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Commissioners set public hearing on debatable budget emergencies including Title 3 funds and $500,000 for broadband
Summary
The board called for an Aug. 26 hearing to consider debatable budget emergencies: $117,807 from federal forest replacement (Title 3/SRS) and a $500,000 working-capital appropriation for a county broadband construction project funded by ARPA and a temporary general fund transfer.
The Clallam County Board of Commissioners voted Aug. 12 to call a public hearing for Aug. 26 to consider several debatable budget emergencies, including spending the county’s remaining Title 3 funds and providing $500,000 of working capital for an ongoing broadband infrastructure construction phase.
Why it matters: Title 3 funds under the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program support county projects and school districts in areas with significant federal land. Commissioners said the county currently holds $156,807 in Title 3 (SRS) funds; the action would expend the full amount this year amid uncertainty about federal reauthorization. Separately, the broadband project requires short-term working capital as it moves into heavy construction; the board proposes $203,612 from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds plus a $296,388 transfer from general fund reserves that county staff expect to return in 2026.
Key facts: County staff told commissioners the Title 3 debatable emergency is $117,807, which combined with $39,000 already budgeted would fully expend $156,807 available this year. Regarding broadband, staff proposed a $500,000 working-capital increase: $203,612 from ARPA (the remainder of previously committed ARPA dollars for the project) and $296,388 from general fund reserves expected to be repaid when construction pauses in 2026. The board approved a resolution calling for the Aug. 26 hearing at 10:30 a.m.
Discussion highlights: Commissioners and staff discussed the uncertainty around future Secure Rural Schools reauthorization in Congress and the historical practice of using or extending such funds. A commissioner noted concerns that SRS funding may not return and said it could affect many rural schools. Staff explained the general fund transfer is anticipated to be short-term and repaid when project work declines.
Public comment: A member of the public asked whether the county was spending the full Title 3 allocation now because of the risk the money may not be reauthorized; county staff confirmed that uncertainty motivated the action.
Next steps: The board will hear public testimony and consider adopting the supplemental appropriations at the Aug. 26 public hearing.
