The Grays Harbor Board of County Commissioners has asked department heads and elected officials to take action to avoid an imminent financial shortfall.

Inflation has greatly outpaced the county’s current taxing abilities, and the cost of salaries, wages and benefits, as well as supplies and materials have significantly increased. Several budget-balancing measures are being implemented and more will be necessary.

The commissioners instituted a hiring freeze. The hiring process is on hold unless critical and essential for criminal justice/public safety, health and welfare.

“As I finish up my third month with the county, our financial situation has become more dire with a growing deficit,” said County Administrator Sam Kim. “The time to course correct is now — to prevent a catastrophic budget shortfall in the future.”

The only approved positions for hire will be funded by current, existing budget appropriation.

Budget adjustments on salary savings for the remainder of 2024 were requested of departments, in an effort to maintain a balanced budget and strengthen the general fund balance.

“I see these measures as the County being proactive to address budget woes now rather than later,” said Board Chair Commissioner Kevin Pine. “It is good to see when departments participate in a solution while continuing to provide quality services.”

Many of the existing requests were accommodated for and more requests will come forward as the year end approaches, according to the Commissioners.

The Commissioners will continue to move forward with establishing a Grays Harbor County Salary Commission. The Salary Commission, comprised of local Grays Harbor constituents, will provide budget evaluation and advice on salary rates paid to all elected, appointed, and hired positions.

Several Washington state counties have taken this approach to address rising costs related to salaries, wages and benefits. Going forward, the Commissioners have asked that department heads and elected officials reduce their 2025 budget requests by 10% less than their 2024 budget. The Commissioners are also preparing a resolution to rescind salary increases for Commissioner positions, set to take effect Jan. 1.

The Commissioners expect that all department heads and elected officials will continue to work with them and the county administrator to improve the county’s financial position. They intend for county staffing levels to remain sustainable and to not reduce service levels, while the county pursues measures to balance the budget.