Commissioners review preliminary 2026 department budget and July financials; small increase for commissioner department

Staff presented the Mason County commissioners— preliminary 2026 department budget and the county—s July financials. The commissioners— preliminary department budget for 2026 was listed at $463,104, up from the current-year figure of $456,073. Staff said the increase (about $7,000) reflected two planned computer replacements and noted the office may later request a phone replacement for a commissioner.

On the countywide July financials, staff said the general fund had received $28,368,000 through July compared with $27,406,000 for the same period last year, representing 64% of budgeted revenue versus 61% at the same point last year. Expenditures for the general fund through July were $29,817,000, or 53% of budget, compared with 51% last year. Sales tax receipts showed a notable single-month increase: the staff noted $944,000 this month versus $860,000 the prior year month, and projected sales-tax receipts could exceed $10 million for the year (the adopted budget projection was $9.5 million).

Staff reported the county—s cash at July 31 was $25,414,499 and that county debt remained unchanged from the prior month at $15,820,733. Special funds and capital projects were described as variable from year to year because of one-time grants and large capital receipts; staff cited a special-fund cash balance around $66,089,000 (approximate figure as read in meeting) and described capital timing such as the Belfair sewer project as drivers of year-to-year differences.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about specific lines, requested staff follow up on phone replacement timing, and authorized staff to submit the commissioners— preliminary budget to the auditor—s office as presented while reserving the ability to request later adjustments. No changes to countywide appropriations or transfers were made during the meeting.