Council Adopts 2012 Budget
On Monday, November 21st, the County Council adopted the 2012 budget.
"A lot of work went into this budget," said Councilmember Dave Gossett. "In tough economic times passing a budget is particularly difficult."
The general property tax, paid by all landowners in Snohomish County, was not increased. The Council has not raised the tax since 2003 and actually reduced it by 1% in 2008. The result is that the base tax, not including new construction, is lower than that collected in 2003.
The county road tax, paid by all property owners who live in unincorporated Snohomish County, was increased by 1%. This is the first increase since 2009. The average homeowner will pay an additional $3.83 per year.
"A good transportation system is crucial for economic growth and jobs," noted Gossett. "Maintaining the current system is fundamental. We were able to restore the 15% cut the Executive had proposed to maintaining our road system."
During the budget preparation Gossett repeatedly called attention to the problems facing Snohomish County's transportation system. There are no funds to build 2/3s of the projects promised the citizens in 2005 when the comprehensive plan was adopted. This year's Transportation Improvement Plan either removed or delayed 1/3 of the projects anticipated just one year ago.
"We either need to identify additional funding or be honest with our citizens about what we cannot do," said Gossett. "We need to stop pretending there is not a problem."
Gossett sponsored a budget condition under which the Council and Executive will work cooperatively to identify the transportation shortfalls, identify potential revenues, and specify what projects will not be done if revenues are not adequate.
"People may choose to accept current traffic conditions and keep revenues where they are," said Gossett. "But we need to give them clear information to make their choice."
Chair Dave Somers' proposed budget also included the funds to complete the construction of a customs building at Paine Field. Currently shipments of international aerospace parts to Boeing and other Snohomish County aerospace firms must first land in Seattle to clear customs and then be flown to Everett. This is a significant increase in cost for the aerospace firms. For an additional $7,500 a year the budget will fully fund a facility at Paine Field which will make Snohomish County much more competitive for aerospace jobs in the future.
"I was especially pleased with the changes to the .1% mental health/chemical dependency fund," said Gossett. "With this budget we are moving toward making good on our commitment to end supplantation and provide new services."
When the .1% sales tax was passed in 2008 all revenue had to be used for new services. With the recession the Legislature allowed counties to use up to 50% of the funds for existing services ("supplantation"). The county had committed to reducing the supplantation, but the Executive's proposed 2012 budget increased it.
"Roughly $1,000,000 that was being taken from the .1% fund is now available for services for some of our most vulnerable citizens," said Gossett. "This is particularly important given the cuts to human services likely coming from the state."
Some of those funds will now be used for a new pilot mental health court, a project Gossett supported early in the budget process. By diverting people from the criminal justice system and getting them the help they need taxpayers should ultimately save money while increasing public safety.
"Thanks are due to all the people who worked on the mental health court proposal," said Gossett. "And special thanks go to Jim Bloss and the other members of the National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI) who work tirelessly to make our community a better and safer place for all of us."
The budget also addressed public safety issues by fixing a shortfall of roughly $300,000 in the Sheriff's budget. Without the additional funding deputy layoffs might have been necessary.
The adopted budget includes solid reserves, leaving nearly $22,000,000 (11.5%) in reserve. The Council's policy is to have an 11% reserve fund. Another $1.7 million is available in an emergency in other contingency funds. Over the course of the next 5 years the reserves are expected to rise, reaching nearly 13% by 2016.
"Once again the Council worked together to craft a budget that provides vital services while living within our means," said Gossett. "I want to thank my colleagues and all the county staff for their dedication and hard work."
