Pierce County executive proposes lean biennial budget prioritizing public safety, housing and behavioral health

County Executive Brian Mello on Sept. 23 presented a biennial budget proposal that keeps public safety spending largely intact while seeking ways to manage a structural revenue shortfall driven by slow sales-tax growth and waning pandemic-era federal funds.

Mello framed the proposal, which he called “Forward Together,” as a pragmatic plan to protect essential services as the county navigates fiscal uncertainty. He told the council that about 77% of the general fund is dedicated to public safety and criminal justice, and that the sheriff’s office alone accounts for roughly 42% of that share — a portion he said equates to approximately $380 million when combined with courts, juvenile services, public defenders and related agencies. “We…