Three metropolitan and five rural counties in Washington State were studied to determine relationships between budget change decisions--particularly expenditure decreases--and public service consequences. Demographic, economic, social, and budget data for 1979-1982 from census sources, state and county agency reports, and 214 questionnaire responses from public services officials were used. Annual expenditures were found to have increased for most agencies throughout the period. Judicial, law enforcement, and correctional units received consistent increases; environmental protection, parks, and recreation tended to be cut drastically. General government, social/health services, physical services, education, planning, and community development remained relatively stable. State-mandated requirements and priorities of local officials were among the major factors in budget allocations. In general, public officials perceived that little had been lost in service quality or quantity, although maintenance of plant, equipment, and capital outlays were thought to have suffered seriously. While no definitive conclusions could be drawn from the study, improvements in staff efficiency and creativity and greater cooperation among county departments, along with a worsened staff client ratio and less ability for long-range planning were some noted outcomes. Variables such as urbanness, socioeconomic conditions, expenditure changes, and outcomes perceptions showed less intercorrelation than anticipated. Tables provide county and budget data, categories and comparisons of outcome variables, and correlation matrices of antecedent, intervening, and outcome factors. (LFL)