TACOMA - The Chair of the Pierce County Council released Amendment No. 1 - often referred to as the Chair's amendment - to the Executive's proposed mid-biennium supplemental budget during a special meeting of the Council's Committee of the Whole on Friday, Nov. 15.
"The intent of offering Amendment No. 1 is to start from a base that reflect Council priorities after very carefully considering the Executive's proposal to the Council," said Council Chair Ryan Mello (District 4). "The Executive's supplemental budget adjustment is significant, proposing to increase spending by $53 million. Many of the proposed increases have merit, but some need further thought and analysis and should be considered next year."
"I've been a broken record about the need for fiscal constraint. The County is facing several serious issues that could drive significant new costs in the current and next biennium that must be top of mind," added Mello.
The Committee of the Whole will convene for another Special Meeting on Friday, Nov. 22 at 9:30 a.m. in the Pierce County Council Chambers to review and act on additional amendments from Councilmembers. Public comment will also be taken on the proposed supplemental budget.
What: Public Hearing on Mid-Biennium Supplemental Budget
When: Friday, Nov. 22, at 9:30 a.m.
Where: 930 Tacoma Avenue South, Room 1046 in Tacoma or remotely via Zoom.
Remote Participation is available by calling (253) 215-8782 and using Webinar ID: 937-0065-3122. You can also use this link: https://piercecountywa.zoom.us/j/93700653122
You can find a summary of the Executive's proposed supplemental budget here. Some of the changes Amendment No. 1 makes include:
"I want to recognize that there's going to be leadership changes occurring in several elected offices next year, including the Sheriff's Department," said Mello. "We are quite literally going to have a new sheriff in town next year, and they will likely have budget priorities they want the Council to consider."
The Council is scheduled to take final action on the supplemental budget at its Tuesday, Nov. 26 Council meeting. Public comment will also be accepted at this time.