Pierce County Executive Outlines $726 Million Budget Plan

PIERCE COUNTY, WA — On Tuesday, Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier laid out his plans for the 2020-21 biennial budget, with a stated focus on public safety and behavioral health. The $726 million plan adds an extra $1 million to identify and clean up identified "nuisance properties." A new Crisis Recovery Center near Spanaway and Parkland would provide care for those experiencing mental health issues, and a planned expansion of a service center for veterans would connect those in need with jobs or housing vouchers.

Dammeier said his office worked with mayors across Pierce County to hammer out a regional approach to building affordable housing. Funding for that, using existing tax revenue, would help local governments speed up the process to get more units built. Other recurring themes included among the budget's pillars are streamlining systems so they work more efficiently and cutting down on "red tape" in among various county departments.

Under the plan, the Pierce County Sheriff's Department would receive an additional $19 million over the next two years. Overall, funds earmarked for "public safety" would grow by nearly eight percent. Funding is also included for a planned outreach campaign to provide support and help for victims of human trafficking.

The Pierce County Council has 100 days to review the budget details. They will vote on a final, amended version before the end of November. You can read the complete budget proposal here.