County Budget Timeline Set with Key Dates for Public Review and Committee Meetings

The Washington County Land Use & Planning Committee convened on August 22, 2025, to discuss the upcoming budget timeline and the process for public engagement. The meeting highlighted the importance of early discussions regarding budgetary issues, with committee members expressing appreciation for the proactive approach taken in addressing these matters.

During the meeting, a key focus was the timeline for the budget release. It was announced that a draft budget would be made available in September, followed by a presentation to the county board. This will be followed by committee meetings where members will review specific budget components relevant to their areas of oversight. The public hearing is scheduled for October, allowing for community input before the executive committee begins deliberations on the overall budget.

Committee members were informed that the full board is expected to convene in November to finalize and ideally pass the budget. The process will include opportunities for members to propose amendments, with support provided to ensure that discussions are organized and effective.

While the meeting was open for questions, a request from a taxpayer to engage directly was declined to maintain the meeting's structure and focus. The committee emphasized that no decisions were made during this session, reinforcing that the discussions were preliminary and aimed at setting the stage for future deliberations.

This meeting underscores the county's commitment to transparency and community involvement in the budgeting process, as officials prepare for a critical period of decision-making that will impact local governance and services. As the timeline progresses, residents can anticipate further opportunities to engage with their representatives on budgetary matters.