Council approves 2025–26 supplemental and biennial budget; credit/debit card convenience fees to be passed to non‑utility customers

Vancouver City Council adopted supplemental appropriations and the 2025–26 biennial budget on Monday and confirmed a policy to pass credit and debit card processing fees on to customers who pay city fees by card, excluding utility customers.

City finance staff told council that prior to the budget decisions staff had projected a gap of roughly $43 million across the biennium; staff and council worked through a combination of revenue adjustments and spending reductions so that the adopted budget is balanced. As staff emphasized, Washington law requires a balanced municipal budget: "We are prohibited by law from running a deficit... We are required to have a balanced budget," staff said.

Regarding card fees: staff clarified the supplemental package contained no new swipe fees. The 2025–26 biennial budget includes a provision to pass consumer card processing fees to customers who elect to pay city fees and permits with a credit or debit card. Staff said the policy excludes utility payments: "The debit and credit card fees are not going to be passed down to our utility customers." Councilors asked for and received clarification that the fee applies only to payments to the city for services, permits or fees and does not apply to private businesses in Vancouver.

Councilor Fox raised questions about specific line items, including City funding provided to the CJC and whether unspent funds would be returned; staff said unspent funds can be returned in future supplementals but could not be appropriated until a later supplemental. Staff also answered questions that the biennial budget includes various options used to close the projected shortfall and that the adopted budget is balanced.

The council voted to adopt the supplemental appropriations and biennial budget. The motions passed on voice votes during the consent agenda and subsequent roll calls for the biennial budget action. Staff will continue to monitor expenditures and return to council if further adjustments are needed.

Ending: The adopted budget and supplemental appropriations take effect as provided in the ordinance; staff will continue financial monitoring and present any needed future adjustments during supplemental budget processes.