Despite lingering concerns about overspending, Island County commissioners adopted a 2015 budget Monday.

The $77 million budget makes major investments in law and justice, staffing throughout the county and information technology.

Approximately $513,000 in one-time funds and nearly $600,000 in ongoing funding was added through supplemental budget requests from department heads.

Sales tax revenues are strong this year, mainly because of an increase in the house construction and remodel industry, according to Budget Director Elaine Marlow.

Still, Marlow said she worries about the budget, her concerns stemming from uncertainty about how the state’s budget will pan out considering the court mandate to increase funding for public education.

“I remain concerned,” Marlow said. “It’s going to be much more difficult for the state to balance their budget.”

Commissioner Jill Johnson said she shared the same concerns as Marlow and would have liked to see fewer ongoing spending additions to the budget.

“We’re pushing this budget pretty hard,” Johnson said.

Regardless, Johnson said she doesn’t believe there is any “fluff” in the county budget, and that the county made necessary investments in its staff and technology.

Commissioner Helen Price Johnson said that she shares Johnson’s concerns, but believes it is important for the county to provide necessary services where it can.

Last year marked a turning point for the county, which was able to start refunding positions that were cut in 2008-09.

In last year’s budget, an emphasis was placed on funding four additional sheriff’s deputies.

Commissioner Aubrey Vaughan echoed his earlier comments about the county’s need for a tax levy that would provide dedicated funding for law and justice.

“That is our 800-pound gorilla,” Vaughan said.

Vaughan said he agrees with Price Johnson that the budget is adequately aggressive, saying the county “can’t stop progressing waiting for Olympia.”

Commissioners made a last minute edit by removing a $300,000 expenditure from the county roads fund for an upgrade to communication systems.

While saying they agreed that the improvements will likely still be needed, they said they first want to wait and see what types of funding may or may not be provided by the state.