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Orting holds informational public hearing on 2026 budget; major projects and loans outlined
Summary
At an Oct. 8 public hearing the City of Orting presented its draft 2026 budget. Staff highlighted new revenue proposals, anticipated grant and loan funding for major infrastructure projects and staffing adjustments; the hearing was informational and no council action was taken.
The Orting City Council opened a public hearing Oct. 8, 2025, on the city—s draft 2026 budget and received public comment; no action was taken.
Finance Director Tammy Motor read a memo summarizing the budgets for city services, funds, projected revenue changes and major capital costs. Key revenue items noted in the draft included a proposed 0.1% sales-tax allocation dedicated to police (budgeted at $100,000), revenue from school zone cameras estimated at $270,000, anticipated increases from property taxes and building permits, and planned grant support for pedestrian-bridge and street projects.
Staff outlined significant capital projects and funding sources: a water resource recovery facility and biosolids treatment plant budgeted at $10,000,000 in the enterprise fund and $35,000,000 estimated for full construction, to be financed by a combination of a Public Works Board loan, a pending Department of Ecology loan request, and wastewater reserves; Kansas Street reconstruction with Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) funding and federal dollars, and a remaining funding gap the city said it planned to request from TIB. Park project grants were also noted, including a Recreation and Conservation Office grant and a pump-track grant with required local matches.
Staff described staffing proposals for 2026, including a two-year term-limited construction inspector position (estimated annual cost $126,559) and consultant support for the vacant community development director position (estimated annual cost $177,982). The city said there would be no utility rate increases in 2026 while a rate study is conducted, but enterprise funds anticipate development-related facility charge revenues tied to new plats.
During the hearing residents raised questions about traffic, cameras, and the planned single-lane roundabout at Orville Road; staff encouraged continued public input and noted a budget retreat scheduled for Oct. 22 to further review priorities. The hearing was recorded and council members said the city would follow up on public questions through staff and the budget process.
