Lakewood council adopts 2026 property tax levy, mid‑biennial budget amendment and fee schedule

Lakewood — The Lakewood City Council on Nov. 17 adopted Ordinance 8‑39, which sets the city’s 2026 property tax levy, and approved a mid‑biennial budget amendment and an updated fee schedule.

Deputy City Manager Todd Krause reviewed packet figures during the regular agenda presentation, noting the 2025 final levy was about $8,078,699 and staff showed a recommended option and supporting calculations for a 1% increase. Krause told the council: "The impact to the average homeowner under the 1% property tax increase is $9.55." He explained the calculation lines in the packet — including administrative refunds and tax‑increment financing adjustments — that produce differing comparative numbers shown in the materials.

After questions about how much of a homeowner’s total tax bill is the city’s portion, council member Brandstetter and others discussed assessed value changes and mill‑rate impacts. Council member Laura Sella moved adoption of Ordinance 8‑39; Brandstetter seconded. The council voted in favor and the mayor announced the ordinance had been adopted.

The council also approved Ordinance 8‑40, the mid‑biennial budget amendment, after a presentation from Krause. He said the packet reflected earlier study‑session review, listed one‑time items and ongoing commitments, and warned that collective bargaining and other external costs will be factors in the next biennium. Brandstetter moved adoption and Deputy Mayor Moss seconded; the motion passed.

Council then adopted Resolution 2025‑14 setting the 2026 fee schedule. Krause said the changes were largely housekeeping edits, called out removal of a commercial kennel transfer fee line and noted the McGavick Center rental rate will increase to $2,000 on Jan. 1, 2027. Council member Rick Pearson moved the resolution and Council member Laura Sella seconded; the resolution was adopted.

At the consent agenda the council approved multiple interlocal agreements and grant acceptances, including a construction contract award to Miles Resources LLC for the 112th Street/Gravelly Lake Drive to Bridgeport Way project in the amount of $2,599,900 and acceptance of a Washington State Office of Public Defense grant of $69,930.

What happens next: Several items are scheduled for further public hearing or action at upcoming meetings; the tax levy ordinance is now in effect as adopted by the council.