EVERETT — A disagreement over how to handle $500,000 prompted Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon to issue his first veto of the year, even though the ordinance was passed by the supermajority of Democrats on the County Council.
Reardon, a Democrat, rejected the council’s unanimous approval to carry over nearly $500,000 of money into this year that was budgeted in 2007 but not spent. The five-member council has four Democrats.
The money is intended for future courthouse security improvements, flood control and County Council contingency accounts.
In his veto letter, Reardon said none of the spending is necessary at this time.
The council’s decision undermines the county’s financial management practices and begins to hurt the county’s bottom line heading into 2009, Reardon wrote.
The council was expecting the veto, Council Chairman Dave Somers said. Reardon and Somers debated the proposal to carry over the money in a meeting a week ago.
A vote to consider overriding Reardon’s veto is scheduled Monday, Somers said.
“The ordinance does not spend it; it just tags it,” Somers said. “It doesn’t spend a penny.”
The council rolled over spending of:
n $200,000 for future courthouse security;
n $98,106 for professional contracts for the County Council;
n $80,000 in a County Council contingency fund;
n $76,884 for flood control work with diking districts;
n $23,900 in printing costs for growth management issues.
Somers said the council contingency money might be needed for consultants, lobbyists or desks and equipment.
Reardon said the council should try to absorb the spending in its 2008 budget or find other sources of money. Doing so is expected to return the nearly $500,000 back to the county general fund.
Reardon is warning money might be tight in 2009, calling it a “rainy-day” year during which reserves might be needed.
“Every additional dollar appropriated and spent in 2008 reduces available resources for existing commitments and puts existing employees at risk,” Reardon wrote. “As I have expressed to council, 2009’s budget is very manageable, but requires the county continue to be disciplined in managing its fiscal affairs.”
Reporter Jeff Switzer: 425-339-3452 or jswitzer@heraldnet.com.
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