Snoqualmie council pauses proposed 2025–2030 utility rate ordinance, sends study back to committee

SNOQUALMIE, Wash. — The Snoqualmie City Council on Jan. 13 voted to send the proposed 2025–2030 utility rate ordinance (Ordinance 1303) back to the Parks and Public Works Committee after a public hearing and extended council discussion about large first‑year increases and the city’s mix of debt and pay‑as‑you‑go funding.

The move came after two members of the public — Jim Mayhew and James Rimmer of Snoqualmie Mill Ventures — told the council the draft increases, particularly a roughly 54% jump in stormwater charges in early years, would impose severe economic strain on residents and businesses. Councilors raised questions about whether the city could borrow more, postpone projects or otherwise change the spending schedule to reduce near‑term rate pressure.

Councilors decided unanimously to return the ordinance for additional review, including a committee-level re‑examination of project timing, bonding options and staffing levels before returning a revised proposal to full council.

Why it matters

The ordinance would set city utility rates — water, sewer and stormwater — for 2025–2030 based on a rate study by FCS Group. The study identified a capital investment program and slower growth as primary drivers of a multiyear revenue shortfall; councilors and presenters discussed tradeoffs between borrowing to smooth rate impacts and preserving reserve and debt‑coverage policies that support the city’s credit standing.

What speakers said

Resident Jim Mayhew told council members the rate‑setting process feels “out of our depth” and urged…