Clallam County projects ongoing $1.35M general‑fund shortfall for 2026; officials weigh hiring review and levy option

County Administrator Todd Melky and county finance staff presented an updated 2026 general fund outlook at a Clallam County town hall, saying a preliminary shortfall identified in September had been narrowed but an ongoing deficit remained. "We did have a pretty substantial, funding gap, that was staring at us when we presented the preliminary budget," County CFO Mark said during the presentation, citing a $3,258,000 gap in the preliminary numbers and describing department‑level adjustments and revenue changes that reduced the projected deficit.

Finance staff reported a mix of one‑time and recurring changes. One‑time revenue adjustments cited included the return of working capital from a reservoir project and the sale of surplus land; recurring savings and revenue gains reduced the gap further. After those adjustments, staff said the budget still showed an adjusted deficit of about $1,931,000. Staff also described about $1,350,000 in general‑fund capital…