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Thurston County delays final vote on 2026 levy certification as commissioners request more time
Summary
Budget staff outlined a recommended $4.7M road levy shift and $1.5M road diversion for 2026 during an agenda‑setting session; a motion to certify property‑tax levies was introduced but pulled so commissioners could review backup before final action at the next business meeting.
Thurston County budget staff on Tuesday presented the county’s 2026 property‑tax levy calculations, recommending a $4.7 million shift from the road levy to the general fund and a $1.5 million diversion from the road fund to current expenses.
The presentation, led by Summer Miller (budget fiscal manager), explained statutory limits and timelines under state law and outlined the mechanics of the levy‑shift proposal and the recommended levy amounts for general fund, roads, Medic One and conservation futures. Miller said the county must certify levy amounts to the assessor by statutory deadlines and that the item was being scheduled for final action next week to meet those deadlines.
Commissioners discussed the proposal and asked for the underlying levy worksheets and backup. One commissioner moved to approve a resolution certifying levies and authorizing the road levy shift and diversion, but multiple members said they had not received or had insufficient time to review the supporting worksheets. Commissioner Rachel Grant (name appears in transcript as “Commissioner Grant”) asked to defer so she could “see the actual numbers or the backup.” Several colleagues agreed; the motion was withdrawn and the board agreed to place the item on the next business agenda for a final vote.
Why it matters: The levy‑shift and diversion would reallocate property‑tax revenue between county funds and affect the base rates used to budget services in 2026 and beyond. County staff emphasized the proposal was prepared with statutory constraints in mind and followed public‑hearing requirements. Budget staff committed to sending the levy worksheets and the presentation slides to commissioners before the next meeting.
What’s next: County staff will distribute the levy worksheets and related backup to commissioners and return with the formal certification resolution for a final vote at the Dec. 16 business meeting. No final board action on the levy certification was recorded during the work session.
