# October 7, 2026 - Thurston County Board of County Commissioners Work Session

The October 7, 2026 Thurston County Board of County Commissioners work session covered the 2027 midterm budget review and compliance with a Growth Management Hearings Board order concerning the Black Lake Corey rezone. Budget staff reviewed requests and the county’s multiyear general-fund reduction plan: $8.3 million in 2026 reversions, followed by expenditure reductions of $5.5 million in 2027, $4.5 million in 2028, and $4 million in 2029. Staff described a planned $3 million withdrawal from the $4 million budget stabilization fund, which would leave about $1 million in reserves. The board made no funding decisions at this review; it was asked to submit questions before the October 14 final preliminary review. Commissioners discussed deferring a decision on corrections medical services costs, which are under review, and asked for details about a $56,000 auditor election-year project request. Staff also noted required bargaining-related costs, arbitrage costs, and climate-mitigation funding that could roll forward if the board chooses. The next budget milestones include a public hearing scheduled for December 7 and adoption scheduled for December 15.

On the rezone compliance matter, the board considered whether to remove the rezone or supplement the record and conduct a further legislative process before the February 2027 compliance deadline. The applicant offered to pay reasonable county staff costs associated with the process; commissioners and staff discussed the possible effect on the critical areas ordinance schedule and whether outside consulting support would be practical. A motion directing compliance by supplementing the record with the applicant’s proposed materials, as outlined in its letter, passed 3–1 with one abstention. No contract award, RFP, or other procurement approval was made. The meeting also included closed and executive sessions on contract negotiations, litigation, and corrections medical services.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Published:** October 07, 2026

### Sources
- [October 7, 2026 - Thurston County Board of County Commissioners Work Session](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WIJDx2U_Jk) - Thurston County