FRANKLIN COUNTY, Wash.-A multi-million dollar deficit could be facing Franklin County heading into fiscal year 2025.
A recent financial analysis by Consor Consulting, a Seattle-based agency found the county could be looking at a potential 3-7 million dollar deficit.
“I think the most important thing to recognize is that Franklin County is the fastest growing county in Washington State,” said County Administrator Mike Gonzalez.
Population growth, increased services, staff hours and inflation are all factors in the expected deficit.
According to Gonzalez, the fact that the state limits Franklin County to a one percent increase in property taxes is also adding to the deficit.
“We collect around 12 million dollars a year in property taxes in Franklin County,” Gonzalez said. “That means our budget can only increase $120,000 each year.”
The largest part of Franklin Counties expenses go toward public safety, with costs associated with running the Franklin County Jail, the superior and district court systems, and patrol deputies, using up about 60 percent of the Counties $50 million general fund budget.
According to Gonzalez, Franklin County is taking steps to try and balance the budget without raising taxes or laying off employees, including possibly selling some County assets, like land.
“I’m committed to our employees and the citizens of Franklin County to make sure we continue to maintain the tremendous level of service our citizens expect” said Gonzalez.
Other options reportedly on the table include making the employee health insurance plan more affordable for the County and the possibility of putting a 911 emergency sales tax measure on the ballot
