Clarifying Is. Co. budget concerns

As Island County cuts funding in the struggle to balance 2010 budget proposals, commuters are driving through construction zones and over brand new pavement. Some are acquainting themselves with new stops signs and intersections along their daily route.

And some are raising a fair question: Why, if the county is hurting for money, is it also funding enormous construction projects?

Extensive revisions to Camano Hill Road and Terry’s Corner, and the proposed revisions to Arrowhead Road, represent millions of dollars, yet the general fund suffers.

The answer is simple, and not, all at the same time.

Island County Commissioner John Dean explained, “The financial challenges (the county is facing) are fueled by a downturn in sales taxes, real estate excise taxes, and investment income.”

These monies constitute the county’s expense fund for general services and law enforcement.

The major road projects, on the other hand, Dean said, are part of a six-year improvement plan funded largely by state and federal grants. The county does supplement those grants with a small county road levy, but even the levy can’t be used to prop up the general fund.

“While it sounds like a good idea,” Dean said, “it is not legal to use county road levy funds or state and federal road grant funding for other critical department needs.”

“I wish it were so,” he added, “but it is not.”

For now, then, the issue of road construction during a general fund deficit may be frustrating, but it is clearcut. The funding is distinctly separate.

Dean noted, however, that counties throughout the state are lobbying for more flexibility in how they’re allowed to allocate resources.

Regarding the Arrowhead Road improvements, Dean said the project has been in the initial planning stages for years but has been repeatedly delayed. He guesses it will most likely be delayed again.

Staff Reporter Jeremiah O’Hagan: 629-8066 ext. 125 or ohagan@scnews.com.