King County budget revenue shortfall reduced

Guest column/Metropolitan King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson

11/10/2004

It's budget time for your local governments. King County, like the City of Seattle, is currently working hard to put together a budget package that meets the needs of its citizens.

King County is the second largest provider of government services in the state of Washington, with a 2005 proposed budget totaling $3.3 billion.

The county delivers a broad range of regional services to all 1.8 million county residents, like public transportation (Metro), elections, criminal justice (sheriff, jail, courts, prosecutors and public defense), road construction and maintenance, social services, public health and wastewater treatment.

The county's "general fund" - totaling about $513 million - is the chief operating fund and provides for the county's basic day-to-day services. This fund is supported by county-wide property taxes and local options sales taxes.

Rising costs, voter-approved initiatives limiting property taxes and the slowing economy have exerted pressure on the general fund. In the last several years, King County has cut more than $100 million in order to balance the budget.

King County Executive Ron Sims presented his budget to the Council on Oct. 11. Before he released his budget, the anticipated 2005 deficit was projected at $20 million.

However, strong fiscal restraint coupled with a recovering economy has significantly reduced the county's revenue shortfall for 2005.

The following are a few of the highlights from the proposed 2005 budget:

* Metro fare increase - The county executive is proposing to move up a planned fare increase from 2007 to 2005. Adult, youth, senior and disabled fares will increase by 25 cents. The Access Pass for disabled riders will increase from $13.50 to $18 a month.

The next fare increase is projected for 2009.

I ride the No. 76 Express bus every morning to work and communicate regularly with District 2 residents who depend on Metro as much as I do.

During the 2005 budget deliberations, I will be particularly focused on determining whether a fare increase is necessary for seniors and the disabled.

* Metro bus service sustained - Planned increases in bus service have been scaled back from previous projections to allow Metro to sustain the current level of service.

Until light rail or another transit alternative is a reality for District 2 residents, I am committed to maintaining - at a minimum - the current Metro service levels.

* Thornton Creek open-space acquisition - Funding in the amount of $200,000 is proposed for the acquisition of open space along Thornton Creek.

A citizens' committee evaluated this project and recommended funding through the Conservation Futures Tax, a voter-approved levy fund dedicated to preserving open space.

I strongly support this project, which will benefit salmon, wildlife and avian species and allow for habitat restoration and environmental education.

* Human Services protected - King County provided $17 million in 2004 for critical human services such as shelter for domestic-violence victims, senior services and veterans programs.

The county executive's proposal contains only a slight reduction, which reflects administrative efficiencies that do not result in any service reductions to residents.

I am working hard to preserve and strengthen funding for 2005 because I believe even modest investments in preventative services saves taxpayer dollars in the future.

The budget is now in the hands of the County Council, and the target date for finalizing the budget is Nov. 22.

I am interested in hearing your thoughts. If you would like to meet with me to discuss the budget, please contact my office, at 296-1002. You may also e-mail your feedback to bob.ferguson@metrokc.gov.

Bob Ferguson represents District 2 (Northeast Seattle) on the Metropolitan King County Council. He and his wife, Colleen, live in Maple Leaf.