AI Ballot Check Washington · General election, November 3, 2026

Clark County Proposed Charter Amendment No. 20

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Statement For · Liz Cline

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Committee: Peter Silliman, Chair

A vote for a more open and public budget process is a vote for the responsible, transparent, and efficient use of taxpayer funds. In 2025, the first public presentation of the budget was October 29th and the budget was adopted on December 2nd with almost no public involvement. Most people are engaged with elections and holidays during that time. The amendment moves some county budget deadlines back slightly and requires the first public presentation of the proposed budget to be made the first week of September, a second presentation in October, and the final budget adoption hearing be held in November. Moving the public presentation to this time will give the people better visibility to the county’s almost $900-million budget, give them time to investigate and provide feedback, and give the council more time to consider that input and direct the process. There is nothing that the county does that impacts the people’s lives more than the adoption of the budget and any proposed tax increases required to implement it. The people should have more visibility to the deliberative process and proposed funding so they can make sure the budget reflects the values and priorities of the people. A budget process that is more transparent and facilitates the involvement of the public will equip us to work together to meet our community’s future needs and challenges. Vote Yes on Proposition 20 for budget transparency. For more info, visit www.clarkcharterreview.com

Rebuttal of argument against

Clark County followed all state required budget adoption procedures last year, and public involvement was minimal. The Council could have encouraged greater public participation but has not. The Charter exists to strengthen local control and already modifies and defines key budget process requirements. The people deserve greater transparency and accountability, and the Charter is an appropriate place to incorporate these guiding principles. Please review RCW 42.30.010.

Statement Against · Julie Koepp

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Committee: John Latta, Chair

Vote no on Amendment 20 to revise the budget process. The County already follows state rules, deadlines, and budget requirements to make sure the budget is completed correctly and on time. Adjust the Process, Not the Charter No Charter amendment is needed because the Charter already allows this flexibility. County leaders and the County Council can add steps or set earlier deadlines if they want to. The Charter does not need to include all the details of how the budget process works. If better instructions or earlier deadlines are needed, County leaders and Councilors can update their rules and procedures. The Charter Sets the Basic Rules for County Government The Charter provides the basic framework for how county government works. This proposal adds process details that do not belong in the Charter. Adding these details could make it harder for the county to improve the budget process in the future. Keeping the Charter focused on the big-picture structure gives staff the flexibility to use the most effective and efficient budget process possible. Vote No!

Rebuttal of argument for

Nothing in the Charter prevents the County from preparing the budget with the deadlines and rules proposed in this amendment. The County can change existing rules and procedures when needed or desired. Let’s not take away the flexibility the current Charter allows our county officials. No Charter Amendment is needed. Keep it simple. Vote No.