Wilsonville adopts $228.9 million FY2025–26 budget after divided council vote; transit expansion to Clackamas Town Center draws heated debate

The Wilsonville City Council on June 2 approved the fiscal year 2025–26 city budget in a 3–2 vote after extended public testimony and an hour-plus council debate focused on a proposed SMART transit route to Clackamas Town Center and the staffing and funding that support a new regional transit center.

Council approved the comprehensive budget (motioned as $228,927,800 in the adopted motion). Councilor Adam Cunningham offered an amendment to reduce SMART staffing — removing four transit drivers and two customer-service representatives — and lower the total to $228,435,036; the amendment was seconded and failed on a 3–2 vote. After discussion, the main motion to adopt the full budget passed 3–2.

Transit staff and finance staff provided a multi-part briefing to the council. Assistant Finance Director Catherine Smith and Finance Director Keith Katko reviewed the citywide budget and highlighted that the total consolidated budget across funds was about $228 million and noted the budget committee’s review. SMART Transit Director Dwight Brashear then explained how the Statewide Transportation…