MOUNT VERNON — The Mount Vernon City Council on Wednesday adopted the city’s 2026 budget and set the property tax levy after a public hearing that included resident pleas for alternatives to expanding police staffing.

Finance Director Doug Voleski presented the council with a $92,979,109 preliminary citywide budget and said governmental operating budgets (general fund, parks, library, streets) total $50,216,251. Voleski told the council the city’s estimated general fund balance on Dec. 31, 2026, is about $6.7 million — 18.3% of the general fund, within the city’s 15% reserve policy.

The budget reflects revenue from a voter-approved levy lid lift. Voleski said voters’ approval increases property tax revenue by an estimated $4.5 million (the staff estimate shown to council was $4,500,000) and that the approved maximum levy rate for collection in 2026 is 2.2537 per $1,000 assessed valuation. The levy lift increases funding targeted to police, fire and parks; staff recommended and council adopted resolution number 10 87 to set the 2026 levy at the voter-approved rate.

Why it matters: Council leaders said the earlier-than-usual, 0-based budget process was necessary to address a large anticipated shortfall and to avoid layoffs. Council members emphasized balancing a stronger reserve with delivering the services voters approved.

What the budget does: Voleski told council the budget allocates about 61% of governmental operating funds to public safety and criminal justice (about 30% police, 25% fire). The adopted budget includes new positions and spending enabled by the levy: one new police officer (with related salary, benefits and equipment estimated at $275,198), six new firefighters (totaling $932,670 for salaries and benefits and operating costs), and increased parks funding that authorizes two parks maintenance workers, a part-time recreation lead and additional capital funding. Voleski also requested funding to convert a limited-term prosecutor position to a general-fund FTE at an annual cost of $137,043.

Public comment: During the budget hearing, several residents urged different priorities. Andrea, a Mount Vernon resident, said she supported funding fire and parks but urged the council not to exceed six additional officers, saying, “that’s not what I voted for.” Kelly Lowenstein, an educator, asked the council not to ‘‘lock ourselves into funding an additional police officer every year at the rate of nearly $300k’’ and recommended investing some levy revenue in social-work outreach and affordable housing. Kevin Moss urged the council to allow denser housing near jobs to broaden Mount Vernon’s tax base and reduce future pressure for further tax increases.

Council action and next steps: Council member Hudson moved to approve the city budget ordinance number 39 27; the motion carried by voice vote. Council then adopted resolution number 10 87 to set the 2026 property tax levy at the voter-approved rate of 2.2537 per $1,000. No roll-call tallies were recorded in the audio transcript; the meeting record shows the motions passed by voice vote.

Budget specifics and clarifications: Voleski gave revenue and expense detail: property taxes account for roughly 28% of governmental operating fund revenues, sales taxes 20% and utilities/other taxes 11%. He listed capital and streets projects (including Riverside Drive improvements, Division Street and SR 536 bridge planning) and noted funding for community partners through restricted sources: Skagit Community Action ($474,000), Oasis Teen Shelter ($100,000), New Earth Recovery ($200,000), Welcome Home Skagit ($68,000), Salem Lutheran Church ($120,000), Mount Vernon Manor Annex ($100,000), Skagit County Family Promise ($125,200), Children of the Valley ($25,000), United Way of Skagit County ($37,600), and Martha’s Place ($65,029). Voleski said the city will continue to explore state financing and leasing options for large equipment purchases, including an $881,000 estimate for a command vehicle.

Residents and some council members pressed for more detail on vehicle purchases and for consideration of non-police public-safety investments such as social workers, housing and bike/pedestrian safety. The council announced an executive session on legal matters and adjourned at 7:29 p.m.

Votes at a glance:
- Adopted: City budget ordinance number 39 27 (motion by Council member Hudson; second recorded; voice vote — motion passes).
- Adopted: Resolution number 10 87 setting the 2026 property tax levy at 2.2537 per $1,000 (motion by Council member Hudson; second by Council member Tercero; voice vote — motion passes).

(Amounts and titles above are taken from council materials and the council presentation.)