The ongoing budget shortfall means finances are tight, the Thurston County elected leaders say.
THURSTON COUNTY, Wash. — Twelve elected leaders in Thurston County have requested a salary freeze for the second year in a row, citing a thin budget stretched by rising costs of services and lower tax revenues.
“Fiscal leadership starts at the top, and right now our priority is providing essential services to the people of our county,” said chair of the commission Tye Menser. “We believe it is the responsible choice to pause salary adjustments to help ensure every available dollar supports vital county services and the dedicated staff who deliver them.”
In 2025, Thurston County faced a $20 million deficit and made $9.8 million in cuts. The budget shortfall is projected to continue for several years, according to the letter from county leadership.
Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders made the same request on social media May 6, adding that he felt a pay increase would be “highly inappropriate at this time” while his constituents struggle with the cost of living.
If approved, the salary freeze would affect all five Thurston County commissioners, Sheriff Sanders, the county assessor, auditor, clerk, coroner, prosecuting attorney, and treasurer. Leaderships’ salaries would remain at the 2025 levels through 2027, the letter reads.
Out of the 12 positions, nine terms expire at the end of 2026, and will be up for election: all but District Commissioner positions 1, 2, and 4.
Cumulatively, the salaries of all 12 officials total about $1.7 million, with all but the prosecuting attorney and sheriff making about $145,000 per year in 2025, according to public salary data. Sheriff Sanders made about $182,000 in 2025, and Prosecuting Attorney Jon Tunheim made $217,000.
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