County Council to hold final public hearing on 2009 King County Budget

Unprecedented deficit attracts more than 700 people for first five hearings on spending plan

After hearing testimony at five evening hearings, the Metropolitan King County Council will hold a special meeting to hold its final public hearing on the proposed 2009 King County Budget:

Monday, November 10
Starting at 11:00 a.m. Council Chambers
10th floor, King County Courthouse

With a projected $93 million shortfall in the County general fund for 2009, the Metropolitan King County Council has declared public safety, health and quality of life as its first priorities for funding in the County budget. More than 700 people have already attended special night meetings in Issaquah, Kent, Kirkland Shoreline, and the Council Chambers to discuss their priorities for 2009. Testimony has ranged from support of public safety and human service programs to the continued operation of the King County Fair.

The 2009 Budget Review and Adoption Committee has led the Council’s review ever since receiving the proposed budget from the County Executive on Oct. 13. The Budget Committee’s two panels—Operating Budget and Capital Budget—have examined criminal justice and health and human service agencies, reviewed budgets of agencies responsible for protecting the environment (parks, wastewater, and solid waste), and maintaining King County’s transportation system, both Metro Transit and the county road system. The committee has also been evaluating the budgets of all the separately-elected officials and general government operations, and conducting a comprehensive analysis of technology and capital facilities investments.

The Council by tradition adopts the final King County Budget just before Thanksgiving.