King County plans $150 million budget cuts impacting public safety

King County is facing a significant $150 million budget deficit, prompting potential cuts that could jeopardize public safety. The King County Sheriff’s Office may see a reduction of $30.2 million, affecting approximately 80 full-time positions, which could delay response times to ongoing violent crimes, according to Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall. The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is also at risk, with $15.5 million cuts threatening the jobs of 90 deputy prosecutors, as warned by Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion. County leaders attribute the deficit to a 20-year cap on property tax growth that hasn't kept pace with population and inflation. If new revenue options are not identified by the state legislature, these cuts could begin within the year, leading to a minimal law enforcement presence in unincorporated areas of the county. The cuts are part of broader financial challenges that could lead to devastating impacts on community safety and law enforcement effectiveness.