Councilmember Larry Phillips on updated King County budget forecast

March 17, 2009

Summary

County Budget Director today predicted a 40 to 50 million dollar general fund shortfall for 2010

Story

“Like the families and businesses of King County, the latest budget forecast means King County will have to do more with less.

“New forecasts show King County is facing a general fund shortfall of $40-50 million next year, on top of $93 million in cuts already taken in the 2009 budget.

“This challenge means we must continue to find efficiencies and prioritize the services that protect the safety and health of King County citizens. These new projections also underscore the necessity of measures pending in the state Legislature to provide counties with more flexibility and stability in our revenues.

“The citizens of King County can’t afford to lose their safety and security, and over 70 percent of the general fund goes toward vital public safety services like sheriff’s deputies, prosecutors and judges. With sales tax projections continuing to fall, Metro transit service, will also be hit hard at a time when citizens need transit to get to work and job interviews.

“We must do all that we can to preserve King County’s core services to citizens during these tough times.”