Council reviews proposed 2027 budget, weighing pay increases, vehicles and a potential $1 million roads grant

The City of Washington Common Council on July 20 reviewed department budgets and a committee proposal to raise wages by 3.5%. Chair said that percentage translates to roughly a $500,000 increase and that next year’s total budget is about $1,000,000 higher than this year’s proposal. The council heard staff presentations across public safety, public works, parks, sanitation and IT as it prepares for public hearing and adoption in September.

The meeting opened with the chair framing the year’s numbers and the payroll impact: “this total budget compared to last year's budget, including that raise … is what that 3.5 percent equals,” the chair said, noting the budget increase would affect department line items. Departments then presented incremental requests and operational concerns that drive that increase.

Public safety budgets drew extended questioning. Fire representatives asked for four additional firefighter positions (two per shift) and increased training to cover rope rescue and swift‑water operations; they also flagged a $45,000 station roof repair after spring hail and ongoing warranty disputes on a ladder truck. In the police presentation, staff said they plan to seek a reimbursable state overtime grant of about $55,000 that the city would front and the state would reimburse. Police also described a multi‑year fleet rotation plan and proposed using rainy‑day vehicle reserves for near‑term purchases: council agreed to pursue buying two police vehicles now from existing rainy‑day balances and to budget for two more next year to reduce dependence on leases.

Public works told the council the city now qualifies for an 80/20 match under a state Community Crossings program and is applying for a potential $1,000,000 grant for road maintenance and ADA ramps; the city’s share would be about $200,000 if awarded. The department said that direct disbursement changes tied to wheel/excise tax rules could substantially increase paving capacity if the grant is won.

Parks staff outlined pool repairs and proposed a slide replacement quoted near $185,000. The parks director proposed using a portion of a donation fund (estimated in discussion at roughly $75,000) and/or financing across two years to cover the remainder; the council asked for final vendor pricing by late summer to meet ordering lead times.

IT staff warned of risk from an aging 'leader' records system and recommended starting a vendor‑required conversion soon to avoid system failure; the department estimated an initial conversion cost in the tens of thousands of dollars and noted server and backup replacement will be needed in coming budget cycles.

Sanitation requested a new baler and a chipper truck using self‑funded reserves; staff said reserves and trades should cover roughly $200,000 for truck plus chipper. Economic development staff reviewed EDIT fund balances and recommended budgeting a placeholder so the council can act quickly if a YMCA or similar large external request comes forward.

What’s next: council scheduled a public hearing and first reading for Sept. 14 and a second reading and vote on adoption for Sept. 28. Staff will return with final quotes (pool slide, vehicle pricing and IT conversion costs) and more precise revenue estimates before the hearings.