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Thurston County adopts 2024–25 budget amendment despite one commissioner’s objection
Summary
The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners adopted Amendment 3 to the 2024–25 operating and capital budget, increasing 2025 general fund appropriations by $2,262,284 and all other funds by $70,211,523; Commissioner Rachel Grant voted no, citing concerns about clarity and reconciliation in budget reporting.
Thurston County commissioners voted Dec. 2 to adopt Amendment 3 to the county’s 2024–25 operating and capital budget, authorizing additional appropriations as county staff described a mix of expected federal, state and local revenues and adjustments across departmental budgets.
Summer Miller, budget and fiscal manager in the commissioners’ office, told the Board the amendment was properly noticed and reviewed and listed the totals: "The overall increase to the 2025 expenditure appropriation to the general fund is $2,262,284 and the increase to all other funds is $70,211,523," and said legal review was completed.
The vote carried after a brief discussion, but Commissioner Rachel Grant said she would oppose the measure. "I just don't feel fully confident in the numbers," Grant said, adding her objection was not about any particular program but about "clarity, consistency, and then reconciliation across our budget documents in the reporting system." The remainder of the Board moved to adopt the amendment.
Why it matters: the amendment adjusts appropriations mid‑biennium to reflect changed revenues and obligations and may affect department spending plans and the county’s general fund balance going into the next budget adoption. County staff said some increases reflect contractual obligations and cost drivers beyond discretionary control.
What the amendment does: according to staff presentation, the amendment includes supplemental appropriations tied to anticipated federal, state and local revenue receipts, transfers and departmental revisions. Miller said the amendment was reviewed at two public meetings in November and that related attachments list operating budgets, FTE changes and capital summaries.
Next steps: County staff will incorporate the adopted amendment into the official 2024–25 budget documents and proceed with implementation and reporting. Commissioner Grant indicated she will continue pressing for clearer reconciliation in future budget materials.
