Chelan County Commissioners say law and justice costs will likely go up next year as local government absorbs a wide variety of State budget cuts. Commissioner Ron Walter attended a meeting in Ellensburg last week where that issue was discussed among officials from all of the State's 39 counties. The meeting was called to discuss the upcoming special session of the legislature where lawmakers will try to fill a huge budget gap. Drastic cuts to programs such as Public health have led to the elimination of some local programs and services. The State is also targeting upwards of 12-thousand prison inmates for early release from State prisons. But Walter says its possible that the State might consider relocating some of those inmates to local jails. Commissioners this week continue their budget hearings with department heads. Commissioner Walter says 2012 is shaping up as another slow year for revenue. The budget will probably include a 0ne percent property tax increase to cover wage increases contracted with employee collective bargaining units.
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KPQ Midday Update