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Spokane County officials warn of $20 million shortfall, outline limited revenue options
Summary
County commissioners and staff told department leaders that Spokane County faces a projected $20 million structural gap for next year that could grow to roughly $70 million by 2030; they reviewed limited revenue tools, reserve constraints and potential impacts on services.
Spokane County commissioners told department heads July 21 that projected revenues will leave the county with about a $20,000,000 deficit for fiscal 2026 and a longer-term structural gap that could approach $70,000,000 by 2030.
The gap, commissioners and staff said, results from flat sales and property tax growth, rising labor and benefits costs and uncertainty in state and federal funding. "We are looking at a $20,000,000 deficit, you know, as we projected out for for next year," one commissioner said during the strategic planning meeting.
Why it matters: commissioners must by law adopt a balanced budget and have limited local tools to make up large, recurring shortfalls. Staff urged early planning so departments can identify one-time and ongoing options before the December budget adoption deadline.
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