Midyear finance report: general fund deficit, timing-driven property-tax outlook

Cowlitz County finance staff presented a midyear financial report Monday showing a through-June general-fund deficit and a series of timing and one-time accounting items that will affect year-end results. Finance Director Kathy Funk Baxter told commissioners that, through June, general-fund revenue totaled about $29 million and expenses about $35 million, leaving a deficit of roughly $5.1 million. She said the county receives a substantial share of property-tax receipts in the second half of the year and expects roughly $9 million to arrive by October, which staff said should materially change the midyear picture. Staff reported that county roads, solid waste and other major funds were broadly tracking to expectations but noted specific items: solid waste shows a large negative entry tied to post-closure and equipment-reserve accounting of roughly $11.5 million; county roads have summer project expenditures that will draw down current surplus; and sales-and-use tax receipts have declined by about 5% compared with early months last year, though staff still expects to reach the annual budgeted amount based on seasonal increases. Commissioners asked for clarification about particular entries and for follow-up on timing and contract impacts. No formal actions were taken Monday; staff said they will bring budget amendments and project rollovers to the board as required.