The Lewis County Courthouse in Chehalis
The Board of Lewis County Commissioners unanimously adopted the 2018 budget on Monday, relying on $1,321,609 in reserves to balance the general fund.
According to budget documents, the general fund has expected revenues of $36,260,294 and expenditures totaling $37,581,903.
The total use of reserves to balance the budget for all of the county’s funds — including the general fund — will total $6,157,528.
When the budget process began earlier this year, commissioners stated their desire to adopt a structurally balanced budget that did not utilize any reserves. At first, there was a $1.2 million gap between expenditures and revenues. That number was cut down by the commissioners, but after various departmental budget increase requests were approved and higher medical rates hit the county, the number surpassed preliminary estimates for the use of reserves.
Commissioners also determined there is a need for a 1 percent increase in both the general and road levy rates for 2018.
The regular levy was certified at $12.9 million, while the road levy was certified at $12.1 million prior to a $800,000 shift earlier approved from the roads department to the general fund.
The increase in the general property tax levy is expected to bring in an additional $123,646.14, while the roads property tax levy will increase by an estimated $115,667.25.
Along with the 1 percent increase approved in levies, the commissioners also approved fee increases for the community development and public health and social services departments, which were previously reported on by The Chronicle.
The major changes include a 25 percent increase in building valuation and increases to food establishment permits and on-site septic system permitting.
The fees aim to offset a transfer of money from the general fund to help balance the departments’ budgets.
Steve Walton, director of central services, said programs not required by law throughout the county will continually be looked out throughout the year. He said as expenditures continue to outpace revenues, the county will have to face difficult decisions in the upcoming year if changes are not made.
“The challenging trend of rising costs with minimal increases of revenue will continue to impact the county,” Walton said.
Commissioner Edna Fund said it has been a difficult budget season, but she stated she’s happy the county has a fund balance as other counties have struggled to make ends meet with less.
Based on the 2018 budget, the county is expected to have $6,749,202 left in its reserves.
Ron Averill, of Centralia, stated the only way the county will be able to balance its budget is if something changes.
“The alternatives are to cut, to raise taxes, or somehow get growth,” he said. “And obviously the best of those would be growth and therefore, I think we need to continue to do that.”
Commissioners recognized members of its citizen advisory committee earlier in the meeting. The committee was comprised of Matt Brock, Anthony Ahrens, Bill Marshall and Mitch Townsend. Commissioners stated they plan to once again utilize an advisory committee next year. The group was appointed to take part in budget discussions and make reccomendations.
“The group of dedicated volunteers went above and beyond in the budget process,” Commissioner Gary Stamper said. “They were committed, respectful and engaged.”
