Title
Approval of the City Manager and Finance Committee Recommendations to the Preliminary 2025 Operating, Special (Dedicated) Funds, and Capital Budget
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Finance Committee met on November 18 to consider changes to the 2025 Preliminary Operating, Special (Dedicated) Funds, and Capital Budget.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the City Manager and Finance Committee’s recommendations for the 2025 Operating Budget, Utility Rates and Fees, Special (Dedicated) Funds, and Capital Budget and direct staff to prepare Ordinances for Council’s consideration on December 10, with the second reading on December 17.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the City Manager and Finance Committee’s recommendations for the 2025 Operating Budget, Utility Rates and Fees, Special (Dedicated) Funds, and Capital Budget and direct staff to prepare Ordinances for Council’s consideration on December 10, with the second reading on December 17.
Staff Contact:
Joan Lutz, Budget & Fiscal Manager, Finance Department, 360.753.8760
Presenter(s):
Jay Burney, City Manager
Background and Analysis:
The City Manager presented the 2025 Preliminary Operating Budget to the City Council on September 17, and October 8, and held a Study Session on October 22. Two Public Hearings were held on October 29 and November 12 to receive public testimony on the preliminary budget, utility rates, General Facility Charges, impact fees, and special (dedicated) program budgets. The City Manager discussed final changes and updates with the Finance Committee on November 18.
This agenda item is to discuss the City Manager and Finance Committee’s final budget balancing recommendations. The City Manager will seek Council approval on the final changes to the 2025 Operating Budget, Special (Dedicated) Revenues, and the Capital Budget along with approval to direct staff to prepare the necessary Ordinances for Council consideration on December 10, with the second reading on December 17.
Climate Analysis:
No specific climate impacts are identified. However, the 2025 Operating Budget contains funding to continue our Climate Work Plan.
Equity Analysis:
No specific equity impacts are identified. However, the 2025 Operating Budget contains funding to continue our internal/external Equity Work Plans.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Members of the community may have an interest in this agenda item as it deals with City finances, direct delivery of services and programs, and fiscal governance.
Financial Impact:
The Preliminary 2025 Operating Budget appropriates $243.8 million with a General Fund total of $113.9 million.
Options:
1. Move to approve the Final 2025 Preliminary Operating Budget, Utility Rates and Fees, Special (Dedicated) Funds, and Capital Budget and direct staff to prepare Ordinances for Council’s consideration on December 10, with the second reading on December 17.
2. Move to approve the Final 2025 Preliminary Operating Budget, Utility Rates and Fees, Special (Dedicated) Funds, and Capital Budget based on Council feedback and direct staff to prepare Ordinances for Council’s consideration on December 10, with the second reading on December 17.
3. Do not approve the Final 2025 Preliminary Operating Budget, Utility Rates and Fees, Special (Dedicated) Funds, and Capital Budget and direct staff to schedule a future meeting to consider final budget balancing.
Attachments:
Proposed Changes to the Preliminary 2025 Budget
Preliminary Operating Budget