County Council Seeks to Preserve Critical Public Services
Snohomish County is not immune to the national economic crisis. The county is facing significant revenue shortfalls that could seriously impact the delivery of critical government services.
 
"We are looking at a potential $15 million shortfall in operating revenues," said Councilmember Dave Gossett. "And it's possible it will continue to grow."
 
This week the Council began holding a series of budget preparation panels. Councilmember Gossett chairs the county council's "Safe & Healthy Communities" budget preparation panel which met for the first time Wednesday, October 8. It is charged with reviewing the 2009 budgets for the Sheriff's Office, district and superior courts, the Prosecuting Attorney, the Office of Public Defense, medical examiner, the County Clerk's Office, Human Services, emergency management and economic development.
 
"Public safety is a key concern for everyone," said Gossett. "In these tight budget times I'm looking for options to help our deputies do their jobs effectively, to keep them on the street fighting crime, instead of behind a desk doing paperwork."
 
Councilmember Gossett stated that the county is required to have a balanced budget. The challenge is to preserve essential services and look elsewhere for the cuts that have to be made.
 
Given the bad economic climate county council staff have been asked to review the county's economic development efforts.
 
"Making sure we have family wage jobs is crucial now," said Gossett. "We must have a coherent and effective plan for economic development and job creation."
 
Two other panels ("Mobile, Livable, and Sustainable Communities" and "Public Accountability") have also been established to look at other county departments. Gossett serves on both.
 
"One of my top priorities is improving transportation. We need to look at strategies to leverage our existing dollars to build more projects faster," said Gossett. The "Mobile, Livable, and Sustainable Communities" Panel will be looking at ways to accomplish this goal in the coming weeks.
 
Taxes will also obviously be an issue. Gossett expressed concerns about proposed increases.
 
"The Executive has proposed major tax increases to support surface water programs, as well as increasing solid waste fees," commented Gossett. "I'm looking for efficiencies so we can reduce these increases and protect struggling Snohomish County families." 
 
For more information on the council's budget schedule go to budget review schedule.