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Council Adopts 2010 Budget
The Snohomish County Council on Monday adopted a 2010 budget that preserves essential services without increasing property taxes for either the general fund or the road fund. 2010 is the 7th year in a row in which the county has not increased the general fund property tax.
The general fund budget, which pays for basic services such as public safety, courts, and general government, will total about $203 million. Total county spending from all funds will be about $769 million.
"Tough economic times create a real dilemma for government," said Councilmember Dave Gossett. "Families are hurting so it's a bad time to raise taxes, but at the same time families need services more than ever. I believe this budget strikes a good balance."
The Council adopted budget includes reductions equivalent to five unpaid furlough days for many county employees. This is a significant reduction from the 15 days proposed by Executive Reardon and lower than the eleven days negotiated for 2009. Furlough days for union employees will need to be negotiated with the unions.
"Fifteen days is too much of a hardship on our employees," said Gossett. "It also has a major impact on the public through reduced services. Proposing 15 furlough days is not a long term fix - it's just a band-aid that hurts both employees and the public."
Members of the Council and other elected officials will have their pay reduced to match the reduction of other county employees.
In addition to reducing the number of furlough days, the Council increased reserves and contingencies by nearly $1.7 million. A number of one-time financial strategies were used to balance the budget and increase reserves.
"If the economy doesn't turn around next year will be even more difficult," acknowledged Gossett. "By increasing our reserves and contingencies we put the county in a more secure financial position."
The Council's budget proposes establishing a Transportation Benefit District (TBD) during 2010 so user fees pay for transportation projects. The TBD will provide needed funding for projects that improve traffic flow and safety. In addition to direct funding of projects TBD funds can possibly be used to leverage other federal, state, or regional funding sources.
"We decided to propose a TBD because the folks that are actually using the road system are the ones paying for improvements," said Gossett. "Transportation is one of the public's most important priorities and this will allow us to build more projects without increasing property taxes."
Additionally this budget requests county agencies work more closely together to identify truly mandated services and to maximize the use of a smaller workforce.
"Budget cuts over the last two years, combined with a focus on essential services, offers a window of opportunity to look critically at how we do business," said Gossett. "I invite the Executive to sit at the table with us next year and work through County priorities and business practices."
Gossett expressed his thanks to the Council staff and others who worked so hard on the budget.
"I want to give a special thanks to the other county elected officials," said Gossett. "I met regularly with them and their input was key in working through this difficult budget year."
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