County holds line on property taxes, braces for state budget cuts

December 8, 2011

by Washington RealEstateRama

Category: News || Laws & Taxes | No Comments

Commissioners to donate $6,000 to non-profit community service groups

Vancouver, WA – December 8, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — The Board of County Commissioners approved a balanced budget for 2012 following a public hearing Tuesday night, as required by law. In a unanimous vote, the commissioners adopted recommendations from Budget Director Jim Dickman calling for county programs to continue at reduced levels established during the recession in 2009.

While most of the county will remain in a “holding pattern,” previous plans for new capital investments will be scaled back in 2012, primarily affecting roads and parks.

The Board’s action will require Public Works to revamp construction plans and schedules. In addition, it will balance the budget without an increase in the county’s general property tax levy or Road Fund levy at this time. By law, the Board could have increased those tax levies by 1% to generate an additional $550,000 for the county’s General Fund and $352,000 for the Road Fund.

However, commissioners Tom Mielke, Marc Boldt and Steve Stuart expressed concern about local impacts from state budget cuts currently pending before the Legislature in Olympia. Those impacts will not be defined until 2012. State actions may prompt supplemental budget actions at the county level.

The commissioners agreed to freeze their salaries for 2012. Each will donate a $2,000 increase previously scheduled for 2012 to non-profit 501(c) (3) programs pressed to serve local residents following cuts to public services.

“If we hold the line on public spending, and the needs continue to increase, the community is going to have to step up and help our neighbors even more,” said Commissioner Marc Boldt.

The county’s General Fund budget peaked in 2007-2008. Since then, the county has cut about 270 jobs, reduced hours and pay for another 200 employees, required most employees to adhere to a two-year pay freeze, and increased employees’ share of health care expenses.

Contact:
Mary Keltz, Public Information Outreach
Phone: (360) 397-6012 ext. 4
Mary.Keltz (at) clark.wa (dot) gov