Auditor’s Office presents 2027 Preliminary Budget to Council

Council Sets October 5 Public Hearing

||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||

At its meeting on Tuesday, Council received the 2027 first draft of the preliminary budget prepared by the Auditor’s Office. This important step follows a summer during which the County has worked diligently to reduce a projected $4 million deficit. Like many jurisdictions throughout Washington State, San Juan County’s deficit is fueled by inflation, increased operating costs, reduced federal and state funding, stagnated revenues, and new state and federal mandates on County services. Council has recognized these conditions for the past two years and has worked to balance the budget through a process of reduction and consolidation each year.

In June, Council identified approximately $3.7 million in potential modifications to staffing and service levels, with those modifications incorporated into the preliminary budget. Throughout this budget building process, Council has sought to prioritize mandatory and essential functions and mitigate the impacts of the forthcoming reductions to the community as much as possible.  While the initial 2027 budget is balanced, as required by state law, the County continues to see expenditures outpacing revenues and anticipates that further reductions or new revenues in 2028 and beyond will be needed. 

To continue its work on the budget, Council has set aside time at multiple meetings in September for more in-depth budget planning discussions. Meetings scheduled for September 8, 21, and 22 will further address the County’s proposed capital improvement projects and related program budgets, the unsuccessful April 2026 current expense fund property tax levy lid lift, potential available revenue sources for Council consideration, and a comprehensive review of 2027 expenditures.  In all, these meetings will serve as an opportunity for the community to engage and Council to revise the preliminary budget as it works towards finalizing and adopting the budget later this year. 

Council Chair Justin Paulsen emphasized the importance of the work ahead, stating: “This has been a challenging budget season, and we know the decisions we make have real impacts on our residents and staff. Our goal is to maintain essential services, operate with fiscal responsibility and be transparent as we make difficult choices. We appreciate the community’s engagement as we work to finalize a budget that reflects both our financial realities and our commitment to the health and welfare of San Juan County.” 

Following the September discussions, Council will hold a public hearing on the 2027 budget and all required companion legislation on October 5. Council has the option to extend the public hearing to additional meeting dates to allow for more time to deliberate as needed. Community members are encouraged to attend the meetings and public hearing in person or online to learn more about the budget process and provide feedback. All Council meetings are open to the public in the Legislative Hearing Room at 55 Second Street in Friday Harbor or via virtual participation. 

For more information on San Juan County’s budget process, past reports, and quarterly updates, visit: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/2030/San-Juan-County-Budget. 

Questions may be directed to TilleryW@sanjuancountywa.gov.