In a recent city council meeting, officials outlined significant adjustments to the proposed budget for Mount Vernon for the year 2025, totaling $104,070,912. This figure represents a notable 22.1% decrease from the previous year's budget, primarily attributed to reduced capital expenditures related to the Mount Vernon Library Commons project.

Key highlights from the budget discussions included a decrease in expenditures by $113,968, with several line items being moved to the non-departmental budget. These adjustments encompass contributions to various local organizations, including the Association of Washington Cities and Skagit Domestic Violence Services.

The police department is set to authorize three new officer positions, although they will remain unfunded as the city seeks additional funding sources. Additionally, two new police officer positions will be added starting July 1, 2025, increasing the budget by $148,732. In the fire department, salary and benefits will see a reduction of $83,190, with adjustments made to overtime expenditures and the unfunding of an office assistant position until 2026.

The budget also includes plans to add three firefighter paramedic positions, which will also remain unfunded initially, while three new firefighter positions are scheduled to be added by August 1, 2025, with a budget increase of $180,078.

In terms of revenue, the city anticipates an increase of $100,000 from development services fees and has made adjustments to various funds, including a $40,000 increase for the Mount Vernon Downtown Association and a $30,000 decrease due to credits from the Department of Revenue's Main Street program.

The tourism promotion fund will see an increase of $75,100 to support Bakerview BMX for gate and fencing improvements, while the affordable housing fund will reflect an increase in salary and benefits due to the reallocation of funds from the fire department.

Overall, the preliminary budget will continue to be refined based on council feedback before its final adoption, with a detailed list of adjustments forthcoming. The total governmental operating funds budget for 2025 is projected at approximately $47 million, marking a 10% increase from 2024.