(The Center Square) – The King County Council on Tuesday unanimously adopted its 2025 budget, totaling $10.2 billion as a $150 million budget deficit looms.
King County Executive Dow Constantine’s proposed budget general fund totaled $1.3 billion. Since Constantine’s proposal was first introduced, only $2.65 million and 13.5 full-time equivalent positions have been added to the general fund.
The net increase in the general fund is attributed to the addition of 10 full-time positions added to the Department of Public Defense and debt service on approximately $19 million in limited tax general obligation bonded capital projects.
The budget also includes a funding plan for the Harborview Medical Center, which is the region’s only Level 1 trauma center. The funding will come from a property tax levy of 10 cents per $1,000 assessed value, which is estimated to cost homeowners an average of about $87 per year. This would raise an estimated $87 million in 2025.
Final action on that levy proposal is expected on Dec. 10.
The net increases to the general fund would bring the county’s 2025 ending undesignated fund balance to approximately $63.7 million.
According to the ordinance, that balance is within the 6% to 8% range recommended by the county’s comprehensive financial management policies.
The 2025 budget leaves the council to face a projected $150 million shortfall in the general fund for the next biennial budget.
“I’m pleased that the 2025 budget will ensure stable funding and maintain the core county services that King County residents depend on,” King County Councilmember Jorge Barón said in a statement. “However, the county faces a substantial shortfall in future years in the flexible funds that we rely on to support services that our residents value.”
Constantine extended his gratitude to the council following the budget’s passage.
“This year presented significant challenges, and I commend the council for rising to the occasion,” Constantine said. “This budget sets a clear path forward for King County, focusing on immediate needs while preparing for future challenges.”
Constantine previously noted that the county’s general fund budget is not sustainable. Major budget reductions are expected after 2025 as a result.
King County normally operates through a biennial budget, however the county is doing an annual budget for only 2025 as a result of voters approving a proposal to shift King County elections from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years to increase turnout.
King County will revert back to a biennial budget for 2026-2027 and beyond.
