Snohomish County approved a $204 million 2011 general fund budget Monday.
 
The budget, which closely mirrored Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon’s budget proposed in September, was passed unanimously by the County Council.
 
With difficult budget choices an economic reality, Reardon expressed his appreciation as the Council voted to hold the line on spending while avoiding any property tax increases.
 
“While governments all around the region and the state are pushing their problems down the road, we’re providing needed services and growing fund balance without raising taxes,” Reardon said.
 
“Our budget protects public safety and provides services to the most vulnerable, including the Nurse Family Partnership program, which is proven to promote the health and safety of infants and new mothers,” he continued.
 
“This is an accomplishment shared by each elected official in this county who came to the table with an appreciation for the need to be fiscally responsible while serving our people better,” he said. “We are focused on core services, we are taking the necessary steps to secure our finances, and we are working together on behalf of the people we serve.”