Budget

Every year the County is required by RCW 36.40.080 to adopt an annual budget. The process that culminates in budget adoption spans approximately seven months and is comprehensive and detailed. The Budget Department, under the direction of the County Manager, is responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of the countywide budget. During the budget process, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), County Manager, and Budget Administrator work collaboratively with the Citizens, Elected Officials, Directors, Administrators, Managers, and staff to adopt a budget that best serves the Citizens of Lewis County.

The County budget is comprised of two main categories of funds: the General Fund and Other Funds. The General Fund, also referred to as Current Expense, is the main operating fund for the County that accounts for current government operations and supports Elected Offices and County Departments. The Other Funds category is comprised of Special Revenue, Debt Service, Capital, Enterprise, and Internal Service Funds, all of which are legally or administratively restricted for special purposes.

The following timeline outlines the process for a typical budget year:

• May/June - Budget staff prepare future revenue forecasts for BOCC; The BOCC identifies budget priorities and sets expenditure limitations for the coming year.
• July through September – Preliminary Budgets are completed and submitted by Offices/Departments.
• October Budget meetings with Elected Officials and Department Directors.
• November – Evening public presentation of the Preliminary Budget.
• First Monday in December – Hearing on the proposed Final Budget and Hearing on setting the tax levies.

These meetings and Hearings are held at the Historic Courthouse in the BOCC Hearing Room.

All of the work sessions with Elected Officials and Directors regarding the county’s budget are open to the public. This affords citizens the opportunity to obtain detailed information about the budget and allows for input throughout the budget process.

For information on the budget process or the County budget in general, please contact Budget Administrator Becky Butler, at (360) 740-1198 or e-mail becky.butler@lewiscountywa.gov.