State brand department warns of low funds

DAVENPORT – A package of changes to the Washington State Brand Department’s fee structure last year have not helped to solve the department’s cash flow issues, despite cost increases to producers.

In a report to the legislature this fall, brand department officials noted that projections made during the 2019 legislative session have not been realized and fee increases have not helped to level the department’s budget.

The brand department, which started the fiscal year 2020 with an account balance of $77, anticipates being below their two-month operating reserve as early as June 2021.

It was ho...