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Shelton council forwards 2026 budget, tax levy ordinances and several capital items to Nov. 18 meeting
Summary
Council advanced multiple ordinances and project awards for final action on Nov. 18, including the proposed 2026 budget, ad valorem tax ordinances for the city and EMS, a reclaimed water tank award, special events code changes and a solid‑waste rate request. Staff presented budget priorities and capital project updates at the Nov. 4 meeting.
The City of Shelton on Nov. 4 moved several major items to the Nov. 18 action agenda for final consideration, including the proposed 2026 budget and related ad valorem (property tax) ordinances.
Interim Finance Director Terry Schnitzer presented preliminary levy amounts provided by the Mason County assessor’s office and the proposed 2026 budget. Staff reported the city’s regular levy is estimated at about $2,320,565.48 (an increase of approximately $22,915.85 from 2025’s highest lawful levy), and the EMS levy is estimated at $590,650.69 (an increase of about $5,832.75). The proposed all‑funds 2026 budget totals roughly $37.5 million, with the general fund budget near $17 million. Council was also presented a proposal to use $1.1 million of unreserved fund balance to balance the 2026 budget draft.
Council voted to forward the following items to Nov. 18 for further consideration (voice votes unless noted): • Ordinance 2035‑1025 — 2026 budget (forwarded for action) • Ordinance 2034‑1025 — 2026 ad valorem tax ordinance (city levy) (forwarded for public hearing/action) • Ordinance (EMS levy) — EMS ad valorem ordinance (forwarded) • Reclaimed water tank project award (staff requested award placement; forwarded for action) • Ordinance 2036‑1025 — amendments to special‑events chapter 5.46 to add “special use of buildings” (forwarded) • Resolution 1409‑1025 — request from Mason County Garbage to increase solid waste and recycling rates (placed on Nov. 18 agenda for further consideration)
During the budget presentation, staff highlighted priorities reflected in the draft: an added patrol officer for public safety, two new police vehicles, investments in information technology and cybersecurity, continued pavement and sidewalk projects funded by REET and the Transportation Benefit District, and water utility capital planning including design of a new reservoir for the Mountain View pressure zone. Public works staff described street and sidewalk projects (Railroad Avenue paint replacement, an in‑house paving allotment and a $500,000 Olympic Highway North project supported by a Transportation Improvement Board grant).
Council members asked questions about staffing, long‑term fiscal sustainability and the use of one‑time versus ongoing funds for staffing additions. Staff said several staffing requests discussed earlier in study sessions (HR analyst, public works administrative assistant, a police lieutenant) were not included in the 2026 proposal to preserve fund balance. The council will take final votes at its Nov. 18 meeting where the ordinances and project awards will be considered.
Votes at a glance (Nov. 4 procedural actions) • Forward ordinance 2035‑1025 (2026 budget) to Nov. 18 — Passed (voice vote) • Forward ordinance 2034‑1025 (2026 ad valorem tax) to Nov. 18 — Passed (voice vote) • Forward reclaimed water tank award to Nov. 18 — Passed (voice vote) • Forward ordinance 2036‑1025 (special‑events code) to Nov. 18 — Passed (voice vote) • Place resolution 1409‑1025 (Mason County Garbage rate increase) on Nov. 18 agenda — Passed (voice vote)
