Title
April 15 City Council Study Session on Budget Sustainability Discussion
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Discuss the April 15 City Council Study Session on Budget Sustainability.
City Manager Recommendation:
Discuss the April 15 City Council Study Session on Budget Sustainability.
Report
Issue:
Whether to discuss the April 15 City Council Study Session on Budget Sustainability.
Staff Contact:
Jay Burney, City Manager, 360.753.8740
Presenter(s):
Jay Burney, City Manager
Background and Analysis:
Like most cities in Washington, Olympia's expenses are outpacing revenue generated through sales, property, and business and occupation tax. The City Manager and the City Council's top priority is to develop a long-term sustainable budget. In January 2025, during the City Council annual retreat, they discussed strategies to address both balancing the 2026 budget as well options for achieving long-term financial sustainability.
The City Council requested that conversations with the full City Council start earlier in the year to understand the work being accomplished and to provide guidance. Therefore, a Study Session is scheduled with the full Council on Tuesday, April 15. The Study Session will help the Finance Committee and the City Manager in developing revenue and expense options for the 2026 Budget.
The purpose of this item is to prepare for the Study Session and to seek guidance on agenda item topics, including updates on the scope of the Comparable Cities Research, scope of the Business and Occupation Revenue Research, discussion of Olympia Metropolitan Park District revenue, status report on Priority Based Budgeting, and other topics.
Climate Analysis:
There are no climate concerns related to this item.
Equity Analysis:
Olympia residents and visitors rely on programs and services provided by the City. Balancing the operating budget in a way that maintains equitable and inclusive services while eliminating disparities will require an und...
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