Work on 2004 Budget Begins
First Budget Forum to Focus on Implementation of 2003 Budget

The Metropolitan King County Council is laying the groundwork for the county’s 2004 budget with the first of four public forums discussing budget priorities Wednesday, March 26.

A special meeting of the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee will take place at the Seattle Center, Conference Center Room H, which is located on the 3rd floor of the Center House, starting at 9:00 a.m.  At the forum, councilmembers will review the adoption and implementation of the 2003 budget.

“We were forced to make some very tough service cuts in the 2003 budget -- $52 million had to go,” said budget chair Larry Phillips. “The Council is now taking a close look at the results of those reductions. With $21 million revenue shortfalls projected for both 2004 and 2005, we must cut services even further while trying to maintain the services and programs King County is required, and expected, to deliver.”   

When the council adopted the 2003 budget last November, it identified savings and efficiencies through the reduction of the adult detention budget that was used to help restore proposed cuts in human services supported by the county. The efficiencies involved the cooperation of all parts of the criminal justice system—the jail, sheriff, prosecutor, and courts. The council will receive a briefing on the changes underway, and the overall impact on the budget.

“Cumulatively, King County is cutting $152 million from the general fund over a 5-year period—fully one-third of the services county residents expect to receive,” said Phillips. “Our quality of life will be severely tested.”