County looks to trim budget for 2021

COLFAX – Whitman County Administrative Services Director Jessica Jensema and county departments have begun the process to find $800,000 to cut from the original 2020 county budget as they work toward adopting a 2021 budget by the end of the year.

Two weeks ago, county commissoners directed Jensema to meet with departments that had increases planned for next year, to find cuts to account for a $1.5 million difference in revenue vs. expenses in 2020, so far.

The reductions are sought from last December's projected 2020 numbers – which does not take into account amendments made this year as a result of the virus and subsequent $3.7 million in federal CARES relief money.

Examples of offered cuts to Jensema include $30,000 from the auditor's office, $5,000 from the Palouse Empire Fair, $51,000 from the treasurer's office, $4,000 from the assessor, $7,000 from the prosecutor's office and Whitcom taking $19,000 off of an expected budget increase for 2021.

"Some of this is, 'slog your way through the grind so we can get to the other side and we can get this solved,'" said Art Swannack, county commissioner.

Already this year, the county has "turned back" $324,317 in three budget amendments. Turnback means to take money approved for the current year's budget and turn it back for whatever reason – this year because of the economic downturn and uncertainty from the virus.

Things set aside for 2021 in various departments include capital improvements, hiring additional employees and going without adding services.

"Everyone's been contributing their fair share. It's been a great county-wide effort," Jensema said.

Due to the virus, and subsequent restrictions, many departments have seen revenue decreases as well as higher expenditures. An example is the (Superior Court) Clerk's Office, which has less expenses from fewer jury trials, but an increase in expenditures from added mailings to seek (reluctant) jurors for the trials which have proceeded.

At the Treasurer's Office, its $51,000 cut would come from not hiring a part-time employee next year and not hiring a consultant to help with the county's investments.