San Juan County, WA
Biennial Budget 2025-26
Budget at a Glance
The Big Picture
San Juan County's 2025-2026 adopted budget totals over $152 million across all funds. Here are the key numbers that define our fiscal reality.
The Full Picture
All Funds Overview
The county budget spans 8 separate funds, each with different purposes and funding sources. The General Fund is just one piece of the picture.
Revenue
Where Does the Money Come From?
Property tax is the county's largest single revenue source, generating over $14 million annually for the general fund.
Expenditures
Where Does the Money Go?
Law enforcement and roads consume over a third of general fund spending. Click any department to see details.
The Challenge
The $6.6 Million Shortfall
Revenue growth is capped at 1% per year while costs rise 3-5% annually. This structural gap is widening.
Revenue Growth (Levy Cap)
Washington State limits annual property tax levy increases to just 1%, regardless of inflation or population growth.
Cost Growth (Inflation + Need)
Labor contracts, materials, healthcare costs, and service demand all grow faster than the revenue cap allows.
Worth Examining
Areas of Potential Waste & Reduction
These spending patterns stand out when compared to peer counties and best practices. They represent the largest opportunities for meaningful savings.
Interactive Tool
Budget Simulator
Adjust department budgets and see how changes affect the bottom line and your property taxes.
Innovation
AI & Systems Optimization
Modern automation could save the county $720K-$1.4M annually while improving service speed and accuracy.
The Path Forward
Path to Property Tax Reduction
A phased approach to making county government more efficient and reducing the tax burden on residents.
Phase 1: Efficiency Audit (2026)
Comprehensive review of all department workflows. Identify redundant processes, manual tasks suitable for automation, and consolidation opportunities.
Phase 2: AI & Automation Deployment (2026-2027)
Implement AI tools for permit processing, public records, assessments, and financial reporting. Estimated savings: $720K-$1.4M annually.
Phase 3: Service Delivery Reform (2027)
Restructure non-essential services. Explore alternative funding for parks, tourism, and community programs through grants and partnerships.
Phase 4: Levy Rate Reduction (2027-2028)
With structural savings in place, reduce the property tax rate while maintaining essential services. Target: 10-15% reduction for median homeowners.