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County finance warns of multiyear commitments: collective bargaining, insurance and behavioral-health costs to shape 2026–27 budget
Summary
Cowlitz County finance staff warned the Board that existing contract commitments and program expenditures will shape the 2026–27 budget and that several items will require board decisions in the upcoming budget cycle.
Cowlitz County finance staff warned the Board that existing contract commitments and program expenditures will shape the 2026–27 budget and that several items will require board decisions in the upcoming budget cycle.
Kathy Funk Baxter, finance director, presented preliminary estimates for new and continuing commitments. For collective bargaining agreements and step increases she estimated "about 600,000" in projected commitments and an additional $200,000 for step increases for nonunion positions. Baxter said medical-insurance contribution…
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