Milton council creates dedicated fund for automated traffic cameras and amends 2025 budget

On Aug. 4, the Milton City Council voted 7-0 to create a special revenue fund to hold revenues and expenditures from the city’s automated traffic safety camera program and separately approved a budget amendment that moves the camera monies and other line items into new fund codes. The council adopted Ordinance No. 2117-25 (fund creation) and Ordinance No. 2118-25 (2025 budget amendment) after staff presentations and public comment.

City staff said the fund is necessary because state law limits how camera program revenues can be used. Interim Director Robek told council, "Because use of the automated traffic safety camera program revenues is legally restricted, it is recommended that the program revenues and expenditures be accounted for in a special revenue fund." The staff presentation cited Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 46.63.022 as the statute that narrows allowable uses to program costs and traffic-safety activities. The agenda bill listed eligible uses including crosswalks, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, rumble strips, warning and guidance signage, curb…