Clallam County unveils proposed 2026 budget; public hearing continued amid dispute over opioid‑settlement funding

County finance staff presented a proposed 2026 budget on Dec. 2, 2025 that would set general‑fund revenues at roughly $57.3 million and leave a projected operating deficit of about $1.2 million after one‑time and recurring adjustments. The Board of Commissioners opened a noticed public hearing on the budget and continued it to 5 p.m. for more discussion and revised schedules.

The county’s finance presenter summarized the work that narrowed an initial $3.3 million gap, saying the office identified approximately $4.28 million in revenue gains and expenditure reductions, including about $1.6 million of new recurring revenue and roughly $1.4 million of recurring expenditure reductions. The presentation noted one‑time gains—an advance from an HCA Medicaid reentry grant and other carryovers—helped close the near‑term shortfall and that the county’s projected ending reserves would be about $14.8 million, or 25.2% of planned expenditures.

“Based on the proposed budget, we expect reserves to finish the year at 25.2%, which is in line with our 25% goal,” the presenter said during the slide presentation. Staff also…