West Linn city manager proposes facilitated retreat to set general-fund priorities

City Manager Williams recommended that the West Linn City Council hold a facilitated afternoon work session in September to set direction on general-fund budget priorities for the next biennial budget, councilors heard Sept. 2.

Williams told the council that the city has a long list of potential capital and operating needs '1 recreation center, operations center, drinking-water infrastructure, pedestrian and bicycle projects, added public-safety patrols, natural-area maintenance '1 and that each option has distinct timelines, revenue sources and trade-offs. "My recommendation is ... that you actually dedicate a nice chunk of time," Williams said, proposing a retreat-style facilitated session with a consultant who has worked with other Oregon cities.

Councilor Bonnington said she supported the idea and emphasized the importance of pairing needs identification with a review of potential revenue sources and public engagement. Other councilors indicated agreement; staff will work to engage a facilitator, perform pre-meeting interviews and schedule the meeting in September.

Williams said the session would help the council identify shared priorities and then plan public outreach and follow-up actions. No formal decision or budget allocations were made at the work session; the recommendation is procedural direction to set a dedicated planning meeting.