Chelan County commissioners to hold 2025 budget hearing

WENATCHEE — Chelan County commissioners will consider a $61 million spending plan for 2025 at a public hearing next week, with projected expenditures driven largely by increases in salary and benefit costs.

The hearing, initially scheduled for Monday, Dec. 9, has been rescheduled to Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 11:30 a.m., where public comment will be heard. Prior to the public hearing, commissioners will conduct a final budget workshop on Monday afternoon to review departmental budget requests for the upcoming year.

The county projects revenues of $55.1 million for 2025, representing a 1.6 percent increase from 2024 projections. However, expenditures are expected to reach $61 million, with the increase primarily attributed to rising costs in salaries and benefits.

"At the start of the budgeting season back in late summer, the board requested all county departments keep their expenditures – outside of salaries and benefits – at 2024 levels," Commissioner Kevin Overbay said. "With 2024 revenues expected to come in about $1 million lower than our projections, we anticipate a 2025 budget that is focused on departmental needs, not wants."

The county plans to draw from its $18 million reserves to cover the deficit that commissioners are unable to reduce through budget adjustments.

The public hearing will take place in the Board of County Commissioners' chambers at 400 Douglas St. in Wenatchee, with a virtual attendance option available via Zoom. Residents will be allotted three minutes each to provide feedback to the board.

The final approved budget will be published on the county's website following its passage.