What public budget documents and board recordings reveal about the path to 61 layoffs
By Eric Wilson
Updated April 11, 2026.
which is 38% of budgeted branch positions
& converted three branches to unstaffed self-service.
The district told the public the shortfall was “not apparent any earlier”
TRL serves half a million people across five counties in western Washington, with 29 branches and roughly 230 budgeted staff positions.
Public budget documents and board meeting recordings tell a different story. The eight exhibits below trace, year by year, how the district spent down its reserves, who benefited, and what options were never pursued.
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