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The Olympia City Council plans to approve a resolution to amend its interlocal agreement with Tumwater, increasing funding for the CARES Program to $122,500 annually. This amendment will expand service hours, allowing a part-time position to transition to full-time and enhance support for vulnerable populations in both cities.
Thurston County hosts various events this weekend, including a Holiday Market in Olympia and an Embroidery Workshop in Lacey. The festivities include a Veteran's Celebration on Sunday, honoring local veterans with a flag presentation.
Tumwater's Public Works Committee endorsed an agreement with LOTT Clean Water Alliance for a Class A+ reclaimed water project. The initiative aims to recycle used water into drinkable water, addressing local water supply challenges. The City Council will review the agreement on November 3.
Black Hills High School will receive artificial turf for its baseball field, funded by local boosters. The Tumwater School District Board approved the donation, which includes improvements to high-traffic areas and a new chain link fence. Completion is expected by the start of the spring 2026 season.
Tumwater City Council approved a three-year contract with Thurston County Medic One for paramedic services. The renewed agreement continues funding for two Tumwater-based units and increases reimbursements for training and operational support.
Tumwater's City Council approved $248,958 in lodging tax funds for 14 tourism-related organizations. The Olympic Flight Museum received the largest allocation of $46,833 for its annual air show. Other beneficiaries include Experience Olympia & Beyond and the Tumwater Downtown Association, among others.
Tumwater City Council established an Equity Commission on October 21 to enhance participation from underrepresented community members. The commission will consist of seven members tasked with identifying barriers to inclusion and recommending improvements in local government practices. Mayor Debbie Sullivan highlighted the importance of this long-awaited initiative.
The Tumwater City Council approved a $3.5 million contract with Active Construction Inc. for a peanut-shaped roundabout at Linwood and 2nd avenues. The project aims to improve a complex intersection and includes enhancements for pedestrians and cyclists. Construction could start by the end of the year, requiring a two-month closure of the intersection.
Tumwater plans two new water utility projects in 2027, including a $1.2 million booster pump upgrade and the installation of deep monitoring wells costing $150,000. These initiatives aim to enhance water quality monitoring and infrastructure resilience in the city.
Tumwater Police Department plans to select a vendor for its body camera program this week, narrowing the options from six to two after consultations. City Council member Leatta Dahlhoff criticized the timeline, expressing concerns over delays in deployment, which is projected for after June 2026.