Revenue Shortfalls: Coping Actions by Washington Local Governments

Kennewick

• City council passed the 2009/2010 biennial budget that included some new revenues in the form of storm water fees and utility taxes and also had seven staff cuts, including the planning director and a police captain. WCMA News (), December 2008. The revenues generated from utility tax increased will be dedicated to pay for the City's on-going obligation to pay the medical costs for LEOFF 1 employees (mostly retired police and fire employees of the City).
• Additional cuts made to all discretionary budget categories. 2009/2010 Budget Message (), Office of the City Manager.

• The 2011 preliminary budget () proposes shutting down courthouses and most county services for 2 days per month (24 per year) among other cost cutting measures, September 2, 2010.

Port Angeles

• Proposal to form metropolitan park district to keep the William H. Shore Memorial Pool open. Resolution 02-09 ().
• Budget saving actions: transferring street functions to the Stormwater Utility, reducing the vehicle replacement program, reducing support of human service programs, increasing water, wastewater, solidwaste, and medic 1 utility fees (Ordinance No. 3351 (), adding parking tax (Ordinance No. 3353 (), and reducing personnel by 3.2 FTE. Budget Message

• County to Consider Waiving Fees to Boost Local Investments, Hiring. News Release, September 27, 2010
• Group to examine future of parks and recreation in Clark County. Vancouver News Release, June 28, 2010.
• County to reduce winter operating costs, access at major parks. News Release, December 23, 2009.
• County to cut spending by $6 million and raise fees to balance budget. News Release, June 17, 2009.
• Board of Clark County Commissioners adopts 2009/2010 budget - The current budget calls for eliminating almost 150 positions, including some that are vacant. Staffing adjustments will begin immediately, to determine the number of people who will be laid off by January. The budget also freezes salaries for management employees and elected officials in 2009. General Fund Departments under the Board took 12 percent cuts, Law and Justice and other elected officials took cuts of four percent of their budgets. Board passed a resolution to use part of the county's road fund for Sheriff's patrols.

Camas

• Staffing levels and vacancies continue to be reviewed for long-term need. Staffing levels are modestly reduced; and this is mainly done through attrition, reorganization, and consolidation of duties. The overall staffing ratio proposed in the 2009 budget is 10.5 per 1,000 population. The street overlay/maintenance program was deleted from the budget. Mayor's Message 2009 Camas Budget ().
• City newsletter, City Vision, mailing cut from 6 to 4 issues. Parks and Recreation will make the switch to an on-line quarterly class schedule this spring. City Vision, January 2009.

Ridgefield

• Reduction in overall operating budget by 10% from 2008. Reduction of staffing level from 36 to 31 full-time equivalents. Reduction in community outreach programs. For details see City Manager's Message in Ridgefield 2009 Budget ().

Vancouver

• Vancouver and Its Firefighters Craft New Solutions. Vancouver News Release, August 31, 2011
• The City of Vancouver consolidates offices to save money. Vancouver News Release, August 5, 2011 
• Vancouver City Manager identifies strategic reductions to balance the 2011-12 Budget. Vancouver News Release, July 12, 2010.
• Vancouver City Manager announces strategic changes to streamline the organization. Recent News Releases, April 14, 2010.
• Vancouver City Council to consider two-year labor contract with the Police Officers' Union. Recent News Releases, March 18, 2010.
• Vancouver job cuts include 44 layoffs, by Andrea Damewood. Columbian, January 28, 2010.
• Message from City Manager Pat McDonnell to city employees. Memo re: Layoffs, January 26, 2010.
• City proposes suspending fee increases in response to economy. News Release, October 8, 2009.
• Another city union forgoes increases. Vancouver Press Release, August 6, 2009.
• Two more city fire unions give up wage increases. Vancouver Press Release, April 24, 2009.
• The preliminary 2009-2010 budget incorporates budget reductions of approximately $1.3 million in non-public safety agencies in the General Fund, and more than $1 million in the Building Fund and Development Review Services. A total of 30.5 positions will be eliminated over the biennium. The utility tax on water, sewer, and stormwater utilities was increased by four percent to offset budget cuts in public safety. A portion of the solid waste franchise fee was converted to a tax at a rate consistent with the other city utilities. The property tax levy in 2009 increased 1 percent. All managers and non-union employees will receive no cost of living increases for 2009. 2009-2010 Budget Executive Summary () and WCMA News (), December 2008.
• Vancouver Firefighters Agree to Waive Pay Increase for 2009. News Release, December 30, 2008.

• Proposed reduction in 32 FTE (see chart in Budget Message). 2009 budget balanced using approximately $2.4 million dollars of reserves. Amended Budget Message (), December 16, 2008.

Longview

• The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 828 agreed to freeze wages for two years in an effort to help the city bridge its $1.5 million budget gap. In March, members of the Employees Bargaining Association, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees AFL-CIO Local 1242-CL, and the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 3375 - Chief Officers Association agreed to take nine unpaid days off this year, which amounts to a 3 percent pay cut. Daily Olympian, April 23, 2009.
• Memo to All City Employees re State of the City Finances (), March 9, 2009 - No new merit step increases will be awarded for the remainder of the 2009/10 biennium, no COLA adjustments for 2010, furloughs and reduction in staff, consideration of alternative work plans/schedules.
• Council passed recommendation () asking salary commission to forgo 2009 salary increases for council.

• Furlough of 1 day a month for nonunion employees was approved as a step toward reducing a forecast $680,000 budget deficit. Tri Cities Herald, June 16, 2009.

• The 2010 budget () was balanced with reduction of employee staffing levels to 22 FTE with 16 positions as layoffs, bringing the total positions reduced to 47 since 2008. 2010 Budget message, December 7, 2009.

Aberdeen

• The 2010 Preliminary Budget () avoids layoffs due to labor concessions, consisting mainly of salary freezes and implementation of furlough days, and through positions reduced by attrition.

• 2010 Budget Commentary, Island County Board of Commissioners. Island County News Briefs (scroll down), May 26, 2010.
• Island County Property Tax Levy Lid Lift Vote August 17, 2010 - The Board of Island County Commissioners adopted Resolution C-54-10 regarding the County's regular property tax levy. This proposition would, for public safety and other essential services, increase Island County's regular property tax levy to a rate not to exceed $0.75 per $1,000 of assessed value for collection in 2011, increase the 2012-2015 levy amounts by the greater of the Consumer Price Index inflation rate or one percent, and authorize the use of the 2015 levy amount as the base for computing levies in succeeding years; as set forth in Resolution C-54-10.
• As Commissioners struggled in the final days of budget amendment discussions in pursuit of an additional $2 million in savings during 2009, the county decided to suspend printing and mailing the voters pamplet saving $20,000. It will be replaced by an online version. Island County News Brief (), May 29, 2009.
• Proposed budget cuts: 15 employees will be laid off, effective March 1, and 10 other unfilled positions will remain unfilled as the county tries to bridge a nearly $2 million budget gap. The amount to be cut comprises roughly 10 percent of the general fund, the part of the county budget that pays for basic government services such as police protection, parks, public health, and other departments. South Whidbey Record, November 10, 2008.

North Whidbey Fire and Rescue

• Workshop held for the purpose of discussing possible cut backs in light of a second levy failure: cutting vehicles, eliminating one duty officer, reduction in number of volunteers to 80 with 5 trainees, change in method of response to some calls using only paid on-call officers only, rehab vehicles instead of purchasing new ones, eliminate improvement projects. Whidbey News Times, December 16. 2008.

• County government achieved $1.036 Million in cutbacks, through cross-departmental efficiencies. Also staffing levels were down to 287.33 full time equivalents (FTEs), 10 fewer employees than originally budgeted in 2009 and 23 fewer FTE's than budgeted in 2008. Transmittal Memo: Final 2010 Budget (), December 14, 2009.

Port Townsend

• Passed levy lid lift in fall 2008 to support library operations; reallocated monies previously allocated to the library from the general tax levy to other areas in the city budget that have been underfunded. Status quo is being maintained, some consolidations, and some positions not filled. Manager's Preliminary Budget Message (), November 3, 2008.

• Executive Proposes 3 Percent Annual Efficiencies to Sustain King County Budget Over the Long Term. King County Executive News, September 26, 2010.
• Washington State Council of County and City Employees reaches tentative agreement with King County to forego cost-of-living increases in 2011. Executive News Release, August 16, 2010.
• Constantine freezes salary and eliminates COLA and step increases for Executive branch appointees, asks other elected officials to do same. Executive News Release, July 13, 2010.
• 2010 Executive Proposed Budget () - Strategies for Closing the $56.4 Million General Fund Deficit , September 2009.
• The Council adopted budget that makes cuts to the Sheriff, Prosecuting Attorney, and the courts, provides only six months of funding to many public health programs, and closes county government for ten days next year with an unpaid employee furlough.
• Frequently Asked Questions and Answers Concerning 2009 Furloughs (), February 18, 2009.
• King County 2009 Emergency Budget Furlough Guidance Document (), Human Resources, December 2008.
• Sims and union coalition reach tentative agreement on county budget. News Release, October 27, 2008.

Bellevue

• Council Roundup: 2011-2012 budget adopted. News Release, December 7, 2010 - Summarizes budget
• City Manager Proposes Major Spending, Jobs Cuts in Budget. Bellevue: Its Your City (), October 2010
• City Manager Proposes Major Spending, Jobs Cuts in Budget. News Release, September 28, 2010

Kirkland

• Council Adopts 2011-12 Budget; Service Reductions Effective Jan. 1.  News Release, December 13, 2010
• Summary of 2009, 2010 and 2011-12 External Service Reductions City of Kirkland ()
• Furlough Information
• City Service and Staff Reductions Take Effect. News Release, January 12, 2010.
• Proposed Utility Tax on November Ballot. Kirkland City Update, 2nd Quarter 2009 - Page also includes list of Internal and External Service Reduction Impacts to Date.
• 2009-2010 Budget Page ( 11 MB) - Discusses Reductions
• Lawns in city parks will not be watered and will be allowed to go dormant in the summer. Lifeguard hours at city beaches will be reduced by 25 percent. Seasonal maintenance of the medians and city hall grounds will be reduced. City hall reception desk and passport acceptance hours will be reduced. Program that provides funding for small capital projects in neighborhoods will be put on hold for one year and scaled back by 75 percent in 2010. The council approved: the use of banked property tax, a 3% increase in utility taxes on water, sewer and garbage services, the restructuring of the business license fee to charge a base fee plus a per-full time employee fee, a 1.5% increase on private utilities (electric, gas, telephone and cable service). City Update, December 2008 (). See also Blueprint for Balanced Budget on 2009-2010 Budget ( 11 MB) (scroll down page)

Kent

• Kent City Council passed 2010 Budget. News Release, December 8, 2009 - eliminated nearly 56 positions, 24 of which resulted in layoffs to make up for a projected 5% shortfall in the budget.
• Kent Employees Pitch in to Save Colleagues' Jobs. News Release, March 24, 2009 - The Teamsters and AFSCME (American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees) Unions voted to take five and six furlough days respectively through the end of the year. Both Fire and Police Unions voted to give up a deferred compensation contribution through the end of the year. Additionally, non-represented staff voted to take five furlough days. Unpaid furlough days will be taken at an employee's discretion rather than on designated days, thereby maintaining the City's standard hours of operation. All of the employee groups voted to save jobs, and in doing so, saved $1.3 million.

Lake Forest Park

• City of Lake Forest Park Reduces the Size of Its Government as of July 1. News Release, July 21, 2011
• City Continues Budget Reductions, Electronic Town Crier, July 5, 2011
• Prop 1 Defeated. Electronic Town Crier. September 1, 2010 - The proposition asked voters if they wished to retain the current level of services. The huge majority of voters indicated they preferred to reduce services rather than raise the property taxes.
• Proposition 1 Information Voter Forum. Electronic Town Crier, July 15, 2010 - Contains Q&A about Proposition
• Levy Lid Lift Proposition 1 scheduled for August (2010) Primary. Electronic Town Crier, May 1, 2010.
• City Council approves two cost saving union agreements. News Release, November 2009.
• The City of Lake Forest Park faces continued deteriorating financial news. News Release, April 28, 2009 - List of items cut from budget and additional proposals.
• Passed Transportation Benefit District. Suggested property tax lift, reduce the reserve for cash flow from 12 percent to 10 percent, increase building permit fees; non- represented employees will pay a higher share for dependent health coverage and reduced Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA); Restructure benefits for employees to have savings options.

Mercer Island

• Council Approves Temporary Basic Life Support Billing to Help Bridge Budget Gap.  MI Weekly, February 16, 2011
• Parks and Recreation Department Fundraising to Save Adventure Playground, Other Programs. News Release, January 14, 2011
• City Manager Proposes Spending Cuts, Service Reductions in 2011-2012 Budget.  MI Weekly (), October 6, 2010 

Renton

• Non-represented employees to take furloughs and forego deferred compensation. News Release, March 10, 2009 - The employees will take three days off without pay, and forego 1.3% of their deferred compensation. The city's collective bargaining units also continue to have discussions with their membership to determine whether they can also commit to pay/benefit cuts to save about 2% in the city's overall payroll costs during fiscal year 2009 to avoid layoffs.

SeaTac

• City of Seatac announces furlough agreement with city employees. Press Release, February 3, 2010.
• SeaTac Ordinance No. 09-010 ()- Provides temporary time extension of approval of building permits, short plats, and long subdivisions, June 2009.

Seattle

• Seattle Transportation Benefit District passed $20 vehicle license fee (Resolution No. 1 (), October 25, 2010
• City Labor Coalition Agrees to Reduce COLAs. News Release, October 11, 2010
• Mayor McGinn Proposes Sustainable 2011-2012 City Budget, September 27, 2010
• Formed Seattle Transportation Benefit District, September 20, 2010
• New Agreements with Labor Will Save Millions of Dollars. Mayor's News Release, September 10, 2010.
• Firefighters take public safety seriously by forgoing cost-of-living increases. Seattle Times Editorial/Opinions, August 13, 2010.
• Budget Update: Mid-Year Reduction Results & 2011 Budget Strategy (). Seattle Finance Department, June 14, 2010.
• Mayor Mike McGinn's Comment on 2010 Mid-year Budget Reductions. News Release, June 14, 2010. li class="L1">Memo () from Michael McGinn, Mayor, to Department Directors - Executive departments directed to restrict spending in travel and training, April 29, 2010.
• Seattle Public Library closure - Monday, Aug. 31 through Sunday, Sept. 6 due to citywide budget cuts.
• Mayor orders roll back and freeze of City Executive salaries. News Release, March 13, 2009 - Department directors and executives, including the mayor, will forgo the 2009 cost-of living adjustment of 4.5 percent, and their salaries will be frozen at 2008 levels. Four executive offices will begin furlough for employees whose salaries are not frozen. With the exception of clerical employees, workers in the Mayor's Office, Finance Department, Office of Policy Management and Office of Intergovernmental Relations will take seven days without pay in 2009.

Shoreline

• Investing in Our Future: Facing Our Financial Challenges  - For the past several years, the city of Shoreline has looked for ways to postpone the effects of rising budget gaps through increased efficiencies, budget cuts, hiring and cost of living freezes, savings and new revenues. Information provides information about the  the financial challenges facing the city in the coming years.
• Efficiencies, Budget Cuts and New Revenue Sources - Leading up to the placement of Proposition 1 on the November 2010 ballot, the City took aggressive steps to postpone the effects of rising budget gaps through increased efficiencies, budget cuts, hiring and cost of living freezes, savings and new revenues
• Proposition 1 - At its July 26 meeting, the Shoreline City Council adopted a resolution placing Proposition 1, a maintenance and operations levy to maintain basic public safety, parks & recreation, and community services, on the November 2, 2010, general election ballot.

Tukwila

• Proposition No. 1 to form Tukwila Pool Metropolitan Park District on August 2011 ballot, Voter Fact Sheet ().  The City of Tukwila does not have the resources or the capabilities in place to continue to manage, maintain, and operate the Tukwila Pool. On April 18, 2011, the Tukwila City Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 1738 establishing August 16, 2011 as the date for an election. The question before the voters is regarding the formation of the Tukwila Pool Metropolitan Park District. If passed the district would have the power to generate funds for the acquisition, maintenance, operation , capital improvement and/or construction expenditures for a pool facility within the boundaries of the City of Tukwila. Without Proposition No. 1 passing, the pool is scheduled to close on September 15, 2011.

• County is implementing anti-recessionary expenditure reductions by temporarily changing the operational hours of the Administration Building to be open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday and closed on Fridays effective May 4, 2009.
• A hiring freeze was implement in August 2008 and a spending freeze on specific expenditure accounts was instituted in September 2008. Efficiency measures were identified that supported efforts to reduce expenses: an Anti-Idling and Fuel Conservation Policy (Resolution 172-2008); County Vehicle Take Home Policy (Resolution 173- 2008); limitations on travel and training; and a plan was developed to increase energy use efficiencies and reduce consumption of energy services. Board of County Commissioners authorized several cost reduction measures: delay in technology initiatives; delay in the software replacement; reduction in overtime and extra help; reduction in travel, per diem, and training; reduction in outside agency funding; reduction in rates or transfers from internal service fund Fun; use of reserves (limited to an amount whereby the fund compliance with reserve policy of 7.5% of revenue). See Memorandum () from Shawn A. Gabriel, Director, Administrative Services, November 19, 2008, re: 2009 Kitsap County Preliminary Budget.

Bainbridge

• Facts about our 2011-2012 Biennial Budget (), Executive Department. October 26, 2010 - Outlines budget issues and the actions taken by the city in 2010 in response.
• Council addressed projected shortfalls in revenues by cutting approximately $1.4 million from the adopted budget. 2010 Mid-year Report, July 30, 2010.
• City and Unions Agree to Cost Savings. Bainbridge Island Press Release, July 28, 2010.
• Budget reduction proposals for 2010-2011 (), February 26, 2010.
• City council approved a $600,000 inter-fund loan at 3% from the water utility until property tax revenues are received. Bainbridge Review, February 12, 2009.
• The $2.3 million cost cutting correction package unveiled; includes layoffs, large- scale cuts and the creation of a citizen's economic advisory commission. Bainbridge Review, January 28, 2009.
• City Employee Union approves furlough. Press Release (), December 10, 2008.
• Planning to Reduce Counter Hours. Press Release (), December 10, 2008.

Bremerton

• Mayor's Letter to Citizens and Honorable Council of the City of Bremerton (),  2012 Proposed Budget Presentation, October 26, 2011
• Office Closure on Fridays, City of Bremerton Website.
• Bremerton Ordinance No. 5068 ()- Voluntary Separation, Reduced Workweek Program
• Created a Transportation Benefit District, passed February 4, 2009.

Kitsap County Health District

• Kitsap County Health District Announces Cuts in Service and Staff. News Release (), November 4, 2008.
• Environmental Health Service Charges Increased (), 2008.

Kitsap Regional Library

• Salary and cost-of-living adjustment freeze, increase in employees' insurance co-pays. KRL Budget Cuts 'Close to the Bone. Bainbridge Review, February 2, 2009.

Kitsap Transit (PTBA)

• Service cuts: elimination of Sunday service, cut back in other routes; closure of Port Orchard office.

Centralia

• City of Centralia reduces staffing and service levels in 2010 for the second year in a row. 2010 Adopted Budget ().

Shelton

• Created Shelton Metropolitan Park District, April 27, 2010. Creation of Metropolitan Park District Facts Brochure ()
• City of Shelton hours of operations reduced as of January 4th, 2010. Press Release (), December 30, 2009.
• Video presentation on cuts in other city services - Overview of finances, cuts that have been made. Staff cuts, consolidation and reorganization of services, proposal to annex to Timberland Library by 2010 or eliminate library services.

Mason County Transit (PTBA)

• Expense reductions for travel, advertising, supplies along with delay in capital improvement projects, and a fare increase effective January 1, 2009.

• Executive's Budget Proposal Cuts Spending 6.1%. Front Page News, September 24, 2010
• County to save money by closing former Puget Sound Hospital. Front Page News, September 2, 2010.
• Council approves further budget cuts. Front Page News, June 16, 2009.
• Since the Pierce County Council approved $8 million in reductions to the 2009 budget in March, there is now an additional $8 million shortfall due mainly to unexpectedly low sales-tax revenue. Further savings could come from 1 percent reductions to all county departments ($2.5 million) and pension and other savings ($2.5 million), leaving $3 million still unaccounted for. Furloughs and other options are being studied as a way to achieve the necessary savings while still protecting the county's core services and retaining a high-quality workforce. Front Page News, March 31, 2009.

Bonney Lake

• Bonney Lake Ordinance No. 1331 () - Establishing temporary benefit policies and/or exceptions to benefit policies due to the current recession and accompanying reductions in city revenues, passed 9/8/09.
• Reserves (ending fund balance) were used to balance the 2009-2010 biennial budget. The city is neither hiring nor laying-off. In the building division where revenues and permit activity are down 50%. Building inspectors are being cross-trained as construction inspectors to take up the slack and reduce dependence on contracted infrastructure inspection. We also are assigning building inspectors code enforcement officer duties. WCMA News (), December, 2008.

Buckley

• 2011 Budget contains 18 actions for implementation (See page 10 of budget) to contain costs. Among them are contracting with Edgewood for building inspection and transferring city business licensing to the state department of licensing.
• The City is looking at running the city based on a 10-hour 4- day work week (with the exception of police, fire and sewer which must operated 24/7). Even though most of the City will be closed one day a week, by going to a 10 hour day, City offices will be open 2 hours longer 4 days a week making it easier for citizens that work outside of the City to do business with the City. One position at City Hall will be cut from 40 hours per week to 20 hours per week. Seasonal employees will not have as many hours next summer. Shuffling staff and positions, lowering the temperature in City buildings and centralizing the purchasing of supplies between departments all help close the gap. Mayor's Message, 2009 Final Budget.

Gig Harbor

• Gig Harbor, WA - Resolution No. 800 () Furlough Policy, and Resolution Nos. 812 and 822 () Extending policy - last amended 02/10.
• Discontinuance of Passport Service - This decision was based on the unprecedented growth in demand for passport services and the city's inability to provide the service, while still allowing city staff to complete their core municipal job duties (City Web)
• Several positions will be reduced from full-time to part-time, and several other positions are being eliminated. Only two out of almost 100 employees will be laid off. WCMA News (), December, 2008.

Lakewood

• 2009 general fund budget has a reduction of 13 positions. Due to a hiring freeze over the last 5-6 months, most but not all of the positions are vacant. WCMA News (), December 2008.

Sumner

• The City of Sumner and its employee labor unions agree to take furlough days. Press Release (), June 6, 2009.
• The city's first biennial budget is using one-time savings and some excess reserves in order to fill about ½ the $2.3 million gap. The other half is being filled by leaving positions vacant, a layoff of one manager, spending reductions, some fee increases, and reductions in hours and programs. WCMA News (), December, 2008.

University Place

• Resolution No.627 gives the city manager authority to grant three extra merit days to non- represented employees in lieu of a COLA for 2010.
• Resolution No.610 () gives the city manager authority to grant five extra merit days to non-represented employees in lieu of a COLA for 2009.
• Resolution No.606 gives city manager authority to extend certain vacation and sick leave cash out and other assistance to employees affected by the city's reduction in force, 12/08.

Tacoma Metropolitan Park District

• If our budget projections are realized, we will finish the next biennium with a General Fund reserve balance that is at the 5% minimum policy requirement. Longer term, service delivery will be significantly impacted if revenue trends do not change. For the 2009-2010 biennium, Metro Parks Tacoma will emphasize several key initiatives, including: conduct feasibility studies and test ways to enhance revenue. Implement the new City of Tacoma Interlocal Agreement, and working jointly to find a replacement funding mechanism. Develop and update various business plans to maximize resources and increase efficiencies in service delivery, including internal support services. Adjust park maintenance peak/non-peak season and modify park and facility level of service frequencies to meet needs while recognizing fiscal constraints. Strategically assess and implement appropriate levels of core programming given fiscal constraints, maintain services where possible through brokering or contracting with outside entities and partners. 2009-2010 Biennial Budget, Executive Summary (), March 2009.

• Council looks toward 2010 Budget and probable levy election - Additional budget cutbacks. San Juan County News, July 22, 2009.

• In Spring 2008, department heads and elected officials were asked to trim 10 percent of non-employee expenses. One percent increase in property tax approved; $700,000 of the road funds were shifted to the general fund. No COLA for elected officials and most department managers; 3% general wage adjustment for some non- represented employees. Press Release, December 9, 2008.

Mount Vernon

• Preliminary 2011 Budget  - Summary - Notes cuts for 2011  including reduced hours and furloughs and outlines work projects. Budget to be presented to the City Council for formal adoption on November 23, 2010.
  

• 2011 County Budget Approved Without Tax Increase. Media Advisory,  November 22, 2010 
  
• The 2011 Budget provides for just under $600 million in services and infrustructure by establishing a reduction of almost 170 positions, mostly currently vacant (reduction of fewer than 20 currently filled positions out of a 2, 700 workforce), among other cost-cutting actions such as improving processes through innovative uses of technology. Snohomish County Executive 2011 Budget Address (), September 30, 2010.
• Reardon applauds Council for passing 2010 Supplemental Budget. Media Advisory (), April 14, 2010.
• Approved budget reductions include a hiring freeze on most county positions and reducing the pay of non-union-represented and management-exempt employees by 4.25 percent through 11 furlough days. AFSCME is considering a similar reduction through a combination of furlough days and reduced work-week hours for union represented employees. Media Advisory (), March 30, 2009.
• Ordinance No. 09-007 () - Department directed savings days and salary reductions, passed 02/09.

Community Transit (PTBA)

• Community Transit to cut service June 13. Press Release (), June 9, 2010.
• CEO's 210 Budget Message (), October 2009.

Edmonds

• Raise fees, consider TBD, allow gambling, consider regional fire services authority, raise utility taxes to 10%, raise CATV tax to 6%. See Mayor's Budget Message ( 253 MB)
• Emergency Medical Transport Fee, effective January 1, 2009 - one of Mayor's budget recommendations.
• Transportation Benefit District created.
• Newsletter changed to online only (). Press Release, January 23, 2009.
• City staff take one furlough day per month. Furlough days started in April and are expected to save the City approximately $800,000 through 2009. City News Letter, July 2009.
• Summer vegetation control cut back. Any help citizens can provide in taking care of their own frontages will be greatly appreciated. City News Letter, July 2009.

Sultan

• City put proposition before voters in March 2008 to to annex SnoIsle Library or close city library January 1, 2009. See News Release, February 13, 2008 - Voters passed measure to annex.

Snohomish

• City managed to adjust the budget through the freezing of vacant positions, by eliminating part-time and non-permanent employees (seasonal maintenance and police cadet positions). Travel, training, professional services and other miscellaneous expenses have been cut as far as possible without undermining operational effectiveness for essential services. However, layoffs of existing employees are probably inevitable if revenues slide further below new revenue projections. WCMA News (), December 2008.

Airway Heights

• Increased property tax 1%, eliminated capital outlay expenditures for 2009, no annual transfer to the Executive Reserve Fund, reduced budget for dust control, roadway repairs, and striping services. For consideration: creating a TBD or increasing utility tax to be used for street repair and maintenance. Utility tax increases 2009-2011 to fund construction and debt service on water reclamation facility. Budget Message (), 2009 Airway Heights Budget.

Spokane

• City to Send Out Layoff Notices -  City Works to Close $12 Million Shortfall for Its 2011 Budget.  City News, October 1, 2010
• Mayor Reaffirms Budget Projections. City News, September 29, 2010
• The city will cut nine jobs from its building department effective Feb. 15. The cuts will save about $500,000 per year. Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce, January 27, 2009.

• 2011 Thurston County Budget Process Underway - Outlook May Be a Bit Better, But Not Long Term. Thurston County Connection, September 2010
• Reorganization plan implemented March 1, 2009 - designed to reduce the number of departments led by appointed directors from 16 to eight in an effort to streamline service delivery and reduce costs. Press Release, February 11, 2009.

Olympia

• City Manager Budget Message () - Budget outlines cutbacks, raises utility rates, maintains core services in public safety and public works, among other measures.
• Created Transportation Benefit District. Ordinance No.6611 (), passed 12/08.

Timberland Regional Library

• Starting October 2008, all libraries in the Timberland Regional Library District are closed on Sundays as a cost-cutting move to reduce spending. Timberland Regional Library Newsletter (), Winter 2009.

Walla Walla

• Reduction of library hours from 47 hours/week to 42, cut 4 library staff; 3% water rate increase in 2009 and 2010; 15% increase in storm water rates in 2009 and 10% in 2010. Preliminary Budget Message ().

Bellingham

• Transportation Benefit District Places Funding Measure on November Ballot, August 2010
• See City Financial Challenges.
• City gives layoff notices to five employees. News Release, January 16, 2009.

Blaine

• The city continues to maintain quality basic services within a constrained resources environment by decreasing General Fund expenditures by 3% from 2009, not filling 1 vacancy and a half, adding an 11% increase in taxes on wastewater and other cost cutting measures. 2010 Budget Summary.

Bellingham School District 501

• Budget Update 2009 - District-wide Budget Savings Plan: Questions and Answers, updated Feburary 19, 2009.

Palouse

• The budget is balanced by a proposed general Levy of an estimated $107, 292 with 65% for general fund purposes and 35% for street fund operation. 2010 Budget message, Ordinance No.865 ().

Grandview

• During the summer, the city council voted to close the museum, close the swimming pool two weeks early, eliminate seasonal parks maintenance employees, eliminate employee training for the balance of 2008, and eliminate the animal control officer position. Those service cuts were carried over into 2009. The council prioritized the twenty (20) programs and services in the general fund. It proved to be an extremely helpful and rational way to make tough budget decisions. WCMA News (), December 2008.