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December 9th, 2008

Skagit County Commissioners Approve 2009 General Fund Budget

SKAGIT COUNTY – The Skagit County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously today to pass a $49,423,332 balanced General Fund Budget. The budget allows for a one percent increase in the property tax levy plus new construction, provided by state law. New construction in Skagit County was significantly down in 2008 compared to the two prior years where it exceeded $600 million both in 2006 and 2007. This year, new construction is estimated at $400 million.

The General Fund budget is $1,517,515 lower than the 2008 budget.

Skagit County Budget and Finance Director Trisha Logue said that Skagit County determined last spring that county revenues were not meeting projections. Department heads and elected officials were asked to trim 10 percent of non-employee expenses immediately. These adjustments protected Skagit County’s $7 million fund balance.

The 2009 budget did not call for using banked levy capacity utilizing property tax revenue not taken in previous years. The budget does call for a levy shift from the Skagit County Road Fund to the General Fund of $700,000.

All three commissioners thanked staff, department heads and elected officials for their work on producing the Budget. Commissioner Ken Dahlstedt made the motion for approval which was seconded by Commissioner Sharon Dillon. The budget passed unanimously.

The 2009 budget includes a three percent general wage adjustment for some non-represented employees. All elected officials and most department managers will not receive a cost of living increase.

For further information, contact: Dan Berentson at 360-419-3461