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Commissioners warn state budget shifts could force property tax increases and strain county services
Summary
Board members expressed concern about possible state funding cuts and mandates that could shift costs to counties, increasing property taxes and squeezing services, and urged residents to contact legislators.
Multiple commissioners flagged uncertainty in the state budget as a major concern for county finances at the May 19 meeting, warning that reductions in state payments for mandated services could force higher local property taxes or cuts to services.
Commissioner Clark and others described ongoing negotiations at the Capitol and said proposed reductions to state funding for services the county must provide would leave the county with difficult choices. “If $8 million is removed from us getting paid for services and we’re mandated to do the services, what are we supposed to do?” one commissioner asked, urging residents to contact legislators.
Commissioner Persky noted that providers that deliver mandated services have struggled with wages and workforce shortages, and that removing state funding would exacerbate staffing and care shortfalls for vulnerable residents, including those in long‑term care or behavioral‑health settings. Commissioners said small counties with limited budgets would be particularly hard hit.
Several commissioners encouraged constituents to contact state legislators and emphasized that final outcomes remained uncertain. No formal board action was taken during the meeting; members assessed the situation as ongoing and discussed continued outreach to the county’s state delegation.
