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Commissioners pass 2022 budget

The Board of County Commissioners on Dec. 13 adopted a balanced budget for 2022.

Revenues next year are projected to be $46.5 million, with projected expenditures at $49.7 million. This means the county may need to dip into its general fund to bridge that gap between expenditures and revenues.

“Good fiscal stewardship, which has resulted in a healthy reserve, will allow us to bridge any gap in the 2022 budget,” said Chelan County Commissioner Bob Bugert, chairman of the Board of County Commissioners.

Commissioners made a similar decision last year, and were prepared to use money from the general fund to balance the 2021 budget.

“The good news for 2021 was the county had enough unanticipated revenue to cover the $1.6 million shortfall in 2021,” said Cathy Mulhall, Chelan County administrator. “I am hopeful for a similar outcome in 2022.”

Since October, commissioners have been working with departments to reduce projected 2022 expenditures. Originally, commissioners were facing an additional $3.2 million gap; however, with cuts they were able to get that down to $1.5 million.

Projections still show the county’s 2022 revenues lower than 2021, potentially by about $919,800.

A goal in 2022 will be to find more revenue-generating resources for the county, Bugert said.

“These fiscal challenges are not unique to Chelan County, and, unlike cities, counties are limited to the sources of income they receive and face unfunded mandates from the Legislature,” Bugert said. “Chelan County commissioners will continue to work toward implementing economic development initiatives while working with the Legislature to provide adequate funding to close both existing and future gaps.”

The resolution, adopting the 2022 budget, is posted online.

Last Updated: 01/12/2022 12:49 PM

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