Auburn council approves utility‑rate changes, broadband and sewer franchises, 0.1% sales tax for criminal‑justice purposes, state grants and two police labor p
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Summary
Council voted to adopt Ordinances 7,004–7,007 (utility rates and franchises) and Ordinance 7,008 to add 0.1% in sales/use tax for criminal‑justice purposes; it also accepted two state grants (about $50,930 and $90,100) and ratified two collective bargaining agreements covering 2025–2027 for police sergeants and a police support unit.
The Auburn City Council on Nov. 17 approved a package of ordinances and resolutions that will affect utilities, broadband access, criminal‑justice funding and labor contracts.
Ordinance 7,004, moved by Council member Baldwin and seconded by Council member Clinton Taylor, amends city code sections relating to utility rates and adjusts water, sanitary sewer and storm drainage charges for 2026–2028. Council said the adjustments are intended to sustain utility operations and infrastructure.
Ordinance 7,005 grants Seuss Creek Water and Sewer District a franchise to continue operating sanitary sewer facilities in city public ways, and Ordinance 7,007 approves a fiber franchise for Hyper Fiber of Washington LLC (doing business as Ripple Fiber) to install facilities in the public way and provide telecommunications services to residents and businesses.
On revenue for public safety, Council member Clinton Taylor moved Ordinance 7,008 to authorize an additional 0.1% sales and use tax for criminal‑justice purposes under state law; Council member Troutmanual seconded. Council member Baldwin emphasized household impact in discussion, citing staff material that for a median household the 0.1% increase would equate to roughly $19.07 per year, and Council member Tracy Taylor expressed support saying public safety has been repeatedly identified as a top community priority. The ordinance passed by voice vote.
The council also adopted Resolution 5868 to accept $50,930 from the Washington State Office of Public Defense for public‑defense improvements and Resolution 5870 to accept a $90,100 commute‑trip‑reduction grant from the Washington State Department of Transportation. Council adopted Resolution 5872 to amend the city fee schedule for 2026.
Following an executive session on collective bargaining, the council returned and adopted Resolution 5873, authorizing a tentative agreement with the Auburn Police Sergeants Association for 01/01/2025–12/31/2027, and Resolution 5874, authorizing a successor agreement with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District Lodge 160 Police Support Unit for the same period. Council members thanked negotiators and staff for their work. All measures were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote on the record.
