[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6256356,"mediaKeyId","3156527-48bf84dc598616b7e6c353f3bf06652f","parentId",3156527,"title","Council hears utility-rate update as staff warns of cash-flow pinch; staff aims for May 12 follow-up","audioSeconds",2171,"startMs",4222000,"endMs",6393000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3156527-48bf84dc598616b7e6c353f3bf06652f&start=4222&end=6393","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3156527-48bf84dc598616b7e6c353f3bf06652f/thumbnail_4222000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6256356/Snoqualmie/King-County/Washington/Council-hears-utility-rate-update-as-staff-warns-of-cash-flow-pinch-staff-aims-for-May-12-follow-up","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6256356-d568a04e9b29818af0c71039cbf9b663/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176347&Signature=N4AqUze-m~Q~p40VJJUfWWM4vCbBFg1kLxpJK9lhxldV1OOJB9VEXrWc9A7QnjagutHehJdRJ45iaainv~R2kMFGBwwpU-hkV-Wyfg~19Eve0T5vVvHDv28213nGGTmdX3FY23FiMHb6CRHkMZzfhoBpaZgugYQw4hXk~zoRVkY2anM3Go8c5BS87zYiwX2B~X-aFcaWDTw6YoKS4l83HM8lArIjKctUsCxX-VGtVoIb8aqphrsA9TBzFwFu2jgygdoN4x2P0zmEG2YPAjJjvO5swaaM0hdpqkkKWfstPXFWtEjbiP894oCBO4~FRn0AjZEslMpBmuKX0g~2FmmT9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Snoqualmie Government, WA","date","2025-04-30T15:35:11.77Z","article","City staff told the Snoqualmie City Council on April 28 that the city’s utility finances face near-term cash-flow pressure and that a pending rate-study ordinance and a high-cost water-reservoir project make timing for revenue measures important.

Dylan Gamble, the city’s CIP manager, presented the update and said an appraisal and rate-modeling process is nearly complete with consultant FCS Group; staff expects an interim report in the coming week and will aim to present materials to council on May 12 so the council can consider adopting rates on a near-term schedule.

Gamble told the council that the Class A water reservoir project had come in about $400,000 over initial estimates and that construction management and other contract costs could push that over $1 million. \"Our reserves are about a million dollars for the combined utility,\" Gamble said, warning that the reservoir spending and timing could erode reserves and produce a cash-flow pinch before bonding revenue or grants arrive.

Staff identified several contributing factors: delays in earlier rate increases (a 2020 pause in increases), lower-than-anticipated growth and associated lower development-fee collections (system development charges), operations costs exceeding budget (notably wastewater electricity and WRF operations increases), and project timing that requires spending before borrowing or reimbursement is realized.

Gamble said the combined effect is a tightening in 2025 cash flow because assumed bonding and reimbursements may not be available in time to cover large up-front project disbursements. Staff proposed several mitigation options for council consideration, including delaying noncritical CIP projects (for example, deferring urban forestry work to 2026), increasing short-term transfers from operations, pursuing short-term external financing (bank bridge loan or interfund loan from nonutility sales-tax funds), and packaging some projects differently to reduce up-front costs.

Councilmembers asked for a clear, public-facing summary of the rate study’s rationale — a document that explains why the consultant and staff proposed the allocation of increases across customer classes and why the council had chosen a phased approach rather than an immediate, full reallocation. Several councilors said they want materials the public can read and understand; Councilmember Johnson asked for an explanatory summary that lays out the consequences of alternate choices.

Gamble and the mayor agreed to try to provide an interim report and additional attachments for council and public review with the goal of returning to council on May 12 (and to Parks and Public Works Committee on May 20 if needed) to complete rate study deliberations and consider ordinance adoption. Staff emphasized the need to balance the timing of bonding and reimbursements with project cash-flow demands.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025-04-28 Snoqualmie City Council Roundtable and Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","City staff presented an update on a pending utility rate study, warned of cash-flow and reserve pressures tied to a large Class A water reservoir project and delayed bonding, and said an interim report will be circulated with a goal of returning to council on May 12.","taxTitle","Snoqualmie, King County, Washington","taxId",71685,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6256360,"Council approves higher lease for city parcel at Mill Pond Road; councilmember Benson votes no",456,3699000,4155000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3156527-48bf84dc598616b7e6c353f3bf06652f&start=3699&end=4155","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3156527-48bf84dc598616b7e6c353f3bf06652f/thumbnail_3699000.jpg","/articles/6256360/Snoqualmie/King-County/Washington/Council-approves-higher-lease-for-city-parcel-at-Mill-Pond-Road-councilmember-Benson-votes-no","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6256360-7d9c4c9d26c9e38fe79609b382362c14/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176347&Signature=VJbo7RtDG2ZkK4KVUTlXdmZtuOIBT~WlI7h~oCWWvivv7Aqi9t2xua76HHFqGV8Q7O5Oh3TVXR2tp3ikaxoXlceTFS~QH3Cljm9KCrkhKDoVPq~p72t41e7GXuMKCYWX~L~uNLj6HftJHvYKxtWXjf2Kde0wJOqboXw0Luf4TqdPN31ufUtKpQwjqmW0d5~hYbTvcXpZTjLhZ~GYHpuCgZk8xftLRsHRChliJEOEPmYsKGx~zFfZI2HyqIbZRvst0Xp-nZn752fi1T7KOrA2MvpwtqcsTE7xz8N5Cz1fFg0yIKbRXm8QESeyCHmLjDBP1o0zwPsMlC2lolyuIBIeCg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Snoqualmie City Council approved a lease on April 28 with Northwest Landscape Services LLC for a city-owned parcel adjacent to the water reclamation facility on Mill Pond Road, increasing monthly rent from $1,917.86 to $4,932.

Deputy Parks and Public Works Director Phil Bennett told council that the new rent recommendation followed a CBRE real-estate appraisal completed in November of last year and presented comparable-market analysis. The council considered concerns about the size of the increase and whether the city should phase in higher rent.

Councilmember Benson spoke against the immediate, large increase, saying a 157% rise could be onerous to a local business despite the appraisal’s conclusion. \"Suddenly have a 57% increase in your rent seems onerous,\" Benson said.

City Attorney cautioned the council about the constitutional prohibition on gift of public funds and said the city had an obligation to correct a long-standing below-market lease. Councilors noted the tenant had indicated it could pay the proposed amount and that the parcel is unimproved gravel land.

Council moved to adopt Resolution 1715 authorizing the mayor to sign the lease agreement; the motion carried with one dissenting vote from Councilmember Benson. Councilmembers expressed concern about the optics of a steep increase but agreed correcting a below-market rental was necessary to avoid potential constitutional issues.

The new lease will be executed by the mayor as authorized by the resolution; staff noted the tenant had not indicated inability to pay the proposed new rate.","Council approved a new lease with Northwest Landscape Services LLC for land adjacent to the water reclamation facility with a monthly rent increase from $1,917.86 to $4,932; Councilmember Benson opposed the increase and voted no.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6256365,"Snoqualmie council unanimously confirms Mona Davis as community development director",310,3010000,3320000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3156527-48bf84dc598616b7e6c353f3bf06652f&start=3010&end=3320","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3156527-48bf84dc598616b7e6c353f3bf06652f/thumbnail_3010000.jpg","/articles/6256365/Snoqualmie/King-County/Washington/Snoqualmie-council-unanimously-confirms-Mona-Davis-as-community-development-director","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6256365-ba9842e8a44d7afdbf22d1ab4f32d1df/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176347&Signature=OfNPJ4FJC3dpdhzVuCPaR8hufWvHR~0YNKhtGS8tVXhPlf8Uv79X6vZ9DJxLGeV48XZp8CQaG1pt6WEeiydc-UDZySRJ0GY61GpLurGfraD79Iwt5u-ybNX3j-~bUCgE7Hke46Le63wf1asDuOiFlmQVgnyoJ6YvOjDLqzYE9ImNXXZPl-4Mk70-E9ggdVCIiZSkavhswUzJ80iEV5dIeLU-Y-g0iMC1yY~jAphjNb3O55At61sbG0-M23mjPyZONj~XHn~GQBM8Axbg1Dhdsi-nbFZkyfZK0jFPSifII8SEtqq3axz6iQouOHQnUkZjm~dR1EzqClOElXEkv6deFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Snoqualmie City Council on April 28 unanimously confirmed Mayor Catherine Ross’s appointment of Mona Davis as the city’s community development and economic development director.

Davis was not present at the meeting; council members cited her 25 years of experience in community planning and development in Western Washington and welcomed her as a local resident and former affordable-housing forum participant.

Mayor Ross told council that Davis would begin work on May 1. Councilmember Wotton called Davis “an excellent choice” and said she has experience with affordable housing efforts in the Valley. A motion to confirm the mayor’s appointment was moved by Councilmember Khan and seconded by Councilmember Johnson; the roll call vote was unanimous.

Council members said the council will administer the oath of office in a future ceremonial meeting and the mayor indicated she will administer the oath when Davis returns from vacation.","The City Council confirmed Mona Davis as community development and economic development director; she will begin work May 1 and the council will administer the oath at a future ceremonial meeting.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6256369,"Snoqualmie council delays decision on petition to vacate right-of-way adjacent to 39194 SE Park Street",2646,208000,2854000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3156527-48bf84dc598616b7e6c353f3bf06652f&start=208&end=2854","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3156527-48bf84dc598616b7e6c353f3bf06652f/thumbnail_208000.jpg","/articles/6256369/Snoqualmie/King-County/Washington/Snoqualmie-council-delays-decision-on-petition-to-vacate-right-of-way-adjacent-to-39194-SE-Park-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6256369-9aeb63a06eba9144736e458f9b0e9fb0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176347&Signature=QHXlfNDPT4lbHApFhy7ZRmzX2gLqSGb2oHyjV9C8~brlftj6YxUIBbeWtJzF2i4AqkiSqsp8cy2Gx4h6YnpFuv~fNKcuMY8mhT4nFU9spn8St1lu5RjNKQn9fw8POkeSk20zFnpU5~3OFCk2rgnp0nFslzKAO93P9lJ728cmHFI~-vNrI88rSdEPRmS3ecC9LBeGJVZFo3MEBFEir48dug~KQNGzOO1RoQ3Sc9MFto~raFQ1gVKTWm6HZEhqx4bxYFvqscYsc-XlxHtax21AQNv1qqZOeJXaU9FEFMs4mY80toTRbMv6dJIuW-k7W0Zym-SMHHEqDzPzaPWR-poG1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilors in Snoqualmie on April 28 postponed a decision on a petition to vacate a strip of public right-of-way that encroaches on a house at 39194 Southeast Park Street, and set a follow-up roundtable and executive session for May 12 at 6 p.m.

The petition would remove the city’s Schussman Avenue right-of-way where part of a house apparently sits. The issue drew extended discussion about title history, tax assessments and the Riverwalk trail plan, and a member of the public urged council to vacate the right-of-way to protect a nearly century-old home.

Why it matters: Vacating a street or right-of-way is a legislative act the council must make based on a public purpose; councilors said the Riverwalk project is one possible public purpose staff has identified, while petitioners argue the strip serves no public function and should be vacated. Council members also raised legal and financial questions, and staff recommended an executive session to discuss potential litigation and title issues before a final vote.

At the roundtable, Wesley Blaney, a Snoqualmie resident who identified himself as speaking for neighbors, said the home at 39194 SE Park Street has stood since 1938 and that a mapping error left an unused strip of land under part of the house. \"This home has been taxed at full value for decades,\" Blaney said, urging the council to \"vacate the unnecessary right-of-way\" so the house can remain.

Petitioners and their representatives supplied title and deed-of-trust documents during the hearing. A petitioner’s representative described a series of recorded deeds of trust and foreclosure-related transfers: a 2009 deed of trust for $15,000, a 2012 deed of trust for $141,000, and a foreclosure auction amount cited as $192,000. The petitioner also said they had discussed donating the parcel to a tribe if the city did not make an acquisition offer exceeding $10,000; that speaker described the property’s tax-assessed value as about $574,000.

Council questions focused on whether the encroachment was newly discovered or long-standing, how King County assessed tax value, what documents (surveys/title reports) had been prepared historically, and whether other properties in the city have similar encroachments. City staff and the petitioner said the 1997 recorded survey shows encroachment onto Schussman right-of-way. City Attorney advised that council could go into executive session under the state statute for discussing potential litigation (RCW 42.30.110).

Rather than vote on the vacation, councilors agreed to continue deliberations. The council scheduled a May 12 roundtable at 6 p.m., starting with an executive session under potential litigation, and indicated staff should return with clarified title, tax and acquisition information and any legal guidance needed for a formal action.

The matter remains under discussion and no formal vacation has been approved or denied. Council members identified three formal options going forward: approve the vacation, approve it with conditions (as described in staff memoranda), or deny the petition. The council did not take a final vote on any option at the April 28 meeting.

The next public roundtable on the petition is set for May 12 at 6 p.m.; the council indicated the session will likely begin in executive session to address legal questions before returning to open session for deliberation and any potential vote.","After public comment and detailed title and tax questions, Snoqualmie City Council postponed action on a petition to vacate a strip of right-of-way affecting a house at 39194 SE Park Street and scheduled an executive session and another roundtable for May 12.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council hears utility-rate update as staff warns of cash-flow pinch; staff aims for May 12 follow-up

Council approves higher lease for city parcel at Mill Pond Road; councilmember Benson votes no

Snoqualmie council unanimously confirms Mona Davis as community development director

Snoqualmie council delays decision on petition to vacate right-of-way adjacent to 39194 SE Park Street