Granite Falls council approves budget amendment, interlocal drug task force agreement and readopts levy ordinance

During the Nov. 19 meeting the Granite Falls City Council approved several procedural and operational items in addition to the 2026 budget and utility tax change.

Consent agenda: The council approved claims checks #415713–415763 and one EFT totaling $1,813,217.70 and payroll claims and 27 EFTs totaling $153,905.31. The consent motion was moved by Councilmember Steven Glenn and seconded by Councilmember Bruce Straughn and approved unanimously.

2025 budget amendment: Council adopted Ordinance No. 1068-2025 to amend the 2025 budget (revising revenue estimates and appropriations as shown in Exhibit A). The motion was moved by Councilmember Bruce Straughn, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tom FitzGerald, and carried 4–0 after Councilmember David Griggs left the meeting at 8:40 p.m.

Interlocal agreement: The council authorized the City to enter the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force interlocal agreement with Snohomish County and other jurisdictions, authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement, and approved the City’s 2026 financial contribution of $1,288.00. The motion passed unanimously.

Property tax levy readoption: The council readopted and ratified Ordinance No. 1065-2025, authorizing no increase in the regular property tax levy for the 2026 tax year and banking any excess capacity for future use; the motion passed unanimously.

Why it matters: These votes adjust the city’s 2025 financial baseline, formalize participation in a regional law-enforcement task force with a nominal city contribution, and confirm the city’s levy posture for 2026. Consent agenda approvals complete routine payments and payroll.

Next steps: Staff will implement the budget amendment and interlocal agreement responsibilities and codify the levy readoption in county records as required by law.