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Edgewood mayor outlines 2024 accomplishments, warns of budget challenges in 2025
Summary
Mayor Olsen delivered the annual State of the City on Feb. 11, highlighting grants, parks improvements, law-enforcement activity and an audit completion, while noting a rejected property tax levy and ongoing budget decisions for 2025.
Edgewood — Mayor Olsen delivered the State of the City address at the Feb. 11 council meeting, highlighting 2024 accomplishments that included new grant-funded technology, park security upgrades and completed planning updates, and warned of continuing budget constraints after a failed levy lift.
Olsen said 2024 brought a number of accomplishments for the city: the city obtained a grant to replace its IT backup system with a cloud-integrated solution; automated locks, gates and security cameras were installed at Edgemont Park and Edgewood Community Park through a grant; the council adopted a comprehensive plan periodic update and a general sewer plan update; and the city updated permit processes in the Edgewood Municipal Code to comply with Senate Bill 5290.
Olsen said the city purchased the Edgewood Nye Home windmill from the Edgewood Nye Home Windmill Association for $125 and bought the parcel under the windmill from East Pierce Fire and Rescue for $175,000 from the park impact fee fund. He also reported a clean financial and federal grant compliance audit with the Washington State Auditor's Office and said the city produced a budget book, reduced total FTEs and recorded a 76% increase in proactive traffic enforcement with reported reductions in robberies, vehicle thefts, burglaries and thefts compared with prior-year numbers.
The mayor listed police and community engagement events including a community academy, a shred event, the Special Olympics torch run, 4Ks for kids, National Night Out and blood drives hosted by Bloodworks Northwest. Olsen said the city earned the AWC Well City award, qualifying it for reduced medical insurance premiums that helped the general fund.
On finances, Olsen said a property tax levy lid lift was rejected by Edgewood voters in November, and he said the council will need to make difficult short- and long-term budget decisions in 2025. He encouraged collaboration between council and staff to balance trimming the budget while maintaining essential services.
Olsen also previewed community events for 2025: East Pierce Fire and Rescue's Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 19 at Edgemont Park (expected to attract more than 1,000 people), Summerfest on July 19 and negotiations under way for a Santa appearance Dec. 4 for the annual tree and barn lighting. "Thank you Edgewood, you're awesome," Olsen said at the conclusion of his remarks.
