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	Oct. 11, 2004 Sims proposes 2005 budget; King County now poised to 'tackle pressing regional issues' » Related information King County Executive Ron Sims today submitted a balanced $3.3 billion 2005 budget to the County Council, calling it a blueprint for healthy people, a healthy economy and healthy communities that will continue to stabilize county government. “The budget I am submitting is the result of three years of hard work and fiscal discipline. Through innovation and efficiency we put our government on a more stable financial footing,” said Sims. “We refocused and prioritized county government in the past four years. Conservative fiscal policies have enabled us to maintain the very highest credit rating during these challenging times. But we must remain vigilant.” The proposed budget actually narrows the structural gap and reduces deficits in 2005 and beyond, reflecting improved revenues and lower rates of expenditure growth. It provides public health, safety, human services, transportation and environmental services to 1.8 million people in the county while living within its means. These practices have earned King County the highest credit rating in the state of Washington; a rate that is higher than 34 states, including Washington. Sims spelled out key initiatives in the 2005 budget that will refine the county’s efficiencies, further stabilizing the county’s financial footing. Much of that work was recommended by several task forces of recent years appointed by Sims to address the budget, parks, human services and health care issues. “I gathered the best and brightest to take a look at the county and its needs, and to make recommendations on the best practices and paths we could take toward ensuring financial stability for our residents. We adopted many recommendations, and, as a result, we have stabilized the government for the next three years, but we must do more in annexations, health care, criminal justice and human services.” Key priorities for 2005: Ensure the health of our employees, the economy and the region by addressing the health care crisis, as recommended by Sims’ Health Advisory Task Force. His goal is to lessen the impact and burden of illness on individuals and businesses in this region. King County has worked with its employees and unions to make some changes within its system, but unless the entire region is engaged, no real significant changes can be made. Without changes, King County’s health care premiums could double in six years to $300 million. Sims announced a Regional Puget Sound Health Partnership with inaugural members Starbucks, Washington Mutual and the State of Washington joining King County and potentially many others committed to establishing a region-wide improvement strategy that will help improve the quality of health care, and get more control over escalating health care costs. Make the county’s annexation initiative a success. King County currently provides local government services to approximately 218,000 urban unincorporated residents living in a patchwork of communities throughout the county. Annexing these areas to adjacent cities was cited by the 2003 Budget Advisory Task Force as “the single most important step the county can take to address its fiscal challenges.” A two-year plan is in place to accelerate the pace of annexations, and the county will work with partner cities to identify the best alternatives for city-based governance. Transform human services and end homelessness. King County is the second largest provider of human services in the state. Sims’ Task Force on Regional Human Services called for creation of a more stable human services system. The task of building a stable revenue plan and a community to deliver the services is a key focus of this budget. In addition, King County will become the regional coordinator of the Committee to End Homelessness. Be innovative in criminal justice services through partnerships that stabilize the lives of offenders through stable housing, appropriate treatment, education and employment aimed at breaking the cycle of crime, restoring productive citizens and reducing the jail population while continuing to keep our communities safe. “We have done so much to stabilize King County’s finances and we are recognized for our efforts,” said Sims. “But it is imperative we be vigilant and build on these successes through continued prudent management and innovation and by resolving the key priorities for 2005. “I look to the County Councilmembers, our cities, top business and other community leaders, along with the residents of King County to help us achieve our goals and keep our momentum going. “Together, we can resolve these key issues and keep King County and the region strong, safe and healthy. What a wonderful legacy to be able to leave to our children.” Executive Proposed 2005 Budget—Related information: 2005 Budget Summary (136K Word .doc) 2005 Executive Proposed Budget Executive Sims' 2005 Budget Address Annexation Initiative (43K Word .doc) Criminal Justice/Community Corrections Initiative (49K Word .doc) Human Services (35K Word .doc) King County Health Reform Initiative (45K Word .doc) Updated: Oct. 11, 2004 Executive's home Executive's news Executive's site map | E-mail the Executive King County | Executive | News | Services | Comments | Search Links to external sites do not constitute endorsements by King County. By visiting this and other King County web pages, you expressly agree to be bound by terms and conditions of the site. The details.