In recent weeks, Gov. Christine Gregoire released a preliminary budget that slashed many vital social programs throughout the state. Many of these cuts would trickle down to the local level.

Federal Way anticipates a possible $1.3 million additional budget shortfall if the governor’s budget recommendations are passed.

During the Nov. 1 Federal Way City Council meeting, Mayor Skip Priest shared his thoughts on what the state’s budget could mean for Federal Way.

“We’re talking about (the governor’s) proposal to eliminate the sharing of liquor profits and liquor excise taxes, as well as (the) elimination of support for local courts, jails and prosecuting attorneys,” he said.

Priest said that $1.3 million loss from the state would directly impact the city’s law enforcement budget. According to the city, that would result in the loss of approximately 12 Federal Way Police Department positions.

“The potential for harm is so high with this budget proposal, it should be called the Public Safety in Peril proposal,” Priest said in a prepared statement through the city. “We’re already struggling to fund police. The governor’s proposal just makes the difficult impossible.”

According to the city, the elimination of the two liquor streams would result in the loss of $87 million to local law enforcement funding statewide. Another $59 million is threatened by proposed cuts to city and county law enforcement agencies, along with the court and jail support systems.

Federal Way Police Chief Brian Wilson was also unhappy with the proposals.

“These are funds specifically dedicated to help communities address the real world law enforcement impacts of the state selling liquor in our communities,” Wilson said. “It can’t be seen as a piggy bank to break for balancing the budget.”

Priest touched on the difficult choices Federal Way has already had to face since the economy tanked in 2008.

“If (the governor) had looked at the city of Federal Way and what it has done since 2008, she would have seen that we have, in fact, eliminated 50 positions. And over 15 percent of our workforce during that same period of time,” Priest said Nov. 1, responding to the governor’s claim that she has asked for a 10 percent reduction in employment throughout the state government.

Going forward, Priest said he plans to advocate for the city through the Association of Washington Cities, a coalition of local governments.

“We intend to make our voice heard on this issue, on what I call a rash proposal by the governor, and work with our fellow cities, through the Association of Washington Cities, to oppose the plan,” Priest said. “Even if we are successful…and I wouldn’t place any bets on this one, by the way. This is a warning to all of us. There will be more proposals to cut our funding, both from the state and federal government.”

The governor has called for a special session of the state Legislature to begin later this month to address the state budget issues.