King County 2019-2020 Biennial Budget Dwight Dively, Director King County Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget

County Budget Process King County uses a biennial (2-year) budget. Executive Constantine proposed his 2019-2020 budget on September 24. The County Council is scheduled to adopt the budget on November 13, but this date can change.

Total Budget Revenues by Type ($11.6 Billion)

Total Budget Appropriations ($11.6 Billion)

King County Budgeted FTEs by Agency

Major Budget Highlights Three new departments are included: Department of Local Services, Metro Transit, and Human Resources Department. Significant new investments are made in homelessness programs, including new facilities on Elliott Avenue and Harborview Hall in Seattle. Major capital investments for Metro Transit are proposed, including base expansion, layover facilities, electric charging stations, and information technology. Metro would add 177,000 hours of bus service, mostly funded by partners. The noxious weed fee would increase from $3.17 to $5.32 per parcel, allowing for a significant expansion of the program to remove invasive species. The surface water management fee would increase from $240.44 to $289.00 per parcel to continue current programs and begin a program to replace culverts.

Department of Local Services (DLS) DLS includes two operating divisions: Permitting (formerly DPER) and Road Services. The Community Service Area (CSA) program is also included. DLS will have agreements with other agencies providing services in the unincorporated area and will track performance through a product catalog. Permitting is stable with a net fee increase of 4.5% for the biennium. Two additional staff are proposed to support sub-area planning. If approved, one plan would be done per year. One new staffer is proposed to support economic development in the unincorporated area. Roads would add a program to design and replace five load-limited bridges over the next four years. Roads funding is stable in the near-term but faces major challenges within 5 years.

Decline in CIP Contribution and Future Operating Reduction (2019-2028) (Based on 9/22/18 Financial Plan)

General Fund Revenues ($1.83 Billion) Net General Fund Revenues ($1.2 Billion) Less Contracts and Cost Allocations

General Fund Appropriations by Agency ($1.86 Billion)

Net General Fund Appropriations by Agency ($1.3 Billion)

Major General Fund Changes The strong economy and efficiencies identified by agencies allowed almost all General Fund services to be maintained, despite the 1% revenue growth limit on the property tax. The Sheriff’s Office receives funding for training, recruiting, and to reinstate the Gang Unit. Public Health receives $2.7 million to continue work to reduce juvenile participation in the justice system. Small enhancements were made for several agencies, including Public Defense, Law Enforcement Oversight, Human Resources, and the Medical Examiner’s Office. A new property tax system is included for the Assessor’s Office and Treasury.