To:                  Active Community Leaders and Citizens

From:              Sue Rahr, King County Sheriff

Re:                  Meeting Notice – Public Safety in Peril

The King County Executive, through the King County Office of Management and Budget (OMB) informed all county agencies that in 2009 there will be an estimated $68 million shortfall in the County's "Current Expense" fund (also referred to as "CX"). The Current Expense fund -- or CX -- has two primary sources of revenue: property tax (including new construction) and sales tax. CX funds nearly all of King County 's criminal justice system.

As a result of the estimated $68 million shortfall, the Executive has asked all criminal justice agencies, including the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, the King County Sheriff's Office, the King County Superior and District Courts, and the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (i.e. King County jail) to take an "across-the-board" budget cut of 8.6% from their 2009 budgets.  These cuts will have drastic impacts to the Sheriff’s Office, including a loss of up to 75 deputies and staff, on top of the 21 person reduction from 2008 budget cuts.   

This will mean discontinued or reduced services that will:

·  Eliminate the investigation of property crimes valued under $10,000

·  Eliminate the investigation of most frauds, internet crimes, bad checks cases, etc.

·  Eliminate centralized drug investigations

·  Eliminate the centralized investigation of domestic violence

·  Eliminate “cold case” investigations

·  Reduce services in neighborhood storefront centers

·  Reduce hours of public services such as gun permits

·  Reduce outreach services for youth and victims of crime

I cannot allow this to happen, and I need your support.  Due to the overwhelming interest in our Town Hall meeting in Fall City , Precinct Commander Major Jerrell Wills is hosting another meeting at the Woodinville Library ( 17105-Avondale Rd NE ) July 8 th at 6:00 pm .  I would appreciate your attendance.  At the Woodinville meeting I will provide an overview of the situation and discuss options with you.  There are tough decisions to be made and it’s critical that we work together.  We are all responsible for the safety of our communities.

If you have any questions regarding the meeting, please contact Major Wills at 206-205-7654 or Elisa Elliott at 206-205-7920 or elisa.elliott@kingcounty.gov

I look forward to seeing you there!