Clark County Council Chair Sue Marshall outlined the county’s long-term planning challenges, budget concerns and public safety investments during the evening’s annual State of the County address on Tuesday, May 19.
This year’s address marked a return to an in-person format, deviating from Marshall’s recorded presentation last year. A crowd of residents and local city and county officials attended last week’s meeting. Councilors Michelle Belkot and Matt Little did not attend the meeting in person.
Marshall focused heavily on the county’s comprehensive plan update under Washington’s Growth Management Act. The comprehensive plan guides Clark County and its cities in preparing for population growth, employment and housing needs through 2045.
“It’s a complex process with incremental decisions over the course of many years that build toward the final plan,” Marshall said.
Marshall said the county is now addressing additional issues within the planning process, including climate resiliency and housing affordability.
“We are also planning more deliberately to address housing needs and housing affordability,” she added.
The comprehensive plan update has faced delays, including those related to a $155,000 agricultural lands study requested by staff and leaders from cities including Ridgefield and La Center.
The study was approved by a narrow 3-2 council vote last April, with the contract finalized unanimously soon after. Work on the final environmental impact statement continues, with final approval likely held in October, according to a recent draft county timeline.
However, the Growth Management Hearings Board has set a July 31 deadline for the county to complete the overdue update. Councilors will decide whether to remove protections on certain agricultural lands to allow future housing and job growth in select cities.
Marshall also addressed budget challenges and public safety spending. The county’s 2026 budget, adopted in December, includes $883 million in spending, supported by $735 million in revenue and $149 million from reserves. Staff projected a $14 million deficit in the next budget cycle in December, with forecasts indicating the county could face a negative fund balance by 2030 if trends continue.
Marshall noted the county is grappling with rising costs as it works to maintain services and long-term financial stability.
“The 2026 budget reflects both our continued fiscal discipline and our collective progress in generating new revenue,” Marshall said.
She added that law and justice services now make up 73% of the county’s general fund budget, as officials weigh future investments in the jail system and law enforcement staffing.
“It’s no secret that our county jail is more than 40 years old, and that the current structure and layout of the main jail needs to be updated to accommodate current and future needs,” she said.
The county is currently building the “J-Pod” expansion at the Clark County Jail, providing 64 new medium-security beds by early 2027. Marshall said officials are reviewing funding options for a larger jail remodel and expansion, estimated to cost about $470 million.
Marshall also highlighted new public safety staffing approved this year, funded by a 0.1% sales tax increase the council approved in August, a funding mechanism authorized through the state legislature. The Clark County Sheriff’s Office will add 26 positions, including 21 deputies, a sergeant, a volunteer coordinator, a communications specialist and two support staff.
Marshall said the sheriff’s office expects to begin hiring this summer. Additional state grant funding could speed up the process.
Marshall also noted the county is in its second charter review commission cycle since voters adopted the home rule charter in 2014. The commission has recently developed potential amendments for the 2026 and 2027 general elections. More information is available at clark.wa.gov/charter/charter-review-commission-proposed-amendments.
“I’m impressed with the amount of work they’ve done in really a relatively short time,” she said.
Marshall recognized several county employees and departments for recent accomplishments, including County Auditor Greg Kimsey and his staff, who responded after ballot drop box fires during the 2024 election cycle. Kimsey will not run for re-election this year.
“The auditor and election staff’s response to this situation is pretty amazing,” she said.
Finally, Marshall addressed the recent fire that destroyed the historic central picnic shelter at Lewisville Regional Park. Officials are investigating the incident as suspected arson.
“There have been countless celebrations held at the historic shelter, weddings, graduation parties, birthdays, family reunions, and so much more,” Marshall said. “It’s really just a heartbreaking loss.”
Marshall closed the address by thanking county employees, elected officials and residents for their involvement in the community.
“I encourage County residents to get involved in our community,” Marshall said.
Marshall did not seek re-election for her term, which ends in December.
