Okanogan County commissioners debated adding roughly $75,000 to the county budget to sustain a regional drug task force and to avoid losing a critical full‑time position.

The commissioners said the task force currently has reserves sufficient to operate into the next year but warned those reserves could be exhausted if partner jurisdictions decline the higher contribution levels asked by the task force. One commissioner said the county plans to start budget sessions early and will consider the $75,000 request as part of that process.

Why it matters: commissioners characterized public safety as a top priority but stressed the county faces increased wage and operating costs across departments. Adding the task force funding would require shifting money elsewhere in next year’s budget or finding new revenue, they said, and some commissioners want clearer evidence of the task force’s performance to justify the expenditure.

Discussion and context: participants said the full regional ask was larger — one figure cited in the meeting was roughly $425,000 if every jurisdiction paid the requested share — and that many partner jurisdictions are proposing smaller contributions. Commissioners and the sheriff’s office discussed the prospect that a $75,000 county contribution, plus support for a named employee (referred to as Josh), might be necessary to keep the task force operational; one participant said if Josh were pulled back to the sheriff’s office the task force could “fold.”

Participants emphasized a multi‑pronged approach to reduce drug‑related harms, including efforts to add behavioral‑health responders alongside enforcement. Commissioners said they will continue to press state legislators and seek grants to defray the cost.

Next steps: no formal motion or vote was taken. Commissioners said the request will be reviewed during upcoming budget meetings, and they will seek clearer figures on the task force’s minimum operating needs and on how other jurisdictions plan to contribute.

Source notes: remarks were made during the county commissioners’ regular meeting and staff briefings; commissioners repeatedly framed the funding as a budget decision to be resolved in the formal budget process.