As described by Washington County’s Commissioners,
The 2018 Washington County budget totals $315,651,550 which is $15,093,010 or 5.02% above the 2017 approved budget. The budget was balanced based on the following changes and objectives:
- Increase in property tax assessable base
- Increases in local income tax revenue
- Educational funding
- Public safety funding
- Infrastructure and personnel
There were several issues which the County faced regarding the 2018 budgets. Main issues involved public safety, education, economic development initiatives, and infrastructure funding. In addition, the County is required to fund increases as a result of Federal and State mandates enacted over local governments. Reductions in Highway User revenue shares have also impacted the County’s road maintenance program. Emergency services have been and will continue to be a major issue facing the County in regards to service levels and funding. Even with these difficult and complex issues, the County still presents a budget that provides existing and new service levels with no increase in the property tax or income tax rates which have been held at the same rate for eighteen years.
Here is a snapshot of the proposed budget:
Total Operating General Fund Budget
- $221.8 million, 4.75% more than the 2017 budget
Education Funding
- Funded at the required maintenance of effort amount
Taxes
- No change in tax rates
Government Employee Salaries
- 5% employee COLA (cost of living adjustment), which is offset by retirement savings turnover
For more information, see the Citizen’s Guide to the Budget.