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Cowlitz County leaders warn of multi‑million shortfall, outline possible department cuts
Summary
Cowlitz County commissioners heard finance staff on the proposed 2026–27 biannual budget and were warned that estimated 2027 receipts (~$62M) lag projected expenditures (just over $80M), creating a roughly $8M structural gap. Chair presented illustrative department reductions and asked staff to model savings for follow-up.
Cowlitz County commissioners on Tuesday were warned that the proposed 2026–27 biannual budget would rely on one‑time reserves to cover recurring expenses and could reduce the county’s reserve cushion from roughly three months to about one month.
Finance director Kathy Funk Baxter summarized previously workshopped budget items, including the county’s 6‑year Transportation Improvement Program and a 5‑year capital plan that still carries about $44.5 million in planned Hall of Justice expenditures for 2026. Staff told the board they project general fund receipts of roughly $62 million in 2027…
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