Grant County sees budget shortfall of $1.5 million

EPHRATA — The Grant County commissioners Monday blamed the bulk of a projected $1.5 million budget deficit on the rising cost of criminal justice services.

Figures from the commissioners' office show Grant County's projected 2007 revenues at approximately $26 million, while preliminary expenses may reach $28.3 million. About $800,000 of the deficit is likely to be addressed in the capital budget, leaving $1.5 million in expenses to be trimmed before a balance is reached.

Commissioner LeRoy Allison, during budget discussions Monday, said the rise in indigent defense costs during the last two years are to blame, citing the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington's lawsuit against Grant County and the resulting November 2005 settlement agreement.

The ACLU and Columbia Legal Services brought the lawsuit against Grant County, alleging an inadequate public defense system. The ACLU won a $500,000 settlement and concessions resulting in operational and funding changes in Grant County's public defender office.

The settlement obligated the county to increase public defender pay, limit attorney caseloads and provide separate funds for defense investigators and expert witnesses. A court monitor was hired, at Grant County's expense, to ensure compliance with terms of the settlement.

"While we've made the adjustments and the system is working well, the costs for indigent defense continue to eat at the budget, year in and year out," Allison said.

While Grant County's spending on indigent defense during the next 12 months is expected to mirror 2006 spending levels, it remains 50 percent higher than 2005.

"Eighteen months ago, we expressed concern that the projected increase costs imposed on us for indigent defense would put pressure on the budget in 2007 and 2008, and here we are," Allison said.

The commission, in the past, criticized the state for not giving enough money to fund indigent defense. The commission claims Washington's contribution is one of the lowest in the nation at 5.5 percent, compared to the national average of about 50 percent.

"Cities and counties are mandated by the state to provide indigent defense for anyone charged with a felony in their respective jurisdictions, yet the state provides only minimal support in extraordinary cases," said Commissioner Deborah Moore.

"We need the state to re-examine its role and recognize its responsibility to provide local government with adequate resources and support to do the job right," she said.

Allison said indigent defense spending, in large part, gobbled up the county's reserve funds during the last five years. The county's budget reserve fund is nearing the established safety net of approximately three months' operating expenses.

Other factors are contributing to Grant County's projected budget deficit, including cost of living increases for employee wages and health care benefits. Inflation has also driven up expenses. Meantime, revenues are not keeping pace.

The commissioners said current economic conditions are "encouraging," including low unemployment, a strong housing market and continued business growth and expansion. But, they cautioned, Grant County revenues wouldn't likely reflect the positive conditions until 2008.

"In our current budget situation, with only modest economic growth expected, we have to look for places we can reduce costs, either by doing things more efficiently, or differently, or with less resources," Allison said.

The commission scheduled work sessions for the next two weeks with elected officials and department heads in the courthouse to prioritize spending. The commissioners said they hope to discover "creative and pragmatic ways" during the sessions to address the projected deficit.