Long-term funding solutions need to be addressed in 2025
VANCOUVER – The Clark County Council this week voted 3-2 to approve the annual budget for 2025. The total expense budget for 2025 is $871.74 million.
The county’s budget has an ongoing structural deficit, a systemic problem that results from expenses growing faster than revenues. The approved budget addresses urgent and immediate needs; however, it does not encompass many areas where additional funding will be required in future years. The recommended property tax levy options, including 1% increases for the General Fund, Road Fund, Conservation Futures Fund (with banked capacity), and the Greater Clark Parks District Fund (with banked capacity), were not approved. The council voted to bank the capacity for each of the levies for potential future use.
County Manager Kathleen Otto recommended a budget to the county council that prioritized maintaining appropriate reserve levels, minimizing service impacts on residents, and addressing critical needs and liabilities.
“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all departments and elected officials for their budget submissions and for collaborating with me throughout the budget process,” said Otto. “I am continually impressed by the dedication to public service and deeply appreciate the ongoing efforts of all staff to ensure we deliver quality services to our community.”
Otto said she will hold planning sessions for the new council in early 2025 to develop strategies for addressing projected shortfalls in the 2026 budget process and beyond.
Information on the county budget can be found on the county website at clark.wa.gov/budget. Videos of the budget hearings will be available at clark.wa.gov/councilors/clark-county-council-meetings.
Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.
Also read:
- BPA responding to widespread weather-related outages
Bonneville Power Administration crews are responding to more than 40 transmission outages caused by extreme weather across the Northwest. - Letter: A call for competent Interstate Bridge project management
Rick Vermeers argues that unchecked scope, rising costs, and missed timelines threaten the survival of the Interstate Bridge Replacement project unless light rail is removed. - CRESA officials ask public to call 911 only for emergencies during weather events
CRESA officials are urging residents to reserve 911 calls for life-threatening emergencies during weather events as storms continue to cause power outages and hazardous conditions. - Rep. John Ley introduces bill to balance representation on Washington transportation boards
Legislation introduced by Rep. John Ley seeks to change how transportation board seats are allocated and prevent funding penalties tied to population-based representation rules. - Woodland man arrested, charged with murder
A 67-year-old Woodland man was arrested after deputies found a deceased man hidden on his property following a 9-1-1 report of a homicide. - Wild windstorm knocks out power, closes roads, and cancels school throughout Clark County
A powerful windstorm tore through Clark County, leaving tens of thousands without power, forcing widespread school closures, and blocking roads with downed trees and debris. - Northwest just finished warmest fall on record, scientists report
Scientists report the Pacific Northwest experienced its warmest fall on record, with snowpack at the lowest level for this point in winter since tracking began in 2001.
