Thurston County budget update shows multi‑million shortfall; staff outlines containment and levy options

At a May 13 work session, Thurston County budget staff told the Board of County Commissioners that a point‑in‑time review of the general fund shows a declining fund balance and a projected multi‑million dollar shortfall in the coming years, and presented a menu of options ranging from hiring freezes and program reviews to voter‑approved levy lid lifts.

The presentation, led by Summer Miller, budget and finance manager for the commissioners’ office, described a May 5 point‑in‑time estimate in which the county’s beginning 2025 fund balance is about $32.1 million and the projected year‑end 2025 balance is roughly $17.1 million. Miller said the county’s Auditor Financial Services office is projecting a higher year‑end balance — between $22.5 million and $24.0 million — based on more up‑to‑date receipts and payables. “We’re estimating that the beginning fund balance will be about $32,100,000,” Miller said.

Why it matters: County staff told commissioners that, under current revenue and spending assumptions, the general fund would decline to low single‑digit balances by 2026 and could move into negative territory in later years if no revenue increases or sustained expenditure reductions occur. Staff framed the numbers as a planning tool — not a decision — and urged early action to preserve core services.

Key numbers and assumptions: Budget staff outlined the point‑in‑time estimates and the assumptions used to project out‑year results. Those included a 3% property tax assumption, a…