HomeMy WebLinkAboutWS 2026-03-28 COMPLETE AGENDA PACKETCity of Tukwila
City Council
2026 Tukwila City Council Retreat
March 28, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Agenda
Location
Tukwila Community Center Social Hall
12424 42nd Ave S, Tukwila WA 98188
Join Remotely: +1 253-292-9750 , Access Code 588747725# or click here to join via MS Teams
9:00 a.m.
Working together
• Activity: Learning more about each other
9:45 a.m.
City Council Alignment
• Activity: Identification of interests and priorities
10:45 a.m.
City Council Rules of Procedure
• Refresher, agreements, identification of desired changes
P. 3
12 noon
Lunch
1-3 p.m.
Finance Presentation
• Budget 101, revenues & cost drivers, forecasting, calendar
P. 21
3:15 p.m.
Wrap up & Adjourn
6200 Southcenter Boulevard • Tukwila, Washington • 98188 - Tel: 206-433-8993 • www.tukwilawa.gov
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Rules of Procedure of the Tukwila City Council
Introduction
The Rules of Procedure set forth herein are adopted for the sole benefit of the members
of the City Council to assist in the orderly conduct of Council business. These Rules of
Procedure do not grant rights or privileges to members of the public or third parties.
Failure of the City Council to adhere to these rules shall not result in any liability to the
City, its officers, agents, and employees, nor shall failure to adhere to these rules result
in invalidation of any Council act.
I. City Council Powers and Duties
A. City Council Authority
1. As the legislative branch of city government, the City Council is responsible
for passing laws, setting the municipal budget, establishing policy, and other
responsibilities defined by state law.
2. Decisions are made as a collective body and no individual member has any
extraordinary powers beyond those of other members, except as described
in Section I.B.
3. Members of the Council shall refrain from becoming directly involved in the
administrative affairs of the City, including intervening in staff decision -
making, scheduling or directing work, and executing priorities without the
prior knowledge and approval of the City Council as a whole.
4. The City Council has no policy direction over judicial matters and members
may not interfere with judicial processes or decisions.
B. Council President — Mayor Pro Tempore
1. At the first Regular Meeting in January of each year, members of the City
Council shall elect from their number a Council President who shall hold
office at the pleasure of the Council. The general practice is to elect
presidents in a rotating order by seniority, which is determined by the:
a. Greatest consecutive number of years served;
b. Number of votes when elected.
2. If the Councilmember who is next in line is unable to serve as Council
President, they will notify the City Council in writing by the last Regular
Meeting of the previous year. If this opt -out request is approved by the City
Council, service will fall to the next Councilmember in the order of seniority.
The Councilmember whose opt -out was accepted by the City Council will
remain at the top of the rotation with the opportunity to serve as Council
President the following year.
3. In the absence of the Mayor, the Council President shall become the Mayor
Pro Tempore and perform the duties of the Mayor except that the Council
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President shall not have the power to appoint or remove any officer or to
veto any ordinance.
4. If a vacancy occurs in the office of Council President, the City Council, at
their next Regular Meeting, shall select a new Council President to serve
the remainder of the year.
5. If a vacancy occurs in the office of the Mayor, the City Council, at their next
Regular Meeting, shall elect from their number a Mayor who shall serve until
a Mayor is elected and certified at the next municipal election.
C. Working Relationship with City Administration
1. Councilmembers should approach work with a collaborative spirit,
assuming that city staff also want a successful outcome toward what is best
for the City of Tukwila.
2. Councilmembers should communicate with staff in a respectful tone that
acknowledges their professionalism, experience, and expertise.
3. If a Councilmember has a concern with staff behavior or something a staff
member says in any setting, they will address that concern to the Mayor and
City Administrator.
4. The City Council expects that staff presentations be clear and concise, and
that questions are answered directly and efficiently.
D. Individual Requests for Administration Staff Assistance
1. Individual requests for staff time in the form of questions, assistance or a
work product should generally be directed to the Legislative Analyst, City
Administrator, and/or Department Head. This helps ensure that a timely,
effective response can be provided, provides transparency and allows the
request to be evaluated for impacts pursuant to subsection D.2 below.
2. Requests for staff time are either minimal, with limited impact, or
significant, meaning requiring one or more hours to complete and/or
requiring the creation of a new work product, thereby affecting schedules,
work assignments, or staffing levels.
3. No Councilmember shall request or direct staff to initiate any significant
action, project or study without the consent of a majority of the Council
obtained during a Committee of the Whole or Regular or Special Meeting.
4. The City Council should consider existing City priorities, budget and staffing
levels when deliberating such a request. If approved by the full Council, the
request will be noted on an appropriate committee work plan.
5. Regardless of the level of staff assistance, written information provided by
staff should be distributed to all Councilmembers.
E. Consequences
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The Council has power under state law to impose punishment on its
members, short of removal of office, for violation of state law or these
Council rules.
If a Councilmember violates state law or these rules, the Presiding Officer
shall call such member to order, in which case such member shall be silent
except to explain or continue in order.
If the Presiding Officer violates state law or these rules, or fails to call an out
of order member to order, then any other member of the Council may, under
a point of order, call the Presiding Officer or such other member to order, in
which case the Presiding Officer or such member, as the case may be, shall
be silent except to explain or continue in order.
Additional consequences may include a verbal admonition, written
reprimand, censure, expulsion from the meeting at which the conduct is
occurring, removal of the Councilmember from the Council committee chair
positions or committee memberships, or removal of intergovernmental
duties. Expulsion for such behavior in the Council's presence shall require
the affirmative vote of a majority of the entire Council, specifying in the order
of expulsion the cause thereof.
II. City Council Meetings
A. Regular Meetings
1. The City Council shall meet regularly on the first and third Mondays of each
month, except those designated as City holidays, at 7:00 p.m. unless an
alternative starting time is set and notice is provided to the public.
2. Regular Meetings will be held at Tukwila City Hall, 6200 Southcenter
Boulevard, unless otherwise publicly noticed.
3. During Regular Meetings the City Council may take formal actions including,
but not limited to, adopting ordinances or passing motions or resolutions.
B. Committee of the Whole Meetings
1. The City Council shall meet as a Committee of the Whole on the second
and fourth Mondays of each month, except those designated as City
holidays, at 7:00 p.m. unless an alternate starting time is set and notice is
provided to the public.
2. The Committee of the Whole shall meet at Tukwila City Hall, 6200
Southcenter Boulevard, unless otherwise publicly noticed.
3. Meetings of the Committee of the Whole shall be held primarily to consider
current issues, discuss policy matters in detail, and coordinate the work of
the City Council. The Committee of the Whole will have no power to take
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final actions including, but not limited to, adopting ordinances or passing
motions or resolutions.
C. Special Meetings
Special meetings may be called by the Mayor, Council President, or any
three Councilmembers by delivering written notice personally, by mail, by
fax, or by electronic mail to each member of the Council at least 24 hours
before the time specified for the proposed meeting and with public notice
made pursuant to RCW 42.30.080.
D. Executive Sessions
1. The City Council may hold an Executive Session during a Regular Meeting,
Special Meeting, or Committee of the Whole to consider certain matters of
confidential concern as set forth in RCW 42.30.110.
Before convening an Executive Session, the Presiding Officer must publicly
announce the purpose and the time upon which the Executive Session will
be concluded. An Executive Session may be extended to a later time by
public announcement by the Presiding Officer.
Councilmembers must keep confidential all written materials and verbal
information provided during Executive Sessions. This prohibition continues
to apply after an individual no longer serves on the City Council.
E. Retreats and Work Sessions
1. The entire Council may meet periodically in a retreat or work session setting
as deemed appropriate by the Council President or a quorum of the Council,
respectively.
No final action will be taken at a retreat or work session.
3. Retreat and work session meetings are open to the public and subject to
the requirements of RCW 42.30.
F. Attendance
1. Councilmembers are expected to maintain reliable attendance at all types
of meetings described above.
2. Pursuant to RCW 35A.12.060, a City Council position shall be forfeited if
the Councilmember fails to attend three consecutive Regular Meetings
without being excused by the Council.
3. A Councilmember wishing to be excused from a Regular Meeting will
provide advance notice to the Council President or Legislative Analyst, who
will in turn notify the other members of the City Council in advance of the
meeting.
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4. Councilmembers are asked to attend meetings remotely with
symptoms of respiratory illness.
G. Councilmember Remote Attendance at Meetings
1. In the event of an emergency as declared by the City, State and/or Federal
government, the City Council may arrange for electronic participation at a
Regular Meeting, Committee of the Whole, Special Meeting, Executive
Session, retreat, standing committee meeting, or work session.
a. During a fully -remote meeting, Councilmembers may attend by phone
or other electronic means that allow all participants to hear one
another.
b. Fully -remote meetings are open to the public and arrangements must
be conducted such that the public can hear the meeting while it is
occurring, subject to the requirements of RCW 42.30.
2. In times of non -emergency, the City Council prefers and recognizes the
value of in -person attendance at meetings as integral to public service.
However, remote attendance by a Councilmember not physically able to be
present, whether for all or part of a meeting, is allowed subject to the
following provision:
a. Councilmembers may attend remotely a maximum of ten Regular or
Committee of the Whole meetings per calendar year; provided the
Council may, by majority vote, allow a Councilmember to attend
additional meetings remotely in excess of five per year due to medical
or other factors beyond the individual's control.
b. A Councilmember planning to attend a meeting remotely should notify
the Legislative Analyst and/or Council President no later than two
hours prior to the meeting start time or 15 minutes prior to an
emergency meeting.
c. A Councilmember attending remotely will be marked present, counted
toward a quorum, and can vote just as if physically present.
d. If a Councilmember's virtual connection should become lost during the
meeting, the meeting should continue unless quorum is no longer met.
A Councilmember's loss of a virtual connection will not be counted
toward the maximum limit described in Section 2.a.
e. Councilmembers are expected to follow current pandemic quarantine
procedures as recommended by Public Health — Seattle & King
County. Remote attendance for this purpose will not be counted
toward the maximum limit described in Section 2.a.
III. Legislative Process
A. City Council Business
1. Matters to be considered by the Council shall be placed on a standing
committee, Committee of the Whole, or Regular Meeting agenda and
include items required by law to be presented to Council, items requested
by a majority of the Council, staff -initiated items in accordance with the
City's strategic priorities and work plan, and items referred from previous
meetings.
2. As a general practice, legislative actions to come before the City Council for
a decision should appear first before a standing committee, then the
Committee of the Whole, then a Regular Meeting. Informational items not
requiring a decision may be scheduled with more flexibility as the situation
requires.
3. Items may be placed directly on the agenda of a Committee of the Whole
or a Regular Meeting when the items are approved by the Council
President, and the items are routine or in the event of an emergency.
B. Legislative Actions
1. Ordinances are legislative items used to regulate matters of local concern,
such as land use, animal control, local law enforcement and health and
safety issues. Ordinances must comply with the terms of the U.S. and
Washington State constitutions and the general laws of the City and State.
Many ordinances are classified as "codifiable," meaning the ordinance will
be incorporated into the Tukwila Municipal Code, which makes the laws of
the City easily accessible by subject matter. Examples of non-codifiable
ordinances include the annual property tax levy and adoption of the budget.
Public emergency ordinances may take effect immediately upon final
passage if passed by an affirmative vote of 5 Councilmembers.
2. Resolutions are legislative items that are advisory or policy -oriented in
nature. Resolutions may be used to offer support for ballot measures, set
hearing dates for a street vacation or update fee schedules. Resolutions
are not a part of the Tukwila Municipal Code. Resolutions are signed by the
Council President but are sometimes signed jointly with the Mayor, or
prepared for signature by all Councilmembers, particularly when ceremonial
or honorary in nature.
3. Motions are generally short statements to direct that a specific course of
action be taken on behalf of the City.
4. All proposed ordinances and resolutions shall be reviewed by the City
Attorney.
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C. Meeting Agendas
1. The City Clerk shall be responsible for preparing agendas for Regular,
Special, and Committee of the Whole meetings, and presented in a timely
manner to the Council President or designee for approval. After the
proposed agenda has been approved, the City Clerk shall publish the final
agenda in accordance with the provisions of RCW 42.30.
2. The order of a Regular Meeting agenda shall be:
a. Call to Order
b. Pledge of Allegiance
c. Roll Call
d. Land Acknowledgement
e. Public Comments — Including comment on items both on and not on
the meeting agenda.
f. Appointments and Proclamations
g. Presentations — Items pertinent to the City but not relating to other
agenda business, including honoring of guests, special awards, or
speakers external to the City.
h. Consent Agenda — Items that are routine or non -controversial in
nature approved for inclusion by the Council President, Committee of
the Whole, or forwarded by unanimous Committee action. Any
Councilmember may request to remove an item from the Consent
Agenda and place under New Business for further discussion.
i. Public Hearings — May be required by City, State, or Federal law or
directed by the Council. Examples include but are not limited to Local
Improvement Districts, zoning changes, biennial budget, annexation,
moratoria, and quasi-judicial decisions.
j. Unfinished Business — Items of a general nature, including resolutions
and ordinances previously before a standing committee, the
Committee of the Whole or entire Council.
k. New Business — Items of a general nature, including resolutions and
ordinances not previously before a standing committee, the Committee
of the Whole or entire Council.
I. Reports — Brief summaries up to 5 minutes of significant City -related
activities from the Mayor, City Council, and City Administrator.
m. Miscellaneous — Significant City -related items that may need further
Council discussion, action, or City Administration follow-up.
n. Executive Session
o. Adjournment
3. The order of a Committee of a Whole meeting agenda shall be:
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a. Call to Order
b. Pledge of Allegiance
c. Land Acknowledgment
d. Public Comments — including comment on items both on and not on
the meeting agenda.
e. Presentations
f. Public Hearings
g. Special Issues — Items referred from Council committees, referred at
a previous Council meeting, or approved for discussion by the Council
President.
Reports
Miscellaneous
Executive Session
k. Adjournment or Adjournment to a Special Meeting
The order of a Special Meeting agenda follows the same order of Regular
Meetings based on what items need to be addressed. The City Council
may not take action on anything not listed on a Special Meeting agenda.
IV. Meeting Conduct
A. Presiding Officer
1 All Regular and Special Meetings of the City Council shall be presided over
by the Mayor or, in the Mayor's absence, by the Mayor Pro Tempore.
2. If neither the Mayor nor the Mayor Pro Tempore is present at a Regular or
Special Meeting, the Presiding Officer for that meeting shall be appointed
by a majority vote of those Councilmembers present, provided there is a
quorum, and the appointment of a Councilmember as Mayor Pro Tempore
shall not abridge their right to vote on matters before the Council.
3. All Committee of the Whole meetings shall be presided over by the Council
President. The Council President may ask another Councilmember to fill in
in the event of a temporary absence. If the Council President will be absent
for an extended period of time (at least three meetings), the Council will
elect a Councilmember to serve in that capacity until the Council President
returns.
4. The Presiding Officer shall preserve strict order and decorum, state all
questions coming before the Council, provide opportunity for discussion on
each item on the table, and announce the decision of the Council on all
subjects. Procedural decisions made by the Presiding Officer may be
overruled by a majority vote of the Council.
B. Parliamentary Procedure
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Questions of parliamentary procedure not covered by these Rules of
Procedure shall be governed by Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised
(latest edition).
C. Quorum
1. At all meetings of the City Council, four members shall constitute a quorum
for the transaction of business.
2. Confirmations of appointments by the Mayor, budget transfers, personnel
levels, and formal motions, resolutions, ordinances, and amendments
thereto shall require the affirmative votes of four Councilmembers.
D. Seating
Members of the City Council will be seated at the Council dais in order of
seniority, except that the Council President will be seated in the center
during Committee of the Whole meetings and has the option to sit to the
right of the Mayor during Regular and Special Meetings.
E. General Meeting Decorum
1. While the City Council is in session, the members must preserve order and
decorum and a member shall neither delay nor interrupt the proceedings or
the peace of the Council, nor disrupt any member that has the floor.
2. Meeting participants should focus on the meeting agenda and confine
remarks to the question or matter under discussion.
3. The Presiding Officer should first call upon Chairs and members of standing
committees to speak on items referred from committees.
4. A Councilmember desiring to speak shall address the Presiding Officer and
when recognized shall confine their remarks to the question under debate.
5. Councilmembers should aim to keep their initial round of comments to no
more than 5 minutes, and staff or presenter responses to questions will not
count against that time.
6. Councilmembers shall not be interrupted unless it is to be called to order.
7. No Councilmember shall speak a second time on the same item until each
Councilmember has been given an opportunity to speak.
8. Councilmembers should speak respectfully to one another, to staff, and to
members of the public.
9. Councilmembers should be attentive to speakers, minimizing distractions
and refraining from side conversations.
10. Councilmembers should keep remarks brief, relevant, and nonduplicative.
11. Toward the goal of effective and efficient meetings, Councilmembers should
arrive prepared, having reviewed materials in advance of the meeting.
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Clarifying questions may be directed to City Administration in advance of
the meeting to allow for staff preparation.
12. To prevent Councilmembers from stepping out of the room and missing key
information, repeating questions that they missed, or asking staff to repeat
information, the Presiding Officer should call for a five-minute recess at
approximately 90 minute intervals and between agenda items where
possible.
F. Motions, Debate, and Voting at Regular or Special Meetings
1. Prior to discussion of an action item, a Councilmember must make a motion,
which must be seconded by another Councilmember, to place it on the
table, except those motions described in subparagraph 3 below, which do
not require a second.
2. Motions are generally encouraged to be made by a Committee Chair and
seconded by a Committee member for those action items previously
discussed in standing committees.
3. Motions not requiring a second include nominations, withdrawal of a motion,
request for a roll call vote, and point of order.
4. After a motion has been made and seconded (if required), Councilmembers
may discuss their opinions on the issue prior to the vote, including why they
will vote for or against the motion.
5. Councilmembers may request a presentation or ask clarifying questions of
staff prior to beginning debate.
6. If a resolution or ordinance, the City Clerk may read the item by title only or,
if requested by any Councilmember, the document may be read in its
entirety.
7. A motion may be withdrawn by the maker of the motion at any time.
8. A motion to amend is defined as amending a motion that is on the floor and
has been seconded, by inserting or adding, striking out, striking out and
inserting, or substituting.
9. A motion to call for the question shall close debate on the main motion and
is nondebatable. This motion requires a second and fails without a two-
thirds majority. Debate is reopened if the motion fails.
10. Motions shall be entertained in the order of precedence outlined in the
current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (latest edition).
11. The Regular or Special Meeting Consent Agenda is adopted by a single
motion.
12. When the discussion is concluded, the Presiding Officer shall repeat the
motion prior to voting.
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13. Unless otherwise provided for by statute, ordinance, or resolution, votes will
be taken by voice, unless a roll call vote is requested by the Presiding
Officer or any Councilmember. Voting normally shall be by seniority;
however, this procedure may be changed by the Presiding Officer.
14. Each member present must vote on all questions before the Council and
may abstain only by reason of conflict of interest.
15. Silence of a Councilmember during a voice vote shall be recorded as an
affirmative vote except where such a Councilmember abstains because of
a stated conflict of interest.
16. No vote may be cast by proxy.
17. The City Council votes on the motion as restated and the Presiding Officer
will state the results of the vote.
18. In case of a tie vote on any motion, the motion fails subject to conditions
outlined in RCW 35A.12.100.
19. In cases where there seems to be no opposition, or on questions of little
importance, the Presiding Officer may seek approval by unanimous
consent.
20. When the Council concurs with an item that does not require a formal
motion, the Presiding Officer will summarize the Council's consensus at the
conclusion of the discussion.
G. Questions of Order
All questions of order shall be decided by the Presiding Officer with the right
of appeal to the majority of Councilmembers present.
H. Adjournments
1. All meetings of the Council shall adjourn no later than 10:00 p.m., unless
extended by majority approval of the Councilmembers present. Items not
acted on by the 10:00 p.m. deadline shall be deferred to the next respective
Council meeting as Unfinished Business, unless Council, by a majority vote
or consensus of members present, determines otherwise.
2. Any Committee of the Whole, Regular, adjourned Regular, Special, or
adjourned Special Meeting may be adjourned in the manner as set forth in
RCW 42.30.090.
V. Public Participation
A. Public Hearings: The following procedures shall apply to public hearings,
except public hearings subject to Tukwila Municipal Code Chapters 18.104 through
18.116, which shall be subject to the procedures specified therein.
The Presiding Officer will formally open the public hearing.
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City staff will provide a report summarizing and providing context to the
issue at hand.
3. Proponents, opponents, and all other individuals who wish to speak to the
matter may address the City Council for up to 5 minutes each.
4. City Councilmembers may ask further clarifying questions of proponents,
opponents, other commenters, or staff.
5. Speakers are asked to sign in on forms provided by the City Clerk or, for
those participating remotely, via email in advance of the meeting start time.
6. If a large number of people wish to speak to the issue, the Council may limit
the total amount of comment time dedicated to the Public Hearing.
7. Once the Presiding Officer closes the public hearing, no further comments
will be accepted, and the issue is open for Councilmember discussion.
8. Any hearing being held or ordered to be held by the City Council may be
continued in the manner as set forth by RCW 42.30.100.
B. Public Comment
1. Time is set aside at each Committee of the Whole,Regular Meeting, and
Work Sessions, for members of the public to address the Council about
items both included and not included on the agenda.
2. Public comment is to allow members of the community to provide input to
the City Council and should not interfere with the ability of the City Council
to conduct its business. It is just one of many ways to engage with
Councilmembers.
3. The Presiding Officer will open the public comment period by explaining
how to sign up as well as how any necessary follow-up may occur.
4. Speakers will be limited to commenting once per item during the meeting.
5. Speakers are asked to sign in on forms provided by the City Clerk.
6. Speakers must wait to be recognized by the Presiding Officer.
7. Speakers are requested to first state their name for the record.
8. The total time for public comment should not generally exceed 30 minutes.
If six or fewer people have signed up to speak, comments will be limited to
5 minutes or less. If more than six people have signed up, comments will
be limited to 3 minutes or less. Additional time may be granted by a majority
of the Council.
9. All remarks should be addressed to the Council as a whole and not to
individual Councilmembers, City staff, or members of the audience.
10. No speaker may donate speaking time to another individual.
11. If a large number of people wish to speak to a particular issue, the Council
may limit the total amount of comment time dedicated to that issue.
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12. Comments should not be taken on items subject to quasi-judicial
consideration unless it is during a specified public hearing.
13. Written comments may be submitted to the City Clerk or designee for
distribution to the City Council. If seven copies are not provided by the
submitter, copies will be distributed to the City Council by the next day.
14. The Council has the right to invite anyone to speak at times other than the
public comment period, which is done by consensus, unanimous consent
or majority vote.
15. Councilmembers should refrain from engaging in dialogue, responding to,
or sharing opinions with commenters, but may briefly request clarifying
information.
16. Councilmembers should not call on staff to give answers to public
commenters on the spot.
17. The Presiding Officer will thank each speaker in turn, reiterating how follow-
up may occur when appropriate.
C. Disruptions
1. Disruptions of a Council meeting are prohibited and include but are not
limited to the following:
a. Failure of a speaker to comply with the allotted public comment time.
b. Outbursts from members of the public who have not been recognized
by the Presiding Officer.
c. Interfering with other individuals desiring to provide public comment.
d. Behavior that intentionally disrupts or impedes attendance or
participation at a meeting.
2. If an individual is disruptive, the Presiding Officer may terminate that
individual's comment period, request assistance to direct an individual to
their seat or, in extreme cases, request assistance in removing the individual
from the meeting room.
3. If a meeting has become disrupted to the point of a failure of resuming
business, the Presiding Officer should call for a motion to recess.
4. If order cannot be restored, the City Council may order the meeting room
cleared and continue in session or may adjourn the meeting and reconvene
at another location selected by majority vote of the members pursuant to
RCW 42.30.050. Members of the press, except those participating in the
disturbance, are allowed to attend, and final disposition may be taken only
on matters appearing on the agenda.
VI. City Council Committees
A. Standing Committees
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The City Council may choose to implement a framework of standing
Committees, comprising three Councilmembers each, to aid in the
transaction of its business.
The standing Committee titles, scopes of authority, and schedule will be
adopted by resolution in January of each year.
The scopes of the standing Committees will be balanced in accordance with
the City's workload.
The Council President shall appoint the chair and membership of each
Committee by the second Regular Meeting of each year.
The standing Committees shall consider and make policy recommendations
to the City Council. Committees may at times refer items to the entire
Council with no recommendation.
Each Committee Chair shall report to the Council the findings of the
committee.
Each Committee Chair may review and approve the Committee agenda and
will approve Committee minutes before distribution. The Committee Chair
can authorize the cancellation of a Committee meeting.
In the event a Committee member is unable to attend a meeting, another
Councilmember may attend in the absent member's place. If no replacement
can be found, the meeting may still take place with two members, but should
be cancelled if only one member is available.
Public comment is typically not accepted at Council committee meetings, but
the Chair may make an exception in limited circumstances when an attendee
may offer a necessary perspective or subject matter expertise.
B. Ad Hoc Committees
The City Council may establish such ad hoc committees as may be
appropriate to consider special matters that do not readily fit the standing
committee structure or that require a special approach or emphasis.
VII. Council Vacancies
A. Vacancy
A Council position becomes vacant upon the resignation, recall, forfeiture of
position, or death of a Councilmember. The remaining members of the
governing body shall appoint a qualified person to fill the vacant position.
B. Resignation
1. A resignation including an effective date must be submitted to the City
Council in writing.
C. Appointment
If a vacancy occurs in the office of Councilmember, the Council will follow
the procedures outlined in RCW 35A.12.050. To fill the vacancy with the
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most qualified person available until an election is held, the Council will
widely distribute and publish a notice of the vacancy, the procedure, and any
application form for applying. The application forms will be used in
conjunction with an interview of each candidate to aid the Council selection
of the new Councilmember.
VIII. Other Responsibilities
A. Public Records Act Compliance
1. Each Councilmember is responsible for complying with RCW 42.56, laws
that govern public records.
2. Paper and electronic records that relate to the functional responsibility of the
recipient or sender as a public official constitute a public record, which is
subject to public inspection in accordance with RCW 42.56.
3. Councilmembers should send and receive messages related to City
business through the City's email system.
4. Emails and/or text messages transmitted through personal accounts and
devices are public records and must be retained accordingly.
5. Social media posts are a public record. Wherever possible, posting should
contain links directing users back to the City's official website for in-depth
information, forms, documents, or online services necessary to conduct
official City business.
6. Public records created or received by a Councilmember will be transferred
to the Legislative Analyst for retention by the City in accordance with
retention requirements under state law.
7. Public records that are duplicates of those in the possession of City staff,
such as meeting agendas, are not required to be retained.
B. Open Public Meetings Act Compliance
1. Each Councilmember is responsible for complying with RCW 42.30, laws
that govern public meetings.
2. If a quorum of the City Council is anticipated at a community or regional
event or meeting, the Legislative Analyst or designee will evaluate the
circumstances to determine if a notice of attendance or Special Meeting is
needed.
For events not related to City business, four or more Councilmembers may
attend, but may not discuss City business.
For events related to City business where a notice of attendance or Special
Meeting has not been issued, only three Councilmembers may attend.
Councilmembers should not engage in email or text threads or other
communications involving a quorum of the Council.
17
Councilmembers should refrain from commenting on social media
conversations involving other Councilmembers.
Councilmembers shall silence cell phones and other electronic devices
during meetings. To maintain transparency and to ensure that all discussion
and deliberation occurs publicly on the record, Councilmembers shall not
communicate in any electronic format with another Councilmember during a
Council meeting.
C. Code of Ethics
1. Councilmembers must comply with the Code of Ethics for Elected Officials as
codified at Tukwila Municipal Code Chapter 2.97
2. Councilmembers shall not attempt to coerce or influence staff to engage in
any act that is in conflict with, or creates an appearance of conflict with, the
performance of official duties as cited in the City's Code of Ethics for
Employees and Appointed Officials as codified at Tukwila Municipal Code
Chapter 2.95.
IX. Joining the City Council
A. Swearing -in
1. As provided for in RCW 29A.60.280, Councilmembers shall take an official
oath of office upon commencement of their term of office. The oath may be
given by the Mayor, City Clerk, or a judicial officer and will be recorded with
King County.
a. Newly elected Councilmembers will take an oath of office after the date
of final certification of the election and the day before the term of office
begins.
b. Newly appointed Councilmembers will take an oath of office before or
during the first Regular or Special Council meeting following their
appointment.
B. Orientation
1. New Councilmembers will be scheduled for orientation meetings with the
Mayor, City Administrator, Legislative Analyst, City Clerk, each Department
Director, and the City Attorney. Meetings should take place within 30 days,
but if scheduling challenges arise, may occur up to 60 days within election or
appointment.
2. New Councilmembers are expected to review the City of Tukwila
Councilmember Handbook, City Council Rules of Procedure, the Equity
Policy, the AWC Mayor and Councilmember Handbook, and other relevant
information.
C. Required Training
18
Councilmembers shall receive the training required by the State of
Washington on the fundamentals of the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA),
Public Records Act (PRA), and records retention requirements per RCW
42.56.150.
D. General Training
Councilmembers are encouraged to attend training on the role of a City
Councilmember such as that which is offered by Association of Washington
Cities.
X. Councilmember Travel and Training
A. Purpose
1. Councilmembers are encouraged to be actively involved in city, county, state,
regional and national organizations for the benefit of the Tukwila community.
2. Councilmembers may travel and attend training, education sessions,
conferences, and meetings, and reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in
accordance with city procedures applicable to employees and officials,
subject to budgetary limit set by the full Council.
3. Councilmembers should report out on conferences and trainings attended.
B. Travel Budget
1. Budgets for City Council travel and training will be set during the biennial
budget adoption and adjusted through the annual budget amendment
process, if necessary.
2. All Councilmembers will have discretionary access to travel funds.
3. The entire Council, by majority, will make the final decision on use of funds
should issues arise.
C. Travel Expenses
1. Councilmembers should exercise prudent judgment in incurring travel
expenses on official city business.
2. Expenses eligible for reimbursement include standard (coach) airfare,
baggage fees, ground transportation, mileage, registration, lodging, and
meals (except alcohol).
3. All receipts must be retained and submitted for processing in accordance with
current procedures established by the Finance Department.
4. Councilmembers may reserve a City vehicle for business travel when
available.
XI. Voucher Review
A. Purpose
19
1. Vouchers are the checks with which the City pays its bills. Before the entire
Council approves vouchers on the Consent Agenda at a Regular or Special
meeting, each transaction has gone through multiple layers of review, starting
with the individual staff person responsible for the payment, to supervisor,
and, if appropriate, the Department Director depending on dollar threshold.
Each transaction is then reviewed by designated Finance Department staff
for final authorization and issuance. These checks and balances help protect
the City and provide assurance that all claims presented for payment are
complete and in compliance with established budget and policies.
2. At the beginning of each year, the Legislative Analyst will create a schedule
rotating the task among all Councilmembers.
3. The obligation of the Councilmember providing the review is to gain a general
understanding of City expenditures and ensure alignment with city budget
and policies.
4. If the Councilmember has a concern about any expenditure and how it fits
with established budget and policies, they should request background
information or clarification from the Finance Director or designated staff. In
rare cases, the Councilmember may want to alert the full Council prior to
voucher approval.
5. The reviewing Councilmember should verbally attest to their review prior to
the City Council's approval of vouchers on a Consent Agenda.
20
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
ACCOUNT. A classification established for the purpose of recording revenues and expenditures.
ACCOUNTING SYSTEM. The methods and records established to identify, assemble, analyze, classify,
record and report a government's transactions and to maintain accountability for the related assets and
liabilities.
ACCRUAL BASIS. The recording of the financial effects on a government of transactions and other
events and circumstances that have cash consequences for the government in the periods in which those
transactions, events, and circumstances occur, rather than only in the periods in which cash is received
or paid by the government.
ANNUAL BUDGET. A budget applicable to a single fiscal year.
APPROPRIATED BUDGET. The expenditure authority created by the appropriation bills or ordinances,
which are signed into law, and the related estimated revenues. The appropriated budget would include
all reserves, transfers, allocations, supplemental appropriations and other legally authorized legislative
and executive changes.
APPROPRIATION. A legal authorization granted by a legislative body to make expenditures and to incur
obligations for specific purposes. An appropriation usually is limited in amount and time it may be
expended.
ASSESSED VALUATION. A valuation set upon real estate or other property by a government as a basis
for levying taxes.
BALANCED BUDGET. A budget with revenues equal to expenditures. Total Revenues are equal to or
greater than Total Expenses.
BARS. Budgeting, Accounting & Reporting System. Refers to the accounting rules established by the
Washington State Auditor's Office, including a prescribed chart of accounts.
BASIS OF ACCOUNTING. A term used in reference to when revenues, expenditures, expenses and
transfers -and the related assets and liabilities -are recognized in the accounts and reported in the financial
statements. Specifically, it relates to the timing of the measurements made, regardless of the nature of
the measurement, on either the accrual method for proprietary funds or modified accrual method for
governmental funds.
BENEFITS. Costs paid by the City on behalf of its employees. Examples include medical and dental
insurance, retirement, deferred compensation, life insurance and worker's compensation.
BIENNIAL BUDGET. A budget applicable to a two-year period.
BUDGET. A plan of financial operation embodying an estimate of proposed expenditures for a given
period and the proposed means of financing them. Used without any modifier, the term usually indicates
a financial plan for a single fiscal year.
BUDGET AMENDMENT. The method used to make revisions to the adopted budget. Adjustments are
made through an ordinance approved by the City Council.
Eiti
N
BUDGET CALENDAR. The schedule of events that need to occur and the date or period of time for
each to occur in the preparation, review and adoption of a budget.
BUDGET DOCUMENT. The instrument used to present a comprehensive financial program to the
appropriating governing body. The budget document usually consists of three parts. The first part
contains a message from the budget -making authority, together with a summary of the proposed
expenditures and the means of financing them. The second consists of schedules supporting the
summary. These schedules show in detail the past years' actual revenues, expenditures and other data
used in making the estimates. The third part is composed of drafts of the appropriation, revenue and
borrowing measures necessary to put the budget into effect.
BUDGET MESSAGE. A general discussion of the proposed budget as presented in writing by the
budget -making authority to the legislative body. The budget message should contain an explanation of
the principal budget items, an outline of the government's actual financial experience during the past
period and its financial status at the time of the message, and recommendations regarding the financial
policy for the coming period.
BUDGETARY CONTROL. The control or management of a government or enterprise in accordance
with an approved budget to keep expenditures within the limitations of available appropriations and
available revenues.
CAPITAL ASSETS. Long term assets such as land, improvements to land, easements, buildings and
related improvements, vehicles, machinery and equipment, infrastructure, and all other tangible or
intangible assets that are used in operations and that have initial useful lives extending beyond a single
reporting period. See also Fixed Assets.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES. Expenditures of current financial resources for constructing or purchasing
capital assets. Under the modified accrual basis of accounting these acquired assets appear as
expenditures in the fund statements, however under the current reporting model these acquired assets
are recognized as assets in the basic financial statements.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM. A program for capital expenditures to be incurred each year
over a fixed period of years to meet capital needs arising from the long-term work program or other capital
needs. It sets forth each project or other contemplated expenditure in which the government is to have
a part and specifies the resources estimated to be available to finance the projected expenditures.
CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND. A fund created to account for financial resources to be used for the
acquisition or construction of major capital facilities.
CAPITALIZATION THRESHOLD. Dollar value at which a government elects to capitalize tangible or
intangible assets that are used in operations and that have initial useful lives extending beyond a single
reporting period. The City's capitalization threshold is established at a cost of $5,000.00, or greater.
CONTINGENCY FUND. An account set aside for emergencies or other unanticipated needs not
otherwise included as part of the budget.
DEBT. An obligation resulting from the borrowing of money or from the purchase of goods and services.
Debts of governments include bonds, time warrants and notes.
DEBT SERVICE FUND. A fund established to account for the accumulation of resources for, and the
payment of, general long-term debt principal and interest.
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DELINQUENT TAXES. Taxes remaining unpaid on and after the date to which a penalty for nonpayment
is attached. Even though the penalty may be subsequently waived, and a portion of the taxes may be
abated or canceled, the unpaid balances continue to be delinquent taxes until abated, canceled, paid or
converted into tax liens.
EXPENDITURES. Decreases in net financial resources. Expenditures include current operating
expenses requiring the present or future use of net current assets, debt service and capital outlays, and
intergovernmental grants, entitlement and shared revenues.
FISCAL YEAR. A 12 -month period to which the annual operating budget applies and at the end of which
a government determines its financial position and the results of its operations.
FIXED ASSETS. Long-lived tangible assets obtained or controlled as a result of past transactions, events
or circumstances. Fixed assets include buildings, equipment, improvements other than buildings and
land. See also Capital Assets.
FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT (FTE). An employment indicator that translates the total number of hours
worked in a year by all employees, including part-time workers, to an equivalent number of work years.
For example, one FTE equals 2,080 hours and .75 FTE equals 1,560 hours.
FUND. A fiscal and accounting entity with a self -balancing set of accounts in which cash and other
financial resources, and related liabilities and residual equities, or balances, and changes therein, are
recorded and segregated to carry on specific activities or attain certain objectives in accordance with
special regulations, restrictions or limitations.
FUND BALANCE. The difference between assets and liabilities reported in a governmental fund. Fund
balances are either designated to a particular purpose or undesignated as to the remaining un-
appropriated balance of the fund after accounting for the designated funds.
GENERAL FUND. The fund used to account for all financial resources, except those required to be
accounted for in another fund.
GENERAL LONG TERM DEBT. Long term debt expected to be repaid from governmental funds.
GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS. Bonds that are secured by the local government's full faith and
credit to use legally available resources, including tax revenues to repay bond holders.
GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (GAAP). Uniform minimum standards and
guidelines for financial accounting and reporting. The primary authoritative body on the application of
GAAP to state and local governments is the Government Accounting Standards Board.
GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS. Funds generally used to account for tax supported activities. There are
five different types of governmental funds, of which the city uses four of these. The general fund, is the
main operating fund of the city. The special revenue funds, are used to account for proceeds from specific
sources to be used for legally restricted purposes, but normally not for major capital projects. The debt
service funds, which are for the accumulation of resources to pay principle and interest on the City's
general long term debt. The capital project funds, which are used for the acquisition or construction of
major capital facilities.
LEGAL LEVEL OF BUDGETARY CONTROL. The level at which spending in excess of budgeted
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amounts would be a violation of law. The legal level of budgetary control is at the fund level.
LEVEL OF BUDGETARY CONTROL. One of the three possible levels of budgetary control and authority
to which organizations, programs, activities and functions may be subject. These levels of budgetary
control are (a) appropriated budget, (b) legally authorized non -appropriated budget process or (c) non -
budgeted financial activities, which are not subject to the appropriated budget and the appropriation
process or to any legally authorized non -appropriated budget review and approval process, but still are
relevant for sound financial management and oversight.
LEVY. (1) (Verb) To impose taxes, special assessments or service charges for the support of
government activities. (2) (Noun) The total amount of taxes, special assessments or service charges
imposed by a government.
MODIFIED ACCRUAL BASIS. The basis of accounting associated with the governmental fund -type
measurement focus. Under it, revenues and other financial resources are recognized when they become
susceptible to accrual, that is when they become both "measurable" and "available" to finance
expenditures of the current period. Expenditures are recognized when the fund liability is incurred except
for inventories of materials and supplies that may be considered expenditures either when purchased or
when used. All governmental funds, expendable trust funds and agency funds are accounted for using
the modified accrual basis of accounting.
OBJECT DESCRIPTION. The classification of expenditures on the basis of categories called line -items
or objects -of -expenditure (e.g., 10-Salaries & Wages, 20-Personnel Benefits, 40-Other Services &
Charges, 60-Capital Outlay, etc.) and within each category more detailed line -items (e.g., salaries, travel,
telephone expense, etc.).
OPERATING BUDGET. Plans of current expenditures and the proposed means of financing them. The
annual operating budget is the primary means by which most of the financing, acquisition, spending and
service delivery activities of a government are controlled. The use of annual operating budgets is usually
required by law. Even when not required by law, however, annual operating budgets are essential to
sound financial management and should be adopted by every government.
OPERATING TRANSFERS. All interfund transfers other than residual equity transfers (e.g., legally
authorized transfers from a fund receiving revenue to the fund through which the resources are to be
expended).
PROGRAM BUDGET. A budget wherein expenditures are based primarily on programs of work and
secondarily on character and object class.
PROPRIETARY FUND TYPES. Sometimes referred to as income determination or commercial -type
funds, the classification used to account for a government's ongoing organizations and activities that are
similar to those often found in the private sector. The GAAP used are generally those applicable to similar
businesses in the private sector and the measurement focus is on determination of net income, financial
position and changes in financial position.
REVENUES. (1) Increases in the net current assets of a governmental fund type from other than
expenditure refunds and residual equity transfers. Also, general long-term debt proceeds and operating
transfers in are classified as "other financing sources" rather than as revenues. (2) Increases in the net
total assets of a proprietary fund type from other than expense refunds, capital contributions and residual
equity transfers. Also, operating transfers in are classified separately from revenues.
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SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS. A compulsory levy made against certain properties to defray all or part of
the cost of a specific capital improvement or service deemed to benefit primarily those properties.
SPECIAL REVENUE FUND. A fund used to account for the proceeds of specific revenue sources (other
than expendable trusts or major capital projects) that are legally restricted to expenditure for specified
purposes. GAAP only require the use of special revenue funds when legally mandated.
TAXES. Compulsory charges levied by a government to finance services performed for the common
benefit. This term does not include specific charges made against particular persons or property for
current or permanent benefits, such as special assessments. Neither does the term include charges for
services rendered only to those paying such charges (e.g., sewer service charges).
TAX LEVY ORDINANCE. An ordinance through which taxes are levied.
TAX RATE. The amount of tax stated in terms of a unit of the tax base (e.g., specified amount per $1,000
of assessed valuation of taxable property).
TAX RATE LIMIT. The maximum rate at which a government may levy a tax. The limit may apply to
taxes raised for a particular purpose or to taxes imposed for all purposes and may apply to a single
government or to a class of governments operating in a particular area. Overall tax -rate limits usually
restrict levies for all purposes and of all governments, state and local, having jurisdiction in a given area.
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VISION
The city of opportunity,
the community of choice
City of Tukwila, Washington
MISSION
To provide superior services
that support a safe, inviting and
healthy environment for our
residents, businesses and guests.
VALUES
STRATEGIC GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Caring
Professional
Responsive
A community of inviting neighborhoods and vibrant business districts
♦ Cultivate community ownership of shared spaces.
♦ Build a broad and collaborative approach to preventing crime and increasing the sense of safety.
♦ Focus City planning and investments on creating a connected, dynamic urban environment.
♦ Use City efforts and investments to realize established visions for specific sub -areas.
♦ Build and maintain public infrastructure that supports a healthy and attractive built
and natural environment.
A solid foundation for att Tukwila residents
♦ Partner with organizations that help meet the basic needs of all residents.
♦ Strive for excellent education, vocational supports, and personal growth opportunities
through effective partnerships and City services.
♦ Encourage maintenance, improvements and diversity in the City's housing stock.
♦ Work to eliminate systemic barriers and provide equitable access to opportunities and
services as outlined in the City's Equity Policy.
A diverse and regionally competitive economy
♦ Embrace the City's economic potential and strengthen the City's role as a regional
business and employment center.
♦ Strengthen the City's engagement and partnership with the business community.
♦ Encourage development, maintenance, improvements, and diversity in the City's
stock of business space.
A high -performing and effective organization
♦ Use Tukwila's Vision, Mission, and Strategic Plan to focus and prioritize City efforts.
♦ Advance Tukwila's interests through participation in regional partnerships.
♦ Continue to develop as an organization and support individual growth.
♦ Ensure City facilities are safe, efficient and inviting to the public.
♦ Ensure the long-term fiscal sustainability of the City.
A positive community identity and image
♦ Improve the City's ability to build trust and work with all members of the Tukwila community.
♦ Facilitate connections among Tukwila's communities.
♦ Promote a positive identity and image of Tukwila.
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Tukwila Financial ustyincibilit iaaiiiiijep�rt
Executive Summary
Like many communities in Washington, the City of Tukwila (the City) faces an ongoing structural budget
deficit and was significantly impacted by the pandemic and resulting economic slowdown. At the same
time, the City strives to maintain services to the community, respond as the community's needs change, and
meet external mandates. Because of recent financial challenges, the City is making a concerted effort to
work toward a more financially sustainable future. Being financially sustainable means balancing the cost
of programs, services, and infrastructure investments with affordable and equitable impacts to taxpayers
and ratepayers. It means being able to provide community -valued programs, services, and investments
over the long-term.
The development of the Financial Sustainability Plan was guided by a Financial Sustainability Committee
(FSC) made up of Tukwila residents, business owners, and nonprofit leaders. The Financial Sustainability
Committee served in an advisory role to City staff, the Mayor, and City Council and developed
recommendations after reviewing the City's financial forecast, programs and services, and community
makeup. The Committee emphasized ways the City could effectively use existing resources to deliver
quality City services to residents and businesses and to achieve long-term financial sustainability.
The Committee's recommendations fall under the following three categories:
Be Good Stewards of Public Resources. Build a culture of continuous improvement and
implement approaches and tools to improve the City's efficiency and effectiveness.
Invest in the Tukwila Community's Highest Priorities. Align services with community priorities
and prudently manage the tax burden on residents and businesses.
Invest in Tukwila's Future. Make targeted investments to achieve long-term cost savings and
improved outcomes for the Tukwila community.
Many municipal financial sustainability efforts focus on how to increase revenues to pay for everything a
city wants to do. Another sustainability strategy is to "bend the cost curve" to ensure expenditures can
align more closely with ongoing revenues. The FSC focused on opportunities to "bend the cost curve" or
employ efforts to use existing resources efficiently and slow growth in costs over time. The FSC's
recommendations are grounded in its sense of the Tukwila's community ability to pay.
The FSC suggests that the City of Tukwila takes the following phased approach to implementing the
guidance contained in this Plan.
1. Implement recommendations that advance the City's financial management, resource
effectiveness, and cost containment abilities.
2. Make deeper investments in efficiency and effectiveness.
3. Over the long-term, communicate openly and honestly with the Tukwila community about demands
for City services and the City's performance, including efficiency gains.
Some of the recommendations would require up -front investment. The City's adopted 6-year financial
plan has sufficient revenues to fund these investments.
FINAL REPORT APRIL 2024
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2027-2028 Biennium Budget High Level Timeline
Finance
Item/Process Date*
meeting with Mayor & City Administrator on budget expectations
March
Baseline assumptions review
January thru April
Budget Kickoff with Departments
28-Apr
Department baseline review
Updates to baseline budget - operating
Due 11-June
Updates to baseline budget - CIP
Due 18-June
Update on assumptions to Council
Estimated revenue projections, budget process, new Fund (F&G)
8-Jun
Cost allocation, Fleet & Facilties Rates, updates, other changes (F&G)
13-Jul
Labor rates, updates, other changes (F&G)
10-Aug
Departmental meetings with Mayor, CA, Finance
July thru August
Court of last resort
1-Sep
Mayor's preliminary budget decisions
3-Sep
Mayor's final budget decisions
8-Sep
Mayor's recommended 2027-2028 budget - presentation materials only
Due 21-Sept
Mayor's presents 2027-2028 budget to Council (COW)
28-Sep
Council budget review
Self insurance, Debt, LEOFF, Firemen's Pension (F&G)
14-Sep
General fund overview - revenue focus (Work Session)
5-Oct
Special Revenue Funds (F&G)
12-Oct
General fund overview - expenditure focus (COW)
12-Oct
Utility Funds (EFs) (Work Session)
19-Oct
Construction in Progress overview (COW)
26-Oct
Fleet, Facilities, Golf (Work Session)
2-Nov
Council budget review - updates (COW)
9-Nov
Council budget review - final decisions (Work Session)
16-Nov
Public
Hearings & Ordinances
1st Public Hearing on 2027-2028 budget (Council Meeting)
19-Oct
2nd Public Hearing on 2027-2028 budget and property tax (Council Meeting)
2-Nov
Draft budget and property tax ordinances (F&G)
9-Nov
Adopt 2027-2028 budget and property tax ordinances (Council Meeting)
23-Nov
* dates listed are approximate and subject to change
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• GFOA / Budget Award
• National best -practice organization for government finance
• Budget Award recognizes high -quality budget documents
• BARS
• Washington's required budgeting, accounting, and reporting
framework
• Association of Washington Cities
• Insurance, Training
• MRSC
• Washington local government resource center
• Provides guidance, examples, and budget procedure resources
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