[{"_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",5975532,"mediaKeyId","5841521-d9e3b2c1dd9b35eb48962da316802659","parentId",5841521,"title","Shelton staff lists one-time requests: IT upgrades, MaceCom placeholder funding, vehicles, skate park study","audioSeconds",646,"startMs",1850000,"endMs",2496000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5841521-d9e3b2c1dd9b35eb48962da316802659&start=1850&end=2496","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5841521-d9e3b2c1dd9b35eb48962da316802659/thumbnail_1850000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5975532/Shelton/Mason-County/Washington/Shelton-staff-lists-one-time-requests-IT-upgrades-MaceCom-placeholder-funding-vehicles-skate-park-study","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5975532-b4393dd7f194aa18b5fff3f65ed6a0bc/orig.mp4?Expires=1775446004&Signature=BkjqSUSJvr7JzS1kW23EOSTd6TWaG9WPXVtJr3soOHZQAuK6dNQhg3LzNbKnVRLV0s7KbHa7ows7OHPeXAfPV6eRMnupS9Tq85qRFUVhsJuVr26~5Z85Kpdr~Mr9HDPJVokw149s4ZG8tovAdb3Nn8ArDF1tJXAk2-iYFM-VhBee1I7iBEZY9rCbpN7j4l7VUjZfDp7uNA6vu9VIDRaJch5QT2amCwyj3CW-tvthDjnmXGM3AoHe4EK2fMj4S6hFIuuofqjpZa6Jo~J30ebnIEXxfZdzCPwwWvdgwt6h5I5VtDFrjtfKtseoIMon2UUVoT1pa-GL2X~HXt32PSUGtw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Shelton City, WA","date","2025-09-24T00:00:00Z","article","City staff presented a detailed list of departmental requests during the Sept. 23 study session that will feed into the 2026 preliminary budget. The list included one-time capital and equipment requests as well as ongoing personnel and lease costs; staff asked council to indicate priorities as part of the budget formation process.

The nut graf: Major operational requests included IT infrastructure replacement (server and hardware), placeholder funding for MaceCom dispatch upgrades, police vehicle leases/outfitting, taser-payment schedules and a proposed structural analysis of the wood skate park on school-district property. Council asked staff to pursue grants where available and to vet options before finalizing recommendations.

IT and records: Staff asked for a server switch replacement and Windows-server refresh (combined items supported by an applied-for grant) and a $10,000 annual allocation for routine computer-refresh hardware. The city manager said staff recommends putting the server switch and hardware replacement on an ongoing replacement schedule rather than deferring indefinite upgrades.

Dispatch and MaceCom: Staff described continuing uncertainty about MaceCom's capital and staffing needs and proposed a placeholder of $50,000 to $100,000 in the proposed budget while partner agencies refine a joint funding plan. Council members asked staff to examine direct appropriations and federal/state grant opportunities to address the dispatch facility's technology and staffing needs.

Vehicles, equipment and facilities: The list included replacement of older public-works equipment (a 27-year-old tractor quoted at $30,000), two patrol vehicles with associated lease and outfitting costs, an upgrade to the court audiovisual/warranty system used for video and remote appearances, and an estimated $94,000 (budget placeholder $100,000) for contracted cleanup in a difficult-to-access railroad-trestle area if Navy access cannot be negotiated. The parks department requested a structural analysis of an aging wood skate park; staff noted the facility sits on school district property and is covered by an interlocal agreement and county contributions to maintenance.

Ending: Council generally approved moving forward with critical IT replacement and court AV warranty funding, asked staff to pursue grants for dispatch and other items, and asked for additional information on vehicle-leasing payoffs and the skate-park structural assessment. No project was approved for immediate procurement pending preliminary budget decisions.

Speakers cited in this article

- Mark Ziegler, City Manager (City of Shelton)
- Jay (Public Works staff)
- Aaron Nitz, Assistant Director (Facilities)
- Council member Stearns

Authorities

[{\"type\":\"other\",\"name\":\"Interlocal agreement (skate park on school-district property)\",\"referenced_by\":[\"department-requests-it-dispatch-vehicles-and-parks\"]},{\"type\":\"grant\",\"name\":\"Department of Justice and FEMA grant possibilities (referenced for MaceCom/dispatch and other capital)\",\"referenced_by\":[\"department-requests-it-dispatch-vehicles-and-parks\"]}]

Actions

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Discussion vs. decision

{\"discussion_points\":[\"Replacement of aging IT infrastructure and move to an ongoing refresh schedule\",\"Placeholder funding and partner-agency contributions for MaceCom dispatch upgrades\",\"Replacement/outfitting of police and public-works vehicles and payment schedules\",\"Structural assessment and future of the skate park located on school property\"],\"directions\":[\"Staff to pursue grant funding where applicable and return with refined cost/payoff options for vehicle leases and MaceCom funding; staff to pursue a structural analysis for the skate park and to consult school district and county partners\"],\"decisions\":[]}

Clarifying details

[{\"category\":\"IT replacement\",\"detail\":\"server switch and Windows server replacement and ongoing hardware refresh\",\"value\":\"$50,000 for server switch; $10,000 annual for computer hardware replacement\",\"units\":\"USD\",\"approximate\":false,\"source_speaker\":\"Mark Ziegler\"},{\"category\":\"MaceCom placeholder\",\"detail\":\"placeholder funding for dispatch upgrades\",\"value\":\"$50,000 to $100,000 placeholder in 2026 proposed budget; additional $200,000 presented as potential ongoing cost depending on partner decisions\",\"units\":\"USD\",\"approximate\":true,\"source_speaker\":\"Mark Ziegler\"},{\"category\":\"skate park\",\"detail\":\"structural analysis request\",\"value\":\"$7,500 for structural analysis of wood skate park\",\"units\":\"USD\",\"approximate\":false,\"source_speaker\":\"Mark Ziegler\"},{\"category\":\"cleanup contract\",\"detail\":\"railroad trestle contracted cleanup bid\",\"value\":\"$94,000 bid; $100,000 placeholder in 2026 proposed budget\",\"units\":\"USD\",\"approximate\":true,\"source_speaker\":\"Mark Ziegler\"}]

Proper names

[{\"name\":\"MaceCom\",\"type\":\"organization\"},{\"name\":\"CJTC (Criminal Justice Training Commission)\",\"type\":\"agency\"},{\"name\":\"Walmart\",\"type\":\"business\"},{\"name\":\"Olympic College\",\"type\":\"organization\"}]

Community relevance

Geographies: [\"City of Shelton\",\"school district property (location of skate park)\"] Funding sources: [\"General fund\",\"grants (DOJ, FEMA)\" ] Impact groups: [\"park users (youth/teenagers)\",\"police operations\",\"IT-supported services and court users\"]

Meeting context

Engagement level: multiple departmental directors presented requests and council members questioned priorities; Implementation risk: medium (dependent on grant awards and partner contributions for dispatch); History: ongoing MaceCom capacity and funding issues discussed previously.

Searchable Tags: [\"IT\",\"MaceCom\",\"dispatch\",\"vehicles\",\"skate park\",\"grants\"]

Provenance

[{\"block_id\":\"1870.005\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":120,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Server switch replacements within our IT department. We have a grant through the department military that may cover that cost...\" ,\"global_start\":1870,\"global_end\":1990,\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"2336.07\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":120,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"They are still located in our building. At this point, the plan is they'll be here through this in through the end of this year and most likely much of next year. They've got some like I said, they've got a lot of technology upgrades and improvements at the building, that they planned on moving into that is contingent upon all of the partner agencies helping fund that.\",\"global_start\":2336,\"global_end\":2456,\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}]","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Study Session - September 23, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Staff presented a list of one-time and ongoing departmental requests for the 2026 budget, including server and hardware replacement, placeholder funding for MaceCom dispatch needs, new vehicle leases and a structural analysis of the skate park on school property.","taxTitle","Shelton, Mason County, Washington","taxId",56703,"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},5975537,"Shelton debates street funding: REIT, seasonal crews and a transportation sales-tax option",4990,2106000,7096000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5841521-d9e3b2c1dd9b35eb48962da316802659&start=2106&end=7096","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5841521-d9e3b2c1dd9b35eb48962da316802659/thumbnail_2106000.jpg","/articles/5975537/Shelton/Mason-County/Washington/Shelton-debates-street-funding-REIT-seasonal-crews-and-a-transportation-sales-tax-option","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5975537-5ff35e423a562f745874111d23debe6a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775446004&Signature=TiFbcyrdubD~uLbON066s9PrA5y8Wrr7uK-YjMxZ-hSui5WYO-a86g-VjZEnUbDjR5aODxMD7EYsYHQkxMF-iNtwMS5zsBlqpjQqBbv6vjeXiSJ-Q-al6keExxnQh7e7vQKuTOcTGEdHAgiKnLuRrE9m2hblqnOEJklamPkW7e2TLlZcgK5Y-eWZ1kCt8TmNW~uTIsaNc8D9ERTSb1yUQGr2P~-j3U28pvhbyCToGRsIEDGeN3kv3G0HRf3OhJoHkvxLExU-RIiPdOGN2YnGDeX5hxe3hBBN8W9gwYq1yYjttc2lb03Ujl2xq7-F6wv~ihpq9ShqgIKJy2cZ14-teA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the Shelton City Council on Sept. 23 that the 2026 baseline budget does not include the same general-fund transfer to the street fund that was in 2025; staff proposed a $200,000 general-fund allocation plus the prospect of using real-estate-excise-tax (REIT) funds for street maintenance.

The nut graf: Council members debated short-term stopgaps versus long-term revenue options. Several members urged a study of a transportation-benefit-district sales-tax (TBD) or other dedicated revenue rather than relying on REIT as a recurring source; staff and council agreed to refine options and present a study session focused on transportation funding.

Staff reported that in 2025 the general fund allocated $400,000 to the street fund; for 2026 the baseline shows $200,000 from the general fund with the remaining $200,000 as a policy decision for either REIT or an additional general-fund allocation. Public-works staff explained that reducing the ongoing allocation would push the street program to a more reactive posture and would require scaling back services or staff; City staff said the street fund currently supports about 4.65 FTEs allocated to street operations.

Council members discussed a seasonal five-month employee (estimated $20,000) to address litter, weeds and downtown cleanup during the growing season; several members supported the seasonal position as a small investment with visible return for downtown appearance and commerce. Members also expressed concern about treating REIT as a recurring operating fund: REIT has been used for capital and is limited in scope, so dedicating REIT to ongoing maintenance would reduce funding available for facilities and other capital projects.

Ending: Council asked staff to return with refined estimates and options, including a more detailed look at the TBD sales-tax option and the tradeoffs of using REIT for recurring street maintenance. No final funding decision was made.

Speakers cited in this article

- Mark Ziegler, City Manager (City of Shelton)
- Jay (public works staff, as named in transcript)
- Council member Lindsay (Shelton City Council)
- Council member Gilmore (Shelton City Council)

Authorities

[{\"type\":\"statute\",\"name\":\"Transportation Benefit District sales-tax authority (RCW referenced by staff)\",\"referenced_by\":[\"streets-and-reit-transportation-funding-options\"]},{\"type\":\"policy\",\"name\":\"REIT (real estate excise tax) allowable uses (as described by staff)\",\"referenced_by\":[\"streets-and-reit-transportation-funding-options\"]}]

Actions

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Discussion vs. decision

{\"discussion_points\":[\"2026 proposed reduction of general-fund transfer to street fund from $400,000 to $200,000\",\"Use of REIT for street maintenance versus capital projects\",\"Potential TBD sales-tax as a stable revenue source\"],\"directions\":[\"Staff to prepare a study-session presentation on TBD, REIT tradeoffs and revised street-funding scenarios\"],\"decisions\":[]}

Clarifying details

[{\"category\":\"transfer\",\"detail\":\"General-fund transfers to street fund\",\"value\":\"2025: $400,000; 2026 proposed baseline: $200,000 general-fund allocation plus $200,000 to be determined (REIT or additional general-fund) \",\"units\":\"USD\",\"approximate\":true,\"source_speaker\":\"Mark Ziegler\"},{\"category\":\"seasonal position\",\"detail\":\"seasonal employee for downtown cleanup\",\"value\":\"$20,000 for a 5-month seasonal position focused on litter, weeds and landscaping\",\"units\":\"USD\",\"approximate\":false,\"source_speaker\":\"Mark Ziegler\"},{\"category\":\"street staff\",\"detail\":\"street fund staffing\",\"value\":\"4.65 FTEs allocated to street operations (as presented)\",\"units\":\"FTE\",\"approximate\":false,\"source_speaker\":\"Jay / Mark Ziegler\"}]

Proper names

[{\"name\":\"REIT\",\"type\":\"other\"},{\"name\":\"Transportation Benefit District (TBD)\",\"type\":\"other\"},{\"name\":\"City of Shelton street fund\",\"type\":\"agency\"}]

Community relevance

Geographies: [\"City of Shelton\"], Funding sources: [\"General fund\",\"REIT\",\"TBD sales tax\"], Impact groups: [\"residents\",\"downtown businesses\",\"commuters\"]

Meeting context

Engagement level: multiple council members asked focused questions about service levels and funding tradeoffs; Implementation risk: medium-high for ongoing service cuts or shifting capital funding to operations; History: council has previously transferred general-fund dollars to the street fund and recently used REIT for facilities.

Searchable Tags: [\"streets\",\"REIT\",\"transportation-benefit-district\",\"seasonal staff\",\"street maintenance\"]

Provenance

[{\"block_id\":\"2106.1501\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":160,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"One thing I didn't mention is the baseline budget, general fund budget did not have an allocation to the street fund as it does this year. We had $400,000 allocation from the general fund to the street fund in 2025. We removed that for the purposes of having that discussion about service levels. In this these department requests, there's a $200,000 allocation from the general fund to the street fund that still leaves another $200,000 that could be offset potentially by REIT or again, real estate exercise tax.\",\"global_start\":2106,\"global_end\":2266,\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"7000.875\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":120,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"So the the $400,000 allocation as as was this year with splitting it between street fund and and REIT, I believe that's what we had. We're 1 year stop caps. Okay? But we need to we need to do other things.\",\"global_start\":7000,\"global_end\":7120,\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}]","Council weighed continuing a general-fund transfer to the street fund, use of REIT for capital projects, a seasonal cleanup employee, and the possibility of a transportation benefit district sales tax to stabilize street funding.",{"_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},5975542,"Shelton council backs public-safety as budget priority; staff to explore grants and sales-tax options",2699,1441000,4140000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5841521-d9e3b2c1dd9b35eb48962da316802659&start=1441&end=4140","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5841521-d9e3b2c1dd9b35eb48962da316802659/thumbnail_1441000.jpg","/articles/5975542/Shelton/Mason-County/Washington/Shelton-council-backs-public-safety-as-budget-priority-staff-to-explore-grants-and-sales-tax-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5975542-bb9062d1b6548617d3c03ab65ef7f345/orig.mp4?Expires=1775446004&Signature=hXD6atXH~5BEtRnqbjJjk1S0bUAx9ZcdItuFZXV4KEbskAXTFsODs92rHaClXqkixAFhKgMhcJqxXskpatbMjVVCjcGMaHQfp~ld-vDOC3bzOxT8kKJV24uN~-VavUBcRcqxQTrwK0HIXlOqWtiHPuKel5I2i~eXU3SCYwoyoT6jMw33KORMjVtqoTb2fT5HvrN~7paajud3kL-1sh4XG~zblFGAiGygJ7isFd67NHRqsnyJbKiL813U96DKS2ABYIq7s70QVrRG3hHTfQJH2QFeWsZf9npOKraAzKMp4jT4hTSGIJrb2Er127AoaCqhRSykSHt0CRp3CBE0jWOMGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council members at Shelton's Sept. 23 study session repeatedly identified public safety as a priority as staff outlined recurring costs and potential staffing additions for 2026. \"Public safety remains a priority,\" several members said during the discussion; Council member Lindsay and others said they would support adding patrol positions if funding is identified.

The nut graf: City staff presented personnel requests for the police department (including a patrol lieutenant and a patrol officer) and ongoing vehicle and equipment costs; the council directed staff to pursue a public-safety grant and to prepare materials on a 0.1% public-safety sales tax and other revenue options for further study and public engagement.

City Manager Mark Ziegler and the police leadership described tangible recurring costs: vehicle leases for five police cars, taser payments on a five-year plan, and training and CJTC (Criminal Justice Training Commission) costs for new hires. Ziegler warned that adding ongoing positions would change multiyear budget requirements and urged the council to consider sustainability before authorizing new, ongoing hires.

Council members discussed two main revenue pathways the staff highlighted: a competitive grant program that would cover up to 75% of an employee's salary (with a three-year maintenance requirement) and a state-authorized public-safety sales tax (a 0.1% sales-tax option approved by the Legislature in 2015) designed to fund police, municipal court, co-responder programs, or related services. The staff will prepare details about grant requirements, the public-safety sales tax, and the transportation-benefit-district sales-tax option so council can evaluate whether to place a question before voters or hold public hearings.

The police chief and captain described operational staffing needs and succession planning: the proposed patrol lieutenant position would supervise patrol sergeants and help administrative load; the requested patrol officer would restore a vacancy not included in the 2026 baseline. Council member comments ranged from supporting immediate hiring to cautioning that new positions require secure funding.

Ending: The council gave direction for staff to refine spending scenarios that prioritize public safety, pursue applicable grants, and return with clear options (including public-engagement materials) on possible sales-tax measures. No ordinance or levy was adopted at the session.

Speakers cited in this article

- Mark Ziegler, City Manager (City of Shelton)
- Unnamed Police Chief (identified in transcript as \"chief\")
- Police Captain (identified in transcript as \"captain\")
- Council member Lindsay (Shelton City Council)
- Council member Gilmore (Shelton City Council)

Authorities

[{\"type\":\"grant\",\"name\":\"Public safety grant (described; pays up to 75% of employee salary up to a cap with a 3-year maintenance commitment)\",\"referenced_by\":[\"public-safety-staffing-and-funding-options\"]},{\"type\":\"statute\",\"name\":\"Public-safety sales tax (2015 legislative authorization, 0.1% option)\",\"referenced_by\":[\"public-safety-staffing-and-funding-options\"]},{\"type\":\"statute\",\"name\":\"Transportation Benefit District sales-tax authorities (RCW referenced by staff)\",\"referenced_by\":[\"public-safety-staffing-and-funding-options\"]}]

Actions

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Discussion vs. decision

{\"discussion_points\":[\"Addition of a patrol lieutenant and patrol officer; recurring costs associated with hiring and training; vehicle lease and equipment costs\",\"Eligibility and implications of pursuing the public-safety grant (75% salary support with three-year maintenance requirement)\",\"Possible use of a 0.1% public-safety sales tax and other local revenue options\"],\"directions\":[\"Staff to prepare grant application details, public-safety sales-tax scenarios, and community-engagement materials; return with options for council consideration\"],\"decisions\":[]}

Clarifying details

[{\"category\":\"staffing\",\"detail\":\"proposed police positions\",\"value\":\"1 patrol lieutenant (new), 1 patrol officer (to fill vacancy not included in the 2026 baseline)\",\"approximate\":false,\"source_speaker\":\"Mark Ziegler\"},{\"category\":\"costs\",\"detail\":\"vehicle leases and taser payments\",\"value\":\"vehicle leases for five police cars; taser purchase on a five-year payment plan (annual allocation presented)\",\"approximate\":false,\"source_speaker\":\"Mark Ziegler\"}]

Proper names

[{\"name\":\"Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC)\",\"type\":\"agency\"},{\"name\":\"MaceCom\",\"type\":\"organization\"},{\"name\":\"Department of Justice\",\"type\":\"agency\"}]

Community relevance

Geographies: [\"City of Shelton\",\"Mason County\"] Funding sources: [\"public-safety grant (DOJ or state grant described)\",\"public-safety sales tax (0.1% option)\"] Impact groups: [\"residents (safety)\",\"city police officers and recruits\",\"taxpayers\"]

Meeting context

Engagement level: speakers_count 8; discussion heavily focused on staff retention, recruiting, and service-level tradeoffs. Implementation risk: medium (grant applications uncertain; sales-tax measures require public process). History: council previously reduced FTEs in 2023 and has discussed public-safety staffing in earlier retreats.

Searchable Tags: [\"public safety\",\"police staffing\",\"sales tax\",\"grant\",\"CJTC\"]

Provenance

[{\"block_id\":\"1441.5499\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":64,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Some known increases in Mace Com's contract, vehicle leases that were purchased through enterprise this year and adding those in next year. We know those are costs ongoing.\",\"global_start\":1441,\"global_end\":1506,\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"3999.9001\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":120,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"I I guess, to to my point, I wouldn't have a problem spending an extra $225,000 on police officers. It's what we hear all the time that we need more public safety, right? But, and we do have the public safety sales tax that's available to us that's a 0.1% that would pay for that.\",\"global_start\":3999,\"global_end\":4120,\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}]","Council members prioritized public safety when discussing the preliminary 2026 budget and asked staff to pursue grant opportunities and study a public-safety sales tax and other revenue options.",{"_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},5975547,"Shelton staff outlines 2026 general fund gap; council signals public-safety priority",8564,504000,9068000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5841521-d9e3b2c1dd9b35eb48962da316802659&start=504&end=9068","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5841521-d9e3b2c1dd9b35eb48962da316802659/thumbnail_504000.jpg","/articles/5975547/Shelton/Mason-County/Washington/Shelton-staff-outlines-2026-general-fund-gap-council-signals-public-safety-priority","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5975547-f277929d7eee583f5cdd020fff964464/orig.mp4?Expires=1775446004&Signature=fXwtD7Y~s07MmTNaqrgJ407c5~mGqDXmZyIHm-4FtYmKBBY6vPJ7Xzi~J~yI9kdwBwECu91ep9s~f9iF75uMC7i9FjdA1s2wpv9o9tryYzmWbb1jmn7UQrXlgw46dq3rd2oKkXFDY0taasBsBKcgZyxUWNLJHmwZ5530rW0z87gKfcIlLTvlCGFfnBN01jEI4jFg6WN9xu4QyxskI5MLEkcBwZYGz2mccejj~1lzYZk2n3ZvTbNMSFoKx0BG6~SpxmB3VrviiVDJOFo9qRgCrd41~G5HW-HodwNw1MUA-2JmG8XBCQySheOT8OPXGVUh9spC6IWwmFPBRTsgYZzl0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Manager Mark Ziegler told the Shelton City Council on Sept. 23 that staff expects to use the city's unreserved general-fund balance to close a preliminary 2026 budget gap and asked for council guidance on priorities. \"This is intended to be an interactive process, really to get guidance from the council on where how the 02/2026 budget is gonna be formulated,\" Ziegler said at the study session.

The nut graf: The council was presented a high-level 2026 budget framework showing the city has relied on fund balance to balance recent budgets and faces a preliminary shortfall; members repeatedly identified public safety as a top priority while asking staff to return with a preliminary budget and scenarios that protect multiyear sustainability.

Ziegler walked the council through the calendar for finalizing the 2026 budget, including departments' fee changes, an Oct. 1 review of preliminary decisions, and a planned final adoption on Dec. 2. He said the 2025 adopted general fund budget showed about $15.9 million in budgeted revenue and just over $17 million in expenditures, with roughly $1.1 million budgeted from the unreserved fund balance to balance the year. He told the council the city maintains a policy target of reserves equal to 20% of annual expenditures and described concerns about eroding reserves as costs rise.

During the presentation, Ziegler outlined assumptions that shaped the 2026 baseline: removal of one-time 2025 expenditures, recognition of recurring lease and contract costs (for example vehicle leases and an anticipated public-defense contract increase), and known employee costs such as COLAs and benefit changes. He said staff estimates and the departmental one-time requests produce a preliminary structural gap that would require use of unreserved fund balance unless new revenue or cuts are adopted.

Council members asked about the scale and sustainability of drawing on reserves. Council member Stearns and Council member Gilmore expressed support for maintaining or restoring staff and services, particularly public safety, while several members emphasized the need for a conservative approach so multiyear obligations do not outpace revenues. Ziegler said staff will return with a preliminary budget that reflects council direction and the council's comfort with unreserved-fund balance use; he noted the statutory schedule requires the preliminary budget to be noticed in early November.

Ending: Ziegler and finance staff asked the council to confirm priorities so staff can prepare the November preliminary budget. The study session closed with the council signaling a willingness to start 2026 with a similar planned draw on unreserved fund balance as 2025 and to vet one-time requests and ongoing costs against that constraint. No formal budget adoption or tax action occurred at the meeting.

Speakers cited in this article

- Mark Ziegler, City Manager (City of Shelton)
- Terry (Finance director / finance staff; title as in transcript)
- Mary Ricker, City Clerk (City of Shelton)
- Council member Stearns (Shelton City Council)
- Council member Gilmore (Shelton City Council)
- Council member Lindsay (Shelton City Council)
- Diane Estill (Council member; referenced in roll call)

Authorities

[ {\"type\":\"policy\",\"name\":\"City reserve policy (20% of annual expenditures)\",\"referenced_by\":[\"2026-general-fund-overview-and-council-direction\"]}, {\"type\":\"statute\",\"name\":\"County assessor roll date for new construction (as described: must be finaled by July 31 to appear on next year's rolls)\",\"referenced_by\":[\"2026-general-fund-overview-and-council-direction\"]} ]

Actions

[ {\"kind\":\"other\",\"identifiers\":{},\"motion\":\"Extend study-session discussion and return a preliminary budget for council review following the timeline presented\",\"mover\":\"unspecified\",\"second\":\"unspecified\",\"vote_record\":[],\"tally\":{},\"legal_threshold\":{\"met\":false,\"notes\":\"Informal direction; not a formal budget adoption\"},\"effective_dates\":{},\"outcome\":\"consensus_note\",\"notes\":\"Council signaled support for staff returning with a preliminary budget prioritizing public safety and conservative use of unreserved fund balance\"} ]

Discussion vs. decision

{\"discussion_points\":[\"2026 baseline budget assumptions and one-time vs ongoing requests\",\"size and sustainability of an unreserved-fund-balance draw\",\"timing for preliminary budget and public hearing calendar\"],\"directions\":[\"Staff to present a November preliminary budget reflecting council priorities, particularly public safety; staff to provide refined unreserved fund-balance scenarios\"],\"decisions\":[]}","City Manager Mark Ziegler briefed the Shelton City Council on the 2026 general fund preliminary budget, showing a gap that would draw on reserves; council members signaled a priority for public-safety staffing while asking staff to return with refined options.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

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Shelton staff outlines 2026 general fund gap; council signals public-safety priority