Sheriff’s office outlines FY27 needs; committee approves Pingree Grove emergency medical IGA and forensic lab budget adjustment

Under Sheriff Johnson presented the King County Sheriff’s Office FY27 budget overview on May 14, emphasizing court security, corrections and public safety operational needs and the financial pressure of unfunded mandates and collective bargaining agreements.

Johnson introduced two resolutions. The first would approve an intergovernmental agreement with the Pingree Grove Fire Department for tactical emergency medical support; the committee moved, seconded and approved the IGA by roll call. "That passes," the chair declared after the roll call.

The second resolution authorized a budget adjustment to move previously incurred forensic lab expenses from FY25 into FY26 funds, a transfer tied to allocations by the ad hoc opioid settlement fund committee. Johnson clarified the resolution did not increase the overall forensic lab budget but reallocated already‑incurred expenditures; the committee approved the transfer by roll call.

On operations Johnson reviewed call and incident trends, noting increases in self‑initiated officer activity and traffic stops, and summarized adult corrections capacity and detainee housing plans. Commander Asmani explained in‑facility tablet access and confirmed the tablets are provided at no cost to the county. Johnson warned of pressures from multiple collective bargaining agreements expiring in FY27 and said personnel costs dominate the office’s budget.

The committee did not take additional votes on staffing changes during the session, and Johnson said the office would continue to track trends and bring follow‑up details as requested.