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 Council prioritizes quality of life and public safety for South King County in the 2009 King County BudgetAquatics Center, Lake Dolloff Police Storefront, AYR, Senior Center, King County FairOn Monday November 24, the King County Council adopted the 2009 county budget. In mid-October, the King County Executive proposed a budget that would cut certain services and programs to South King County. In keeping with the council’s priority to preserve public safety and quality of life, King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer advocated for the restoration of many of these programs in the budget.
The 2009 budget includes $1.8 million in necessary capital improvements for the King County Aquatic Center. “In order for South King County to be a destination for regional, national, and international competitions, we cannot forego critical investments to our flagship athletic facility that is responsible for so much economic activity in Federal Way” said von Reichbauer. Last year’s NCAA men’s swimming championships contributed a portion of the $7.5 million that the center generates annually to the economy of South King County.
A $25,000 proposed cut to the Federal Way Senior Center was also restored as von Reichbauer urged the council’s budget leadership to protect senior services. “The Federal Way Senior Center is developing a long term strategy to improve its services and financial solvency. I could not support any cuts to this organization at such a critical time in its restructuring,” stated von Reichbauer.
Funding was also restored to Auburn Youth Resources, a program that provides vital services to at risk children and young adults in South King County. “Cutting funding to key youth programs in our community such as Auburn Youth Resources costs our county in the long run, both financially and socially. An investment today in treatment, counseling, and support programs for at risk youths saves future costs to our criminal justice system. Helping children in our community find the support they need to put their lives on the right track is always the right decision.”
Funding for the Sheriff’s Lake Dolloff Storefront was also reinstated. “With property crimes and gang activities on the rise in our region, citizens must be able to depend on police services. We must have the resources in place to feel safe in our homes and on the streets,” urged von Reichbauer. “As local representatives, we have a responsibility to our unincorporated residents to protect public safety by restoring these storefront locations.”
The Executive’s budget also proposed to eliminate all funding for the King County Fair, a 145 year old community tradition. In addition to restoring funds for next year’s fair, Councilmember von Reichbauer was joined by Councilmember Dunn in creating a task force to develop a plan to boost attendance and revenue. “The continuation of the King County Fair is a great accomplishment of this budget,” said von Reichbauer. “We must now work in partnership to find a long-term solution so that the fair can be enjoyed by generations to come.”
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