Sedro-Woolley council adopts 2026 budget amendment, adds stormwater FTE and $80,000 in nonprofit funding

At second reading, Finance Director Kelly presented Ordinance 210925, the 2026 budget amendment, noting required year‑end updates to the biennial budget. Changes include updated indirect cost allocations, revisions to wage and benefit estimates, and incorporation of council-approved allocations of $40,000 from housing funds and $40,000 from the general fund to Helping Hands Food Bank and Family Promise (approved previously at the Nov. 5 study session and reflected in the amendment).

Kelly said the amendment adds 1 full‑time equivalent position for stormwater based on the stormwater management plan and adjusts part‑time firefighter salary lines to reflect projected 2025 expenditures. During council Q&A, members clarified that the COPS hiring grant referenced in the packet is federal and likely reimburses an additional commissioned position over multiple years; staff said the biennial budget is the 2026 single-year update and longer-term budgeting for 2027–28 will begin in 2026.

Councilman Burns moved to approve the ordinance; the motion was seconded and the council voted to adopt Ordinance 210925 (2026 budget amendment). Staff said the city’s projected ending cash across funds remains positive after the update and that the packet includes updated FTE counts and line-item explanations.