Thurston County budget staff presented proposed changes to utility and solid waste funding as part of the preliminary 2026–27 biennial budget, saying the County plans several rate adjustments and program shifts to support transportation, stormwater and solid waste services.

At a public hearing reconvened Jan. 1 at 1:32 p.m., the county’s budget presenter told the Board of Commissioners that preliminarily approved requests include increases to sewer, water, electric and gas utility budgets and solid waste contractual-service increases. The presentation also flagged a planned purchase of 40‑cubic‑yard drop boxes, consolidation of the community litter cleanup program and proposed solid waste rate increases to support those changes.

The presenter said stormwater funding is being addressed through proposed utility-based rate increases and a professional stormwater utility study. The staff outline also described operating transfers from public-works funds to cover debt repayment and capital projects, and transfers from stormwater capital to roads capital to fund road projects. Staff identified a road traffic calming program proposed for 2026–27.

County staff noted preliminary general-fund reductions for Community Planning and Economic Development (CPAD) and the planning department while maintaining that permitting, stormwater compliance and extension services remain budget priorities. The public works director, identified in the presentation as Karen Veil, was listed as responsible for roads, transportation, solid waste, noxious weeds, utilities, parks and trails and storm and surface water.

No members of the public signed up to speak on CPAD or public works during the session, and the Board recessed until 2:00 p.m. to continue budget discussion on other departments.

The Board scheduled a separate item to consider rate and fee adjustments for public works; staff said that those rate changes and the stormwater study would be considered in that follow-up work before final adoption of the biennial budget.