Drafter
Clerk 11/13/2013
Title
AN ORDINANCE that adopts the 2014 Annual Budget and makes appropriations for the operation of county agencies and departments and capital improvements for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2014, and ending December 31, 2014.
Body
PREAMBLE:
King County is the economic engine of Washington state, generating $72 billion in annual economic activity -- as much as the other 38 counties combined. Yet the existing revenue structure, particularly statutorily capped taxes, has resulted in revenue not keeping up with increased service demands from population growth. Because of this, King County's general fund, which supports services such as the courts, prosecutor, jail and sheriff, continues to face significant service cuts. At particular risk are some of the county's roads that could be turned to gravel and bridges that face closure. And countywide, Metro riders will see a 17 percent cut in their bus service if new funding is not secured.
To help address these challenges, significant strides have been made to make county government more efficient by prioritizing and utilizing Lean, the county's continuous improvement program, and other organizational tools. These efforts have reduced the cost-growth of county government and overall expenses.
The 2014 budget addresses most of the immediate needs, sets careful priorities, limits expenditures and makes strategic investments. This budget also maintains the county's commitment to its strategic plan and government reform by continuing to challenge all county agencies to work more efficiently.
The budget presented by this ordinance maintains basic human services and civil legal aid for many of King County's most vulnerable residents, in line with its commitment to equity and social justice. The council reaffirms its commitment to providing services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Further, the commitment to break the cycle of homelessness, particularly am...

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