Drafter
Clerk 11/18/2014
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AN ORDINANCE that proposes the 2015/2016 Biennial Budget and makes appropriations for the operation of county agencies and departments and capital improvements for the fiscal biennium beginning January 1, 2015, and ending December 31, 2016.
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PREAMBLE:
Despite continued fiscal challenges created by the Great Recession and an ongoing structural gap - caused by revenue growth that is slower than inflation - King County continues to provide critical services for its residents through reforms, reorganization and technology. But without action by the federal and state government, our public safety, transportation and public health infrastructure will continue to erode along with the quality of life these services provide.
This budget makes necessary spending cuts to balance the county budget. We have chosen these cuts based on our priorities and in a way to do the least amount of harm while still maintaining sufficient levels of reserves to maintain the county's AAA credit rating.
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 of services to all residents of the county. These include: regional services, such as criminal justice, public health, wastewater treatment, solid waste and transit; subregional services through contracts with many suburban cities for police protection, jail services and support for court services; and local services to unincorporated areas, such as sheriff protection, support for agriculture, roads, surface water management, local parks and land use regulation.
B. Under the King County Charter, the metropolitan King County council sets policy and adopts budgets for the county. This is the first complete biennial budget for the county at just over $9 billion with a $1.5 billion general fund.
C. Fiscal restraint and increasing efficiencies in inter...

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