2008 Executive Office news releases

King County open house celebrates Archives Month 2008
Home is where the heart is, and in October the citizens of King County are invited to explore the rich heritage that makes this county a great place in which to live.

Sims to host joint annual forum for King County Unincorporated Area Councils
King County residents are invited to join County Executive Ron Sims when he hosts his joint annual forum to meet with the chairs and members of the six recognized King County Unincorporated Area Councils (UACs).

Fall Property Taxes due for the last half of 2008
King County property owners have until October 31st to pay 2008 second-half property taxes. After that date, state-mandated interest charges and penalties will be added to the tax bill. To make the process easier, King County provides several ways for property owners to pay their taxes quickly and conveniently.

County moving forward to modernize business systems
The King County Council voted Monday, Oct. 20, to move forward with the Accountable Business Transformation (ABT) Program. ABT will move King County to use of contemporary, countywide business practices and an integrated finance, human resources and budget system.

County's AAA bond rating renewed during world-wide financial crisis
Two national credit rating agencies have given their highest short-term bond ratings for King County and reaffirmed the county's exemplary ratings on all previously issued long term bonds, including each agency's highest AAA rating for certain long term bonds.

Sims delivers thoughtful, balanced 2009 budget
King County Executive Ron Sims today unveiled a $4.9 billion 2009 budget that uses efficiencies, savings, reserves, fees, program cuts, and employee lay-offs to balance a projected $93.4 million General Fund deficit.

King County Budget Speech for 2009
Madame Chair, Honored members of the Council, Prosecutor Dan Satterberg, Assessor Scott Noble, Sheriff Sue Rahr, Presiding Judge Linde, Presiding Judge Hilyer, Ladies and gentlemen. People of King County.

King County Executive cuts staff, reorganizes office for better performance
King County government will perform better and prepare for the future while improving accountability and saving money as a result of a reorganization and staff reductions in the Executive office.

Approved 2008 Comprehensive Plan promotes equity, predictability and environmental protections
King County Executive Ron Sims' 2008 Comprehensive Plan update was approved today by the King County Council.

New savings and efficiencies in King County budget by filling vacant office space
The first cost-savings cut in the proposed 2009 budget will come from King County Executive Ron Sims' office. Savings of nearly $4 million are possible from Executive Sims' recommendation to maximize use of county property and consolidate more functions into the county's new Chinook Building.