The City of Newcastle, WA, held a council meeting on September 16, 2025, where several key topics were discussed, primarily focusing on budget considerations and public comments.

The meeting commenced with Deputy Mayor Bakokio addressing budgetary concerns, specifically mentioning a proposed 5% increase. This figure sparked discussion among council members, with some suggesting the possibility of negotiating for a lower increase, such as 4%. Councilmember Sherlock raised questions regarding the capacity of a proposed system, particularly its ability to accommodate a large number of users, akin to major cities like New York or Los Angeles. The inquiry centered on whether the pricing structure could be adjusted based on user limits, similar to subscription services like Netflix.

Director Fitzgibbons responded to these inquiries, indicating that further information would be needed to clarify the pricing and user capacity. He expressed a willingness to prepare an action item for the next meeting, contingent upon the council receiving satisfactory answers to their questions. The council agreed to this approach, allowing for the possibility of a decision at the upcoming meeting or deferring it if necessary.

Following the general business discussions, the meeting transitioned to public comments. Carol Simpson, a resident from Lakeview Apartments, took the floor to express her appreciation for the council and to commemorate Constitution Day, highlighting the contributions of former council members and mayors. Her remarks underscored the importance of civic engagement and the historical context of the council's work.

In summary, the meeting addressed significant budgetary discussions and public engagement, with plans for further deliberation on the proposed system and its implications for the city’s financial planning. The council aims to gather more information before making a final decision, ensuring that community concerns are adequately addressed.