10/19/2026 Franklin County WA Budget Workshop (Oct. 19 - 23)

Franklin County, Washington’s October 19, 2026 budget workshop reviewed the preliminary 2027 budget. Current expense revenues were estimated at $52.9 million and expenditures at $53.8 million, with both below the adopted 2026 budget; the county discussed the resulting gap, reserve levels, and prioritizing statutory and contractual obligations over discretionary requests. The preliminary requests included $2.4 million for 26 FTEs, mainly for the new Superior Court department, and other departmental spending. No budget approvals or procurement awards were recorded in the transcript; requests and estimates remained under review.

Procurement-related items included courthouse preservation work supported by a $430,000 grant, with a $60,000 LED-lighting match, a $240,000 ADA elevator upgrade, and $130,000 for exterior rehabilitation. The Sheriff’s Office discussed a $60,000 request for 30 AEDs, possible fleet replacement or leasing (with a plan to explore phasing vehicle purchases), and an increase in the Axon body- and in-car-camera package from $112,000 to $181,000 under a 10-year agreement. Officials also discussed a roughly $115,000 increase related to the regional law-enforcement information-sharing system and replacement of unsupported Tyler software. A proposed $58,000 Metro task-force contribution was questioned because county participation was uncertain; the sheriff expressed support for participating. Detention-service costs were expected to fall substantially compared with prior payments to Benton County, with the 2027 estimate discussed at roughly $800,000 to $1 million. These items were discussed for budget consideration, not approved.