Spokane County commissioners voted unanimously on Nov. 17 to keep the county's 2026 property tax levies flat, approving 0% increases for the general fund, road fund and conservation-futures levy and preserving the ability to "bank" the 1% capacity for later use.

Commissioners said the decision will give immediate tax relief to homeowners while preserving options to address longer-term budget pressures. "I just wanted to start off by thanking the budget team," Commissioner Walter said, praising staff for work that has brought the county close to a balanced 2026 budget.

The vote came after staff presented three levy scenarios based on an illustrative $425,000 home value. Staff said a 1% increase on the general levy would raise roughly $671,000 in additional revenue; shifting banked road capacity to the general levy was presented as another pathway to raise more funds if needed. County staff and several commissioners noted recent developmentabout $1.4 billion in new constructionhas boosted tax collections and produced a modest near-term revenue windfall.

At the same time, commissioners and budget staff flagged continuing fiscal risks beyond 2026. Staff projections presented during the hearing showed an estimated $17 million deficit for 2027 if no further actions are taken. Commissioners cited growing costs in public safety, including the public defender system, as drivers of future funding needs.

Commissioners emphasized that taking the 1% increase this year is not the only way to preserve capacity. County staff explained the assessor's calculation of the maximum lawful levy allows the county to claim the compounded 1% factor in future years even if the board declines it in a given year; the board chose to bank the capacity and not claim the increase for 2026.

Beyond the levy votes, the board continued detailed budget programming on items including detention and juvenile services, parks staffing and a $20,000 one-time request for a children's waiting room. Commissioners directed staff to bring remaining adjustments back during the public review period leading up to the Dec. 1 final budget vote.

The board also asked county communications staff to prepare a press release noting the decision to hold 2026 levies at 0%, a step a commissioner said could make Spokane County one of the first jurisdictions in the region to take that vote this budget cycle.

What's next: the county will finalize budget materials and post them for public review ahead of the Dec. 1 final budget adoption vote; staff said they will continue monthly reviews of sales-tax receipts to inform any midyear adjustments.