PORT ANGELES — Clallam County commissioners will hold a required mid-year budget review later this month, but one commissioner says the presentation should also help dispel rumors about the county’s financial condition.
The public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, at 10:30 a.m. Finance staff will present budget results from the first six months of the year, along with projections for the remainder of 2026.
During Monday’s work session, Commissioner Randy Johnson said he’s heard claims that Clallam County is on the verge of bankruptcy and wants staff to include a simple summary explaining the county’s current financial picture.
“I say this only because I had several comments with me. I think where are they getting this information that says that we the county are about to go bankrupt. I mean I don’t know for the life of me where that came from and where I’m going with this is maybe if we could have a one pager on top of all the detail just because I would certainly like to send that information to some other people,” Johnson asked Monday.
Deputy Chief Financial Officer Rebecca Turner said the rumors may stem from broader financial challenges facing counties across Washington, but acknowledged the county can provide a one-page overview to accompany the more detailed budget report.
“Yeah, I would say I don’t know where that specific comment is coming from. I know there’s been talk around the state of the financial state of many counties,” said Turner.
Commissioners noted the county faces long-term financial challenges, but said the July 28 review will provide the public with an updated look at the county’s current finances and future outlook. The county’s charter requires the mid year report.