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Subjects › Finance › Budget Calendar - Counties
03/2012

Budget Calendar for Preparation of the 2013 Budgets for Non-Charter Counties

The annual budget time-line requirements for non-charter counties in Washington are found in Chapter 36.40 RCW. According to RCW 36.40.071, the board of commissioners may set alternative dates for entire process to conform with the alternative preliminary budget hearing date.

Major Steps in Budget Preparation State Law Time Limitations Actual 2012 Date
Call for Estimates. County Auditor notifies all officials to file budget requests and projected revenues for ensuing fiscal year RCW 36.40.010 Second Monday in July July 9
Filing of estimates with Auditor or Chief Financial Officer by all officials RCW 36.40.010 Second Monday in August August 13
Preliminary county budget prepared by Auditor or Chief Financial Officer submitted to board of commissioners RCW 36.40.050 First Tuesday in September September 4
Preliminary budget hearing by board of commissioners RCW 36.40.070 First Monday in October October 1
Alternative preliminary budget hearing by board of commissioners RCW 36.40.071 First Monday in December December 3
Final budget adoption by board of commissioners RCW 36.40.080 Upon conclusion of budget hearing Practically, December 31