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Cowlitz County finance staff report midyear shortfall in general fund, large landfill transfer drives solid-waste spending
Summary
County finance staff told commissioners the general fund has taken in $24.8 million through May and spent about $29 million, leaving a roughly $4.2 million shortfall; solid-waste expenses are high largely because a required $11.5 million transfer to cover landfill post‑closure liabilities was recorded early in the year.
Susie, finance manager for Cowlitz County, told the Board of Commissioners during a budget review that the county’s general fund has collected $24,800,000 in revenue through May and spent about $29,000,000, leaving “about $4,200,000” behind when compared to revenues. She said the county expects another $300,000 property‑tax settlement to be posted for the general fund and a separate $300,000 for the road fund.
The nut graf: the county is following normal seasonal cash patterns but projects a year‑end deficit already reflected in the adopted budget. Susie told commissioners that property‑tax receipts typically rise again in October, and the county expects roughly $10 million to $11 million more then.
On individual funds, Susie said the county road fund had brought…
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