The total expense budget for 2023 is $753.5 million
VANCOUVER – A majority of the Clark County Council this week voted to approve the annual budget for 2023. The total expense budget for 2023 is $753.5 million.
The approved budget includes a 1% and banked capacity increase for the General Fund, Metropolitan Parks District (MPD) Parks Fund and Road Fund tax levies as recommended by County Manager Kathleen Otto. Based on the median household price of $525,000, the levy increase will cost taxpayers an additional $7.19 per year for the General Fund, $.90 per year for the MPD Parks Fund, and $26.55 per year for the Road Fund. These increases will generate an additional $1,311,776 revenue in the General Fund, $45,702 for the MPD Parks Fund and $2,463,824 in the Road Fund.
The approved budget focuses on urgent and immediate needs for the county. Additional needs will be considered in early 2023 including salary compensation considerations, capital projects and any outstanding jail transition-related items.
In her recommended budget summary Otto recognized that the county saw an unprecedented increase in sales tax revenue in 2022 and received one-time American Rescue Plan Act funding. While these revenues have had a positive impact on the county’s General Fund, the structural deficit continues to be a challenge. “The county needs to continue to be strategic with new ongoing expenditure appropriation to ensure long-term sustainability,” said Otto.
The budget presentation and videos of the Dec. 5 and Dec. 6 hearings are available on the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/councilors/clark-county-council-meetings.
Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.
Also read:
- Trophy games: Columbia River boys finish fifth, Evergreen girls take sixth at state tournaments
Columbia River’s boys and Evergreen’s girls both reached the final day of their state basketball tournaments, returning to Vancouver with fifth- and sixth-place trophies. - Opinion: Gov. Ferguson has abandoned his own tax relief demands
Ryan Frost of the Washington Policy Center argues that Gov. Bob Ferguson’s support for the state’s proposed income tax contradicts his earlier demands for broader taxpayer relief. - Debate grows as states consider teacher strike bans
Lawmakers in several states are considering new laws affecting teacher strikes as debates grow over labor rights and disruptions to public education. - WA GOP lawmakers press schools chief on gender identity disclosure policies
Washington House Republicans are asking Superintendent Chris Reykdal to explain state guidance on gender identity disclosure following a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling. - High school state basketball: Columbia River suffers heartache in overtime loss in semifinals
Columbia River’s run to the Class 2A semifinals ended on a buzzer-beater in overtime, while Evergreen advanced to a trophy game and several other Clark County teams wrapped up their state tournament seasons. - Passage of income tax bill more likely as Gov. Ferguson now says he will sign it
Gov. Bob Ferguson says he will sign a revised income tax proposal targeting earnings above $1 million if the Legislature approves the measure. - Opinion: Many important decisions looming as the 2026 session nears the end
Rep. John Ley outlines budget concerns, energy policy debates and several tax proposals as the 2026 legislative session approaches its final days.
