MASON COUNTY — County staff recommended adoption of a proposed 2026 budget totaling $199,663,418, but the Board of County Commissioners voted to continue the public hearing to Dec. 9, 2025 after the county auditor and residents urged more scrutiny.

At a public hearing, county staff presented detailed estimates for the general fund and other county funds. Staff said the general fund beginning balance is estimated at $24,000,000, total general fund revenues at $47,942,893, salary and benefit expenses at $38,521,737 and an estimated ending general fund balance of $14,240,153. The combined beginning balances and revenues across funds were presented at $199,663,418; total budgeted FTEs were listed as 425.96.

Mason County Auditor Steve Dungo testified that he opposed the proposed budget, saying it "continues and accelerates deficit spending" and asserting the plan "spends $10,822,000 more than expected revenues." He urged the commission to adopt small cuts now to avoid deeper, painful reductions next year and to explore revenue options that do not raise taxes.

"As elected officials and public servants, we have a fiduciary duty to find ways to fulfill our statutory responsibilities without placing additional burdens on Mason County taxpayers," Dungo said.

A North Mason resident, Chris Kaye, also urged caution on cuts and emphasized maintaining public safety services and planning capacity.

One commissioner (identified in the transcript as Speaker 4) laid out a set of concerns about relying on one-time windfalls and on positions left vacant during the year to produce favorable year-end results. That commissioner moved to continue the hearing to allow additional discussion and to keep public testimony open; another commissioner (Speaker 2) seconded the motion. The chair called a voice vote; commissioners voted "I," and the board moved the hearing to Dec. 9, 2025 at 9:15 a.m.

No formal adoption of the 2026 budget occurred at the hearing. Staff had presented two options: adopt the budget as proposed or continue the hearing. The board chose the latter to permit further discussion of proposed cuts and options raised by the auditor and commissioners.

Next steps: The public hearing is scheduled to reconvene on Dec. 9, 2025 at 9:15 a.m. for further deliberation and possible adoption. Staff materials presented at the hearing are available from the county and were made public on Nov. 17 as noted in the hearing notice.

(Reporting note: direct quotes and figures in this story are drawn from staff presentation and public testimony at the Mason County commissioners briefing and public hearing.)