The state budget documents were made available early this morning. There’s over 1,000 pages to sort through, so we are still working to un-dig all of the details. However, based on an initial review we know:
 

• Shared revenues are intact except the Streamlined Sales Tax Mitigation funding is cut by 50% (does not impact majority of counties)
• Marijuana revenue sharing with counties and cities will be increased from $6 million to $15 million (sec 979)

 

• The 1% property tax cap is left in place for local governments, although the new state property tax levy is exempt for four years
• There is no funding for the ballot box legislation
• Clerks LFO monies are reduced (sec 709)
• Thurston impact fees are reduced to $400k per year (sec. 114)
• F&W PILT reduced to $1.1 million per year. Some counties go up, some go down (sec 984) this is a shift in practice from past years

 

• The provisions of the Assessors’ Open Space tax exemption are part of the revenue bill for the budget (SB 5977)
• Funds the coroner case management system $130k (sec 146)
• Funds State Forensic Anthropologist
• The court filing fee surcharge is maintained
• Becca and case management funds are maintained
• Added 911 funds for small counties for Okanogan and Ferry (Carlton fire upgrades)
• CJTC: Funds 6 more BLEA classes, and $180k for prosecutor training per year
• Funds the SOS WA digital archives equipment replacement and local public records grant program
• Both the Municipal Research Services Center and Local Government Fiscal Notes program are fully funded
• Funding is provided for both the public records reform legislation and language of public notices bills

 
We will continue to update you as we learn more.