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2027 budget season is underway

The 2027 budget season gets underway in earnest the first week of October, when the Board of County Commissioners begins holding budget hearings for the more than 30 county departments.

“Budget season started weeks ago, when the county’s elected officials and department directors submitted their 2027 budgets for consideration,” County Administrator Cathy Mulhall said. “In October, commissioners will learn what our projected revenues are. Reconciling departments’ asks with our revenues is a balance every year. Our goal is always to limit our use of reserves.”

During the October hearings, elected offices and departments will each present their 2027 budgets. They will talk with commissioners about any new needs they may have – or any financial hurdles they may see coming. In county government, commissioners are charged with establishing and then overseeing the county’s entire budget.

If you have a program you are interested in following, hearings are listed by department on the board’s agenda, which is posted every Thursday on our website. Budget hearings are typically scheduled for Monday and Tuesday afternoons; however, more days may be added. Check the board’s agenda weekly to keep up on hearing dates.

After the hearings, the board may call back individual elected officials or departments for more discussion in BOCC budget workshops.

On Nov. 2, the board will submit a preliminary budget to the Chelan County Auditor. This doesn’t mean the budget discussions are over; budget discussions typically continue up until the budget is passed.

Lastly, the public hearing for the 2027 budget is scheduled for Dec. 7. This is the public’s opportunity to comment on the budget before its adoption, which must be adopted by Dec. 15.

We will post updates about the budget as the process moves forward.

Last Updated: 09/30/2026 11:49 AM

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