October 6, 2003

Council Thanks Executive's Budget Task Force

The Metropolitan King County Council today recognized Executive Ron Sims and the Budget Advisory Task Force he empanelled for their work to provide helpful strategies for addressing the county's fiscal challenges.

In less than eight months, the 13-member panel examined the programs and agencies supported by the county's $492 million general fund, and presented their findings to the Council and the Executive. Their recommendations will serve as the blueprint for Council action on the 2004 King County budget.

"The work done by the members of this panel will prove invaluable as we begin the work on the 2004 Budget," said Councilmember Larry Phillips, Chair of the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee. "They were asked to do a lot of heavy lifting in a very short time, and have put together a solid plan to help us during this fiscal crisis."

"Acquiring an outside perspective is quite helpful when confronted with a crisis such as the County's current budget gap," said Budget Vice-Chair Jane Hague. "I want to say a special thanks to Bob Wallace and John Warner, the two co-chairs of the Task Force, for their insightful work, and to Executive Sims for his wise decision to form this talented group."

To view Budget Advisory Task Force recommendations, go to: www.metrokc.gov/exec/batf
The Council's 2004 Budget website is at: www.metrokc.gov/council/budget