County Council adopts 2012 King County budget that continues efficiencies but protects our most vulnerable

November 9, 2011

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Councilmember Joe McDermott, finishing his first year on the Metropolitan King County Council, praised the 2012 King County budget that was unanimously adopted today.

“Just like so many have done at home, the County has balanced its checkbook. But we have also prioritized and supported access to food, safety and shelter to help the thousands of King County residents who are struggling during this Great Recession,” McDermott said.

The budget allocates $1 million in one-time funds to be split equally between three regional organizations that work directly with essential programs assisting those in need:

• FOOD: Food Lifeline will work with and allocate funds to those programs that deal with hunger in King County,
• SHELTER: Funding for homeless programs will be distributed by the YWCA,
• SAFETY: Agencies that assist the survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault will work with the King County Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

“By doing such things as streamlining building and permitting services for the public and making investments in technologies that will cut our overhead costs, the 2012 budget builds upon efficiencies and creates transparency within County government,” McDermott said. “But perhaps most importantly for my unincorporated area constituents, the budget calls for a reduction of management positions in the County’s Road Service Division -- and puts more maintenance workers on the road working to keep our roads safe.”

“It was an honor to help write this budget. We preserved critical public safety programs and supported programs that will help to meet the most basic needs of King County residents,” said McDermott who served on the Budget Leadership Team and chairs the Board of Health. “But I am very concerned about how the upcoming state budget cuts will affect the health and safety of all King County residents. I will continue to work with the state Legislature to protect our state’s safety net for our most vulnerable.”