in Friday Harbor will not be funded. This cut was made after a study and report to the FH Town council showed little, if any improvement in traffic flow. The Sheriff's request for an additional officer to help provide courtroom security was not included, but the new Sheriff's boat did result in an increase in insurance to cover it, and there is funding for a new patrol car. Due to an increase in the case load of the Public Defenders office (a contract provider), the original budget estimate was increased and now is $45,000.00.

The final budget amount for the Capital Improvements is $1,870,060.00 with a Budgeted Reserve (ending Cash Balance) of $102,440.00
The final budget amount for the Programs is $453,960.00 and an additional $3,849,546.00 for Capital Requests.

Add the amounts for the county programs and capital requests/needs to the expenses the county has little control over, and that comes out to $13,383,585.00 Budget For 2006