June 3, 2026 - Thurston County Board of County Commissioners Work Session

The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners held a work session on June 3, 2026, focused primarily on the county's budget update and strategies to address a structural deficit. Budget and fiscal staff presented detailed financial data, highlighting ongoing challenges such as inflation, reduced real estate excise tax revenues, and the need for multi-year budget balancing. The board discussed various fiscal measures including continuing interest sweeps through 2029, leveraging House Bill 2442 to establish separate levies for veterans and mental health/developmental disabilities, and managing departmental budget reversions. Several motions were passed to direct the county manager to implement selected budget deficit options, continue interest sweeps, and enact HB 2442 provisions. The board also considered suspending a budget stabilization policy to allow more flexible deficit management. While these actions aim to mitigate the deficit, commissioners acknowledged that further economic growth and development efforts are necessary for long-term fiscal health.