Spokane County Commissioners have approved a budget for 2025 amounting to $864. 8 million, which represents an approximately 8% decrease from the prior year's budget of $937 million. This budgetary reduction is attributed to stagnant sales tax revenues, leading the county to seek cuts and efficiencies across various departments. Despite these constraints, the commissioners have prioritized key areas such as public safety, mental health services, and infrastructure improvements. The budget allocates over $15 million from mental health sales tax proceeds to support initiatives like the mental health court and transitional housing.

Additionally, it designates $9. 9 million for affordable housing projects and $7. 4 million for homelessness prevention services. County Commission Chair Mary Kuney emphasized the importance of maintaining financial stability while investing in community needs. The budget also addresses ongoing capacity issues in the detention center, with plans for renovations to expand its capacity.

Overall, the commissioners expressed optimism that these investments will effectively tackle pressing local challenges.