News

ARTICLE
Date ArticleType
7/1/2025 7:45:07 PM Member News

Washington County Adopts FY 2025–26 Budget with Cuts and Permit Fee Increase

On June 17, the Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a $2 billion total budget for FY 2025–26, including a $333.7 million general fund. The county closed a $20.5 million general fund gap through targeted reductions across departments—marking the fifth consecutive year of structural imbalance.

Of specific interest to the building industry:

  • - Permit Fee Increase: Washington County will implement an 8.5% increase in permitting fees, effective in the upcoming fiscal year. This change comes as part of efforts to maintain service levels in development review and permitting functions despite general fund reductions.
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  • - Land Use & Transportation: Although this functional area saw a modest general fund reduction of $294,538 (a 1% decrease), service levels are expected to be maintained by shifting funding burdens to fee-based revenues—a strategy underscoring the importance of the upcoming permit fee hike.
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  • - Public Safety & Development Impacts: Cuts to the Sheriff’s Office and Community Corrections may have indirect implications for site security and project timelines, particularly in high-growth areas.
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  • - Capital Investments: The county plans over $57 million in upgrades to justice-related infrastructure and $59.7 million in funding for the new Center for Addiction Triage and Treatment (CATT), which may affect public safety services and behavioral health resources near project sites.
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  • - Metro SHS Funding Decline: The approved budget reflects a $76.4 million drop in funding for the Metro Supportive Housing Services (SHS) program, signaling potential headwinds for regional homelessness and housing service partnerships.

 

HBA will continue monitoring the implementation of the permit fee increase and work with staff to ensure that development services remain efficient and predictable despite ongoing fiscal constraints.