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Cowlitz County commissioners flag a projected $8.2 million shortfall, propose department cuts and task force
Summary
With two commissioners absent, Chair Dahl and finance staff reviewed the draft 2026–27 biennial budget, warning reserves will shrink from about three months to roughly one month and outlining proposed percentage reductions across several departments; staff will prepare numbers and a budget stabilization task force was recommended.
Chairman Dahl and county finance staff reviewed the proposed 2026–27 biennial budget and warned the county faces a structural gap unless revenues rise or spending is cut. Kathy Funk Baxter, the county finance director, told the Board the county’s beginning fund balance for 2026 is projected at roughly $18–19 million (about three months of reserves), while 2027 receipts are estimated at about $62 million against planned expenditures that exceed $80 million.
"If we don't address this, we're looking at an $8.2 million shortfall," Kathy Funk Baxter said, summarizing staff projections and urging the board to consider options to balance revenues and expenses. The finance director recommended convening a special budget stabilization task force to examine 2027…
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