Island County, the city of Oak Harbor and town of Coupeville have all started their budgeting processes for 2009 and there’s one sure bet: Nobody’s going to get a lot of extra money next year.

Sheriff’s deputies have been particularly outspoken in asking for more, but the commissioners can’t ignore the facts of a down economy that many predict will sink further in the coming months. Construction is down, sales tax revenues are down and even if asked, voters are unlikely to support the idea of lifting the property levy lid limit beyond the 1 percent set by law.

In short, local elected officials are facing some tough decisions. It’s satisfying in good times to give hard-working employees a raise, hire more law enforcement officers or expand health programs, but it’s painful to put a lid on spending. This is shaping up as one of those painful years, but hopefully not so painful that any major cuts will have to be made. Most jurisdictions have a reserve that can be dipped into in hopes that revenues in the near future will increase.

Looking at what’s happening on Wall Street and the world financial markets, this is a good time for government employees to hunker down and not demand too much. If you still have a job when the 2009 budget process is complete, be thankful.