2022-10-4 Budget UpdateBudget Update
October 4, 2022
11:10 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Grose, Steve Wohld, Becky Butler,
Nic Scott, Lee Napier, John Clark, Kate Chatterton
Guest(s): Tim Wood, Harry Bhagwandin, Tim Wood, Paul Crowner, Usha Sahadeva-Brooks
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
Becky Butler presented the preliminary budget for 2023.
Among the highlights:
• The preliminary budget is being presented Oct. 4 pursuant to the alternate budget dates Lewis
County established under RCW 36.40.050.
• The total 2023 preliminary budget for all funds (including operating transfers) reflects
anticipated revenue totaling $160,511,526 and expenditures totaling $181,184,020.
• The 2023 preliminary budget for the General Fund reflects a beginning fund balance of $12.4
million, revenues estimated at $44.4 million and expenditures estimated at $48.4 million with an
estimated $3.9 million use of fund balance.
• Unanticipated revenues and savings from vacant positions in 2022 and 2023 likely will lead to a
decreased use of fund balance.
• The preliminary budget reflects recently approved COLAs and increase to employer-paid health
and welfare.
• Sales and use taxes that trended upward over the last year appear to be tapering off.
• Court fines and fees are projected to be significantly lower next year as a direct result of bills
passed by the Washington State Legislature over the last few years.
• Revenue from fines on delinquent taxes also is anticipated to decrease due to changes in
Washington legislation.
• The 2023 revenue estimate does not include anticipated new construction for property taxes, as
this will be provided by the County Assessor for the final budget
• The BOCC will hold two all-day budget meetings with the offices and departments requesting
increases. The meetings will take place Oct. 12 and 17.
• The BOCC will make decisions on the 2023 property taxes for the General and Road Funds
during its Dec. 5 hearing.
• Department heads and electeds have submitted budget increase requests totaling $2,084,162.
• The Citizens Budget Committee will participate in the commissioners’ upcoming meetings.
Commissioner Swope asked that the offices and departments seeking additional funding provide five-
year outlooks of the budget impact. He also requested information on how the groups would address
the end of grants / other funding sources. Becky noted that the requests already include four-year
impacts.
Meeting ended at 11:33 a.m.