The King County Budget Director has announced a possible $40 to $50 million general fund shortfall for 2010.

The 2009 county budget started with a $93.4 million gap.

The revenue forecast was heard in the King County Council’s Budget and Fiscal Management Committee meeting, prompting the committee chair to again call on the state Legislature to provide counties across the state with the revenue tools they need to provide essential services.  

“King County—and counties throughout Washington—are facing hard choices,” said Council Budget Chair Larry Gossett. “Declining revenues are forcing us to decide which of the programs that protect the lives, health and safety of county residents will be reduced or eliminated. The state Legislature is still working on a proposal that would provide counties with the revenue options that will allow us to fund these programs. Without those options, the only choice we may have is to stop providing the services.”  

Bob Cowan, Director of the County’s Office of Management and Budget, today told the committee that he is forecasting a drop in property tax revenue and up to a 5.3 percent decline in sales tax revenue.

The general fund supports the day-to-day operation of county services that have no other dedicated funding source. The regional criminal justice system accounts for more than 70 percent of general fund expenditures.