Skagit County Approves 2017 Operating Budget

Skagit County, WA – The Skagit County board of Commissioners unanimously voted to pass the 2017, $219.9 million operating budget during their  December 19th, 2016 meeting.

According to a press memo from Bronlea Mishler, the approved 2017 budget represents a 1.9 percent increase from the 2016 budget, due in part to additional staffing and increased costs for essential services.

The 2017 budget adds 21 positions, and includes a 1 percent property tax increase for each of the County’s general fund, road fund, conservation futures and emergency medical services levies.

The memo states significant budget highlights for 2017 include the investments in the County’s new Jail, expected to open in the spring of 2017, construction of a new Burlington Northern overpass on Old Highway 99 North of Cook Road, and design improvements toward replacement of the Guemes Island Ferry.  The County is considering an all-electric vessel.

The general fund accounts for nearly 25 percent of the total budget or $54.2 million dollars.  The general fund supports twenty seven County departments and most regional services.

The remaining seventy five percent of the budget comes from a combination of special revenue, debt service and capital funds according to the memo.  The County also retains around $9.5 million dollars, or a 16.7 percent reserve.

Additional Information about the budget can be found online by clicking here. 

For questions or more details, you are asked to contact Trisha Logue, the Budget and Finance Director at trishal@co.skagit.wa.us. You can also reach her by calling (360) 416-1305.

Source: Bronlea Mishler, Skagit County Press memo (December 19th, 2016)