Clark County departments will need to strategize around budget shortfalls in this coming year due to an ongoing structural deficit within the county budget. This year, large budget cuts were avoided using one-time revenues.
The Clark County Council voted 3-2 to approve the total expense budget of $871.74 million during a scheduled meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 4, a news release by Clark County stated. Council Chairman Gary Medvigy and Councilor Michelle Belkot opposed the budget.
Budget structural deficits occur when expenditures exceed tax revenues. To combat the deficit, the 2025 budget focused on urgent and immediate needs. It did not, however, encompass many areas that will need future additional funding, the news release stated.
Attempts to amend the structural deficit failed when property tax levies for the general fund, road fund, Conservation Futures fund and the Greater Clark Parks District fund were not approved, the release stated.
County Manager Kathleen Otto recommended a budget prioritizing appropriate reserve levels, service impact minimization and addressing critical needs and liabilities to the Clark County Council, the news release stated.
Otto will hold planning sessions to develop strategies for addressing projected budget shortfalls in early 2025, the release stated.
“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all departments and elected officials for their budget submissions and for collaborating with me throughout the budget process,” Otto said in the news release. “I am continually impressed by the dedication to public service and deeply appreciate the ongoing efforts of all staff to ensure we deliver quality services to our community.”
Details on the 2025 Clark County budget are available at clark.wa.gov/budget.
