Board approves budget amendments, supplemental appropriations and continues comp-plan hearing

Clallam County commissioners on Sept. 29 adopted a series of budget amendments after a short public hearing, approving two debatable emergencies and several supplemental appropriations.

A county finance official outlined the changes: $4,000 to address a milfoil infestation at Lake Sutherland and an early transfer of $1,000,000 from the emergency communications tax to the joint public-safety-facility fund to address a cash-flow need in 2026. The board also approved an internal HHS budget revision of $200,000 to correctly reflect anticipated developmental-disabilities professional-services contract expenditures. Commissioners moved and voted by voice to adopt supplemental appropriations that include $20,000 for a Pinto abalone restoration and $31,200 for a sensory-inclusive fair project; each motion passed unanimously.

"This is not requesting new overall funds for the HHS change — we're moving where the money will be spent," the deputy CFO said during the presentation.

The public hearing produced one substantive public opposition: Ed Bowen testified against the $20,000 supplemental appropriation for abalone restoration, arguing the county should prioritize federally listed species and essential services. Bowen said the county was "deferring staff" and asked the board to direct funds to other priorities; the board nonetheless voted to approve the full slate of amendments.

Separately, the board opened a second, lengthy public hearing on the countywide comprehensive-plan update, received extensive oral testimony from dozens of residents and organizations, and voted to continue that hearing to Oct. 13 to allow more public review and staff responses.

What happens next: the budget amendments are effective as adopted; the comprehensive-plan hearing will reconvene Oct. 13 to accept additional public comment and staff responses.