Metropolitan King County Council 516 Third Ave., Rm. 1200 Seattle, WA 98104 Phone: 206-296-1000 Toll Free: 800-325-6165 TTY/TDD: 206-296-1024 Fax: 206-296-0198 council@kingcounty.gov
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Nov. 24, 2008 Budget focuses on criminal justice, human services and local government prioritiesFaced with an estimated $93 million general fund shortfall for 2009, the Metropolitan King County Council today unanimously approved a $4.9 billion budget for next year, including a general operating budget of $627.8 million. Councilmember Kathy Lambert, who served on the budget reconciliation leadership team, said the final budget document fulfilled the Council’s goal of allocating expenses according to the highest priority programs.
“This budget process set strong priorities and we stuck to them while making the needed budget cuts,” said Councilmember Lambert, who serves as vice chair of the Operating Budget Panel. “We were able to maintain alternative sentencing programs that reinforce our belief in how criminal justice and human services work together to save money, reduce recidivism and change lives. We also upheld our promises to rural residents by maintaining agriculture and forestry units that support our valuable natural resources.”
Criminal justice initiatives implemented by county policy that provide alternatives to incarceration as well as incentives for treatment have saved more than $250 million since 2001. The Council agreed to continue funding for cost-effective programs such as Drug Court, Unified Family Court and Mental Health Court and restored funding for the day reporting program.
“Maintaining programs such as these that focus on recovery will reduce the cost to taxpayers for prosecuting and housing repeat offenders, as well as reducing the costs to society,” said Councilmember Lambert, who also serves as chair of the Law, Justice and Human Services Committee. “Our priorities for public safety, health and our quality of life were applied to every decision.”
Another top priority was maintaining local government services to the unincorporated areas of King County. The Council restored cuts from the Executive’s proposal to the Sheriff’s Office for storefront deputies, childfind detectives and gang and drug units. Also getting continued funding are the agriculture and forestry programs serving rural areas.
“Our ability to make these cuts and live within our means has enabled us to maintain and enhance our rainy day reserve fund,” Councilmember Lambert said. “Even though the economy is stormy now, we must be prepared in case of a worsening tempest. This fiscal responsibility has allowed us to maintain the highest bond rating from Moody, Standard & Poor, and Fitch.”
She also praised the collaborative budget negotiation process that focused on teamwork, sharing information and the cooperation of all separately elected officials.
“The increased level of transparency brought to this process is a tribute to our staff and everyone who worked on the budget,” she said. “As we proceed with projects and money-saving efforts, reports, contracts and business plans will come to the Council to ensure the highest level of public scrutiny.”
In District 3, individual projects will fund a variety of community and human services needs, although at reduced levels than in previous years. Council District 3 encompasses Northeast King County, including Carnation, Duvall, Fall City, Issaquah, Preston, North Bend, Redmond, Sammamish, Skykomish, Snoqualmie, Woodinville and part of Bellevue. The budget now awaits Executive Ron Sims’ signature before it is implemented Jan. 1, 2009, at the start of the new fiscal year.
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