County spending lags behind budget projection

Spending by the various departments in Whitman County’s $12.7 million current expense operating fund has been held under year-to-date projections.

Administrative Director Gary Petrovich reported Monday the county agencies have spent just shy of $7.3 million through August, about 58 percent of the yearly budget. That total lags behind the $8.5 million total expected to have been spent two-thirds through the year.

More than 70 percent of the expenses, $5.1 million, was for salaries and benefits for county employees.

Spending may increase, though, as grants from the state and federal governments...