University Place council reviews 2023–24 goals, highlights police hires, sewer projects and debt paydown

City Manager Steve Sugg presented the City of University Place Council with a final report on the city's 2023'1024 biennial goals at the Jan. 6 meeting, summarizing accomplishments that included a new police contract, the arrival of four new officers (with four more planned), the awarding of bids to extend sewer service to five neighborhoods using ARPA funds, major park improvements and a council-authorized early repayment of $17,100,000 in city debt.

Why it matters: the report outlined projects and policy choices that affect public safety, neighborhood infrastructure and the city's fiscal position. Sugg framed the outcomes as the result of multi-year efforts by council and staff and as groundwork for 2025 priorities.

Sugg said the council's highest-priority goal was public safety. "The public safety levy, which was approved in spring of 2023 by the voters," Sugg said, "resulted in increased visible patrols along Bridgeport Way and the hiring of additional officers." He noted the city has added a community outreach officer, naming Corey…