Mason County commissioners suspend public testimony, move 2026 budget hearing to Dec. 9

County staff on Monday presented the Mason County Board of Commissioners with a proposed 2026 budget totaling $199,663,418 and recommended adoption of the plan that would leave the county with an estimated general-fund ending balance of $14,240,153.

The budget presentation, delivered by county staff, included headline figures: a general-fund beginning balance of $24,000,000; general-fund revenues of $47,942,893; salary and benefit costs estimated at $38,521,737; and operating expenditures of $19,181,003. Countywide totals — including special revenue and other funds — were presented as $127,720,525, yielding the $199,663,418 total. Staff also identified an FTE correction for the sheriff’s office that it said should be 104.5 and asked permission to update Attachment A of the budget resolution.

The county auditor, Steve Dungo, told commissioners he opposed the proposed budget because it "continues and accelerates deficit spending" and, quoting the transcript, said "this budget spends 10,822,000.000 more than in than in expected revenues." Dungo urged commissioners to work together on agreed cuts so the county can avoid tax increases and restore a sound fiscal position.

Residents who spoke during the public-comment period reinforced concerns about public safety and staffing. North Mason resident Chris Kaye said the county must weigh the long-term effects of cuts on law enforcement and the broader legal system and urged investments that make the county attractive to new businesses.

After public comment, Commissioner (Speaker 4) moved to continue the public hearing to allow additional deliberation and time to develop possible cuts and alternatives to the presented budget. Commissioner (Speaker 2) seconded the motion. Commissioners discussed whether to set the continuance for Dec. 8 or Dec. 9; they amended the motion to Dec. 9 and the motion passed by voice vote after the chair called for ayes.

The chair then suspended public testimony for the day and said the hearing would be scheduled again in the evening on Dec. 9 to allow further public input.

What happens next: staff will prepare any requested corrections (including the FTE revision) and the board will take up the matter again at the resumed public hearing on Dec. 9. No final adoption vote on the 2026 budget was recorded at this meeting.

Sources: spoken testimony and staff presentation during the Mason County Board of Commissioners briefing and public hearing. The hearing notice materials referenced RCW related to public hearing requirements (read aloud during the meeting as "RCW 36 40.06" and a county resolution cited as "111-85"; see transcript for the board's wording).