Tumwater City Council Approves $432 Million Budget, Adding 33 Positions

The Tumwater City Council has approved a substantial biennial budget of $432 million for 2025-2026, which includes plans to introduce 33 new positions across multiple city departments. City Administrator Lisa Parks emphasized that this decision aims to address salary adjustments for non-represented employees, following a market analysis that revealed discrepancies. The budget allocates $132. 7 million to General Government funds, and all employees will receive a 2% cost of living adjustment. Parks noted that the city's projected ending fund balance by 2026 is expected to be around $18 million, supporting the maintenance of essential reserve accounts.

Despite this positive outlook, Council member Leatta Dahlhoff expressed concerns about utilizing the fund balance for salary expenses, highlighting the need for sustainable financial practices. Notably, approximately 27 of the new positions are expected to be funded by revenue sources outside the General Fund, alleviating some concerns regarding fiscal sustainability. The Council's decision reflects a commitment to enhancing city services while addressing employee compensation issues, demonstrating Tumwater's strategic approach to local governance and community development.