Budget consumes big slice of levy lid gain

Whitman County will have $750,000 addtional revenue next year as the result of a voter-approved increase in the county’s tax levy.

When asked for the levy lid vote, county commissioners acknowledged that if the county’s rates of increase in payroll continues, the levy lift would be used up within four years. However, it could be sooner than they anticipated.

The commissioners also noted that the new revenue would not be the solution to long term sustainability for Whitman County government. They acknowledged the money would allow them some breathing room.

According to county Administrative Dir...