During the recent Spokane County strategic planning meeting, officials discussed the preliminary budget for 2026, which is projected to be approximately $3.3 million. This figure reflects a slight decrease from the original 2025 budget of just under $3.38 million, indicating a reduction of about $75,000.

Key discussions centered around reconciling discrepancies in employee benefits and budget allocations. Officials noted that approximately $71,000 in benefits had not been accounted for due to issues with the budgeting system. This oversight was similar to a previous situation addressed by the Human Resources department, highlighting ongoing challenges in accurately tracking employee costs. The budget office is actively working to resolve these discrepancies to ensure that all necessary funds are available for employee medical and dental benefits.

The majority of the budget—around 92%—is allocated to wages and benefits, emphasizing that any significant budget cuts would likely impact staffing levels. Officials acknowledged that further reductions beyond minor adjustments could have serious implications for county services.

Additionally, there is optimism regarding an increase in licensing revenue projected for 2026, which could help offset some of the budgetary challenges. As Spokane County continues to navigate its financial landscape, these discussions underscore the importance of careful planning and communication to meet the needs of the community effectively.