The Shelton City Council held a study session on September 23, 2025, focusing on several key issues affecting the city, including the future of MaceComm, budget proposals, and community facility maintenance.

The meeting began with discussions about MaceComm, the regional communication center. It was confirmed that MaceComm will remain in its current location through the end of 2025 and likely into 2026. The center is undergoing significant technology upgrades, which depend on funding from partner agencies. Council members emphasized the need for collaboration among these agencies to prioritize MaceComm's services and address its aging infrastructure.

A budget proposal for 2026 was presented, which included a potential $200,000 increase in costs for MaceComm. Concerns were raised regarding the feasibility of this increase, given the center's limited capacity to accommodate dispatchers. The council noted that MaceComm is reassessing its service offerings, some of which may be outdated, as it transitions from its previous identity as ShellComm.

The council also discussed the maintenance of a skate park located on school district property. The facility has faced funding challenges, and there are concerns about its operational costs. The school district expressed a desire to distance itself from the skate park, which has raised issues related to truancy during school hours. The council plans to engage with the county and potentially tribal authorities to explore options for managing the facility's upkeep.

Another topic of discussion was the implementation of new software, Veranicus, aimed at improving transparency in council meetings. This software would streamline agenda development and allow for easier access to meeting videos. The initial implementation cost is projected at $30,000, with ongoing costs of $12,000 annually.

The meeting concluded with a review of various budgetary placeholders, including a $100,000 estimate for cleaning up city properties near the railroad trestle, pending further negotiations with the Navy.

Overall, the session highlighted the city's ongoing efforts to enhance communication services, maintain community facilities, and improve transparency in governance. The council plans to continue discussions on these topics in future meetings.