Thurston County Treasurer highlights record debt and questions courthouse renovation plans

During the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners meeting on January 7, 2025, a significant discussion centered around the county's rising debt and its implications for local governance and public spending. A concerned resident raised alarms about the county's outstanding debt, which has reached an unprecedented $107 million, the highest recorded in the county's history.

The resident highlighted that a substantial portion of this debt, approximately $45 million, is allocated for renovations to the existing courthouse. However, they expressed frustration over the county's financial decisions, particularly the ongoing costs associated with this debt, which amount to $6,200 daily in interest. Additionally, the county is incurring $4,000 daily in interest from a recently initiated bond and $7,000 in rent payments for a building that the resident argued should not be in use.

The discussion took a critical turn as the resident questioned the county's plans to cut back on warehouse renovations while still being burdened by these significant financial obligations. They pointed out that the bonds were issued for specific purposes, and any deviation from these intended uses could lead to further financial strain.

Moreover, the resident raised concerns about a proposed $28 million bond that includes funding for the auditor's program and potentially a new sheriff's office. They questioned the logic behind investing $20 million in a new courthouse while also planning to build a new facility for the sheriff's office, which must legally be located at the courthouse.

This dialogue underscores the community's growing concern over fiscal responsibility and the need for a thorough evaluation of the county's financial strategies. As the county navigates these complex issues, residents are calling for a pause in decision-making to reassess priorities and ensure that public funds are being used effectively for the benefit of the community.