CONTACT: Susan Melnyk, Chief Communications Manager, (360) 867-2097 or susan.melnyk@co.thurston.wa.us

County Commissioners’ Request to Forgo Raises in 2026 is Approved  
The news was welcomed by the Board as they work to balance the County’s 2026 budget.

OLYMPIA – Thurston County’s Citizens' Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials (Salary Commission) voted on Monday, October 20, to retain current salaries for the Thurston County Commissioners in 2026.

The Salary Commission is the volunteer citizen advisory group that decides on salaries and wage increases for many of the County’s elected officials, including the five-member Board of County Commissioners. Members acknowledged a letter from the Board — dated April 29, 2025, in which the board asked to skip salary increases this year — was a factor in their decision.

As early indicators of a possible budget deficit began to emerge in October 2024, Commissioners took proactive steps in an effort to eliminate the need for budget reductions. Their first action was to address potential salary increases for themselves, and by April 2025, they submitted a letter asking to forgo increases. 

Officials say Monday’s Salary Commission announcement was a welcome relief.  “We started 2025 facing a $36 million gap between 2026 revenues and expenses. Thanks to tough decisions and hard work by officials, directors and staff, that's now down to $9.8 million,” said Tye Menser, Chair of the Board. “That means more money for services and less impact to the community.”

The Salary Commission will begin discussing elected official salaries for 2027 in May of next year. To learn more about the Salary Commission visit the county’s website at www.thurstoncountywa.gov/living-thurston-county/civic-engagement/citizens-commission-salaries-elected-officials. For information on the Board, visit  www.thurstoncountywa.gov/departments/board-county-commissioners.