The Budget and Fiscal Management Committee convened on August 28, 2024, under the leadership of Chair Gurmiza Halai, with all council members present, confirming a quorum for the meeting. The committee approved the minutes from the previous meeting held on July 24, 2024, without opposition.

Public comments were invited, with two individuals present in person and two online, although the latter did not raise their hands to speak. The chair reiterated the guidelines for public comments, emphasizing that remarks should pertain to the agenda and refrain from campaigning or inappropriate language.

The first speaker, Alex Zimmerman, expressed frustration regarding the Washington Transportation Department's operations, particularly criticizing the Sound Transit project, which he claimed was inefficient and costly. He highlighted a specific example of a train line between Bellevue and Redmond, questioning the financial implications of the project.

The second speaker, Rachel Snow, addressed the committee with concerns about significant budget cuts projected for 2025, estimated at $245 million. She warned that these cuts could severely impact essential mental health programs and other critical services, potentially exacerbating issues such as homelessness and drug addiction in the community. Snow called for accountability regarding the use of tax dollars and emphasized the need for effective results from funded programs.

The meeting concluded without further public comments from online participants, marking a session focused on pressing fiscal concerns facing the community.