Drafter
Clerk 11/15/2016
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AN ORDINANCE that adopts the 2017-2018 Biennial Budget and makes appropriations for the operation of county agencies and departments and capital improvements for the fiscal biennium beginning January 1, 2017, and ending December 31, 2018.
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PREAMBLE:
Despite the recent economic recovery, King County faces significant challenges on several fronts including a homelessness and housing affordability crisis, crumbling county roads and vastly underfunded public safety and courts systems. These challenges stem, in part, from the fact that the major revenue source for the county's general fund and roads fund grows more slowly than inflation; meanwhile, its population continues to surge and public demand for basic infrastructure, health, safety and justice intensifies. This budget endeavors to address these challenges and provides critical services for county residents through strategic reforms and innovations. But without timely action by federal and state governments, our public safety, transportation and public health infrastructure will continue to erode and the county's shelters, courts and public safety systems will continue to be overburdened.
This budget makes necessary investments and holds true to the values shared by residents in all parts of King County. We have chosen to invest scarce county resources based on a principle to do the least amount of harm while still saving sufficient reserves to maintain the county's AAA credit rating.
During the course of the 2017-2018 biennium, it is also the intent of the council to direct any unforecasted or otherwise unanticipated revenues to maintaining county roads, addressing inadequate public safety levels, and alleviating the burdens of our current homelessness and affordable housing crisis.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KING COUNTY:
SECTION 1. Findings: The council makes the following findings of fact:
A. King County government is responsible for providing a variety o...

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