Auburn City Council adopts resolutions on public art, regional transportation board, recycling grant and utility rate study

The Auburn City Council on March 17 approved the consent agenda and adopted four resolutions addressing public art, regional transportation coordination, a King County recycling grant and a utilities rate study.

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which the clerk said included minutes of the Feb. 26 special meeting and the March 3 regular meeting, claims vouchers dated March 12 and payroll vouchers.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 5814 — Surplus and deaccession artworks entitled "Hawk" by Steve Tyree and "The Long Look" by Brad Rood. Motion to adopt by Council member Baldwin; second by Council member Traut Manuel. Outcome: adopted.

- Resolution 5816 — Authorize the mayor to execute an agreement with other jurisdictions on the South County Area Transportation Board so the city may continue participating in development and recommendation of transportation policies, projects and programs for South King County. Motion to adopt by Council member Tracy Taylor; second by Council member Amer. Outcome: adopted.

- Resolution 5817 — Authorize the mayor to execute an agreement with King County to implement the 2025 Waste Reduction and Recycling Grant Program and to accept and expend program grant funds in the amount of $48,706. Motion to adopt by Council member Baldwin; second by Council member Amer. Outcome: adopted.

- Resolution 5818 — Authorize the mayor to execute an agreement with Financial Consulting Solutions Group Inc. to conduct a comprehensive rate study for water, sanitary sewer and storm drainage utilities. Council member Baldwin explained the city's current rate structure is set to expire on Dec. 31 and the study will analyze current and projected operating and capital expenses, review rate structures and develop rate alternatives for 2026–2028. The contract amount was stated as not to exceed $123,660. Motion to adopt by Council member Baldwin; second by Council member Traut Manuel. Outcome: adopted.

Council member Baldwin, serving as finance chair for the meeting, summarized the purpose of the utilities rate study and said it would provide financial models and rate alternatives to ensure the continued financial sustainability of essential services. Council members called for questions; none were raised during the vote, and each resolution passed after the council voted "aye."

The deaccessioning of public artworks was presented as staff recommendation following the Arts Commission meeting on March 4, 2025. The grant agreement with King County was presented with the stated grant amount of $48,706 to support waste reduction and recycling efforts in 2025. The rate study contract was described as a professional services agreement capped at $123,660.

No roll‑call vote tally by individual council member was recorded in the meeting transcript; the clerk and mayor recorded voice assent with "aye" and no "no" votes were recorded for the listed items.