Economy shaped SnoCo council’s budget decisions

Though not everyone was happy, agricultural programs were saved from the chopping block.

The Snohomish County Council adopted its 2010 budget last Monday.

Priorities for council Chairman Mike Cooper’s proposed budget included the preservation of jobs and essential services, protection of vulnerable citizens, strengthening the economic health and economy, addressing long-term transportation needs and providing solutions for public health.

“The budget adopted today addresses all of these issues and more without raising taxes,” said Cooper.

Early budget proposals by Cooper looked to slash $308,000 in funding for Washington State University Extension agricultural programs. The reduction, nearly one third of the extension’s programs total budget, would have effectively eliminated economic development services and technical assistance to the agriculture industry in Snohomish County, according to an extension spokesperson.

Funding to save the program was diverted from the county’s emergency reserves despite opposition by Cooper and councilmember John Koster.

Other departments weren’t as lucky as reductions were made to popular programs across the board, including the parks department.

“These were difficult decisions, but we had to keep the focus on providing services that are essential to the health and safety of Snohomish County residents,” said Koster. “When the economy improves we can review funding for these valuable programs, but for now we simply can’t afford them.”

The council’s budget spared county employees a higher pay cut than proposed by SnoCo Executive Aaron Reardon.

Reardon’s budget recommendations to the council in September included 15 furlough days, equivalent to a 5.7 percent decrease in pay.

Instead, council reduced that cut to 1.9 percent by establishing five furlough days next year.

Regarding the decision, councilmember Brain Sullivan said, “It is irresponsible to try to balance the budget on the backs of hardworking county staff that provide the services that so many of our residents rely upon.”

In its adopted budget, the council acknowledged the changing landscape of county government resulting from the financial downturn and from potential annexations. The creation of a council-led work group is being considered to restructure county government, including the consolidation or elimination of departments.

Budget cuts over the past two years combined with a redefined focus on essential services offer “a window of opportunity to look critically at how we do business,” said councilmember Dave Gossett. “We need to use this situation to make sure we are providing services in the most efficient and cost effective manner possible.”

With the support of all four Democrat council members, the budget passed 4-1. Republican Koster opposed.

Koster cited issues with property tax rates not being reduced and approximately $1 million in funding going to nonessential services.

The budget is now in the hands of the county executive. Reardon will make his decision on whether to approve it sometime in December.

Staff Reporter Adam Stewart: 629-8066 ext. 115 or astewart@scnews.com.