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Mayor and city staff warn proposed state delays could push Yelm Loop construction; city hires and Flock camera installations moving forward
Summary
Mayor Joe DePinto reported that the state senate proposal would delay many projects not yet out to bid — potentially pushing the Yelm Loop six years — while the house version keeps the current schedule; city staff also announced seasonal hires and that new Flock camera poles will be installed soon.
Mayor Joe DePinto told the council that two competing state transportation budgets could affect the Yelm Loop schedule: the House proposal would keep the current timeline for bids this summer, while the Senate proposal would delay many projects that have not yet gone out to bid — in some cases by six years.
The mayor said the city is pressing state legislators and transportation leaders to maintain the current schedule and that Yelm is coordinating with local mayors and county officials to lobby for full funding of the Yelm Loop and related roundabout projects. “We are still fighting for all of it,” the mayor said; he described planned meetings with legislative chairs and representatives and promised letters from regional stakeholders.
City Administrator Todd reported staffing and operational updates: Public Services is hiring three seasonal employees in collections and streets effective April 1; the police department has officers scheduled for academy training and one detective will resign later in the month to take a Thurston County position. Todd also said the city’s new Flock cameras are being permitted and poles will be erected soon.
Why it matters: changes in state transportation budgets could shift construction timelines for regionally significant projects. Local staffing and camera installations affect city operations and public safety coverage.
What the city is doing: the mayor plans outreach to legislators and regional partners to protect the current Yelm Loop timeline; staff will continue hiring and complete permitting and installation steps for camera infrastructure.
