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Ellensburg council approves mid-biennial budget changes and sets 2026 property tax levy
Summary
Council conducted first reading of a 2025—26 supplemental budget (Ordinance 4976) and adopted the 2026 property tax levy (Ordinance 4974) limited to the 1% statutory cap; staff noted the levy adds $37,248.12 from the 1% increase and $52,684.83 from new construction.
Ellensburg City Council on Nov. 17 advanced budget adjustments and adopted the city's 2026 property tax levy.
Finance Department staff presented the mid-biennial supplemental budget ordinance (Ordinance 4976) during a public hearing, describing amendments that authorize expenditures tied to previously approved items and new adjustments. Keith Bassett summarized that the ordinance funds state grant pass-throughs (including HopeSource Pathways affordable housing), the IBEW collective bargaining agreement, grant-funded police equipment and overtime, planning for an aquatics facility and predesign services for a pool reuse study, ERP replacement project funding and other department-specific updates. Staff recommended council conduct first reading following the hearing; council approved first reading by motion.
In a separate item, Finance Director Jerica Pascoe presented Ordinance 4974, the 2026 ad valorem property tax levy. Pascoe said state statute limits increases to the lesser of 1% or the implicit price deflator; the IPD for 2026 was 2.44% so the city is limited to a 1% increase. Staff estimated 2026 property tax collections at $3,814,745.18, an increase of $89,932.95 over 2025: $37,248.12 attributable to the 1% cap and $52,684.83 from new construction and annexations. Pascoe noted property tax represents about 25% of the general fund and that the 1% increase does not fully cover inflationary pressures on services such as fire marshal, EMS and medical insurance.
After a public comment from Pat Killeher urging restraint, council moved for second reading and adoption of Ordinance 4974. The council conducted a roll call on adoption and the ordinance passed.
Votes at a glance: first reading for Ordinance 4976 (mid-biennial supplemental budget) ' motion passed by voice; Ordinance 4974 (2026 property tax levy) ' second reading and adoption (roll call conducted at the meeting).
Ending: The council approved the reading and adoption steps described above; detailed fund tables and line-item figures appear in the meeting packet referenced during the hearing.
