West University Place officials unanimously supported revisions to the city's proposed fiscal year 2027 budget during a July 30 workshop.
During the meeting, Finance Director Marie Kalka gave officials the updated property tax estimates, which increased projected revenue by about $342,000. The increase gave the city additional flexibility as it prepares to adopt next year's spending plan. This also allows the city to remain within the state's voter-approval tax rate.
What’s changing
The proposed budget increases employee merit raises from 2% to 3%, adds two police officer positions and uses reserve funds to cover one-time startup costs associated with the new hires, including equipment and vehicles. Officials said ongoing personnel costs would be funded through the city's operating budget.
Council also reviewed the proposed Solid Waste Fund, which includes an 8.5% rate increase for both standard residential customers and senior or disabled residents.
“That was [because of] the need to basically balance the budget,” Kalka said.
One of the largest cost increases is associated with recycling disposal fees, including approximately $98,000 for a new household hazardous waste program.
The proposed budget also shows higher solid waste disposal costs, vehicle maintenance expenses and fuel costs, while contracted labor costs are expected to decrease due to changes to the city's agreement with Magnum, the contractor that provides workers who collect trash, recycling and yard waste.
What else?
Officials also reviewed the city's Vehicle Replacement Fund, which is projected to end FY 2027 with an estimated $3.5 million balance. Kalka recommended approximately $742,000 in vehicle replacements next year, including purchasing a backhoe, dump truck, garbage truck and other equipment.
City Manager Dave Beach said the city has extended the replacement schedule for several vehicles after evaluating their condition, allowing equipment to remain in service longer than industry averages.
“The industry typical for replacements is six to seven [years],” Beach said. “I would compliment the fleet staff, but also the operators for doing the care on it. We've been able to see nine to 10 years on average for those, which helps keep cost increases from going up.”
Officials also said the city's new public works maintenance facility, along with expanded in-house maintenance capabilities, is expected to improve fleet management and reduce the need to outsource some repairs in the future.
One more thing
Budget discussions and workshops will continue throughout August and September, with officials voting on the budget no later than Sept. 28.
