Richland staff presents preliminary 2026 budget: $330M all‑funds, proposed hires and higher utility costs

City staff presented the preliminary 2026 budget to the Richland City Council, showing an all‑funds total of about $330 million and general fund appropriations of roughly $82.5 million.

Staff described the budget as a conservative document that does not yet include the 0.1% sales tax conversion discussed earlier in the meeting. The presentation noted a $7.7 million decrease in all‑funds appropriations compared with the prior year, driven largely by large capital projects that are not repeated in 2026. Staff said the general fund is roughly flat year‑to‑year once one‑time transfers for major projects are accounted for.

Major points and highlights from the presentation: • Revenues and totals: Preliminary all‑funds appropriations estimated at $330 million; the general fund at about $82.5 million. Sales tax growth was budgeted conservatively but adjusted modestly upward because of strong current receipts and new retail additions (such as Costco) that will begin showing in monthly reports. • Proposed FTEs: Staff proposed seven…