County proposes cuts, may need more

Work force would drop by 7 percent, but $1.2 million gap remains

By Christian Hill | The Olympian • Published November 18, 2008

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Thurston County staff members have proposed laying off 7 percent of the county's work force to balance next year's budget, but a shortfall of at least $1.2 million remains.

The budget proposal presented Monday would eliminate more than 80 full-time-equivalent positions. But revenue forecasts continue to look grim and some departments did not reduce their operating budgets enough.

The Thurston County Commission must pare down the operating budget to $75 million from $76.2 million, or raise additional revenue. They will spend the coming weeks determining priorities in the budget. They can increase fees and charges to raise revenue for some programs and services, but can't raise taxes; they also can shift funding from department to another.

As proposed, the budget calls for fewer deputies to respond to and investigate certain crimes, less help at the Permit Assistance Center and more delays in resolving court cases.

Chief Administrative Officer Don Krupp said the proposed reductions would set back the staffing of county government at least a decade. Three-quarters of the county's operating budget pays for the criminal justice system, which includes the clerk's office, jail, prosecutor's office, sheriff's office and courts.

"We're turning back the clock in spite of a growing population," Krupp said.

The worsening economy means commissioners might need to readjust the approved budget after it takes effect Jan. 1 if sales-tax revenue and fees continues to slump beyond forecasts. Two of the three commissioners, Diane Oberquell and Bob Macleod, will leave office at the end of the year.

The county has less money to pay for 30 departments that cost more to operate. The county can increase property taxes only 1 percent a year plus any new construction, an amount that county officials said doesn't keep up with inflation.

It is receiving less sales-tax revenue because residents, worried about their jobs and mortgage payments, are buying fewer taxable goods in a weak economy. Krupp said it's the first time in recent memory that sales-tax revenue has declined. The county doesn't have another major source of revenue, such as business, occupation or utility taxes.

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