The University Place City Council on Monday approved an ordinance amending the 2025–26 biennial budget, using $1,300,000 in one‑time 2024 funds to cover nonrecurring needs and updating the salary schedule to reflect a 2.7% cost‑of‑living adjustment.

Finance Director Leslie Laysdale told the council the ordinance included fund‑level exhibits and an updated salary schedule. "Most of the changes... are being funded using the $1,300,000 of one‑time monies from 2024 that had not been previously appropriated for expenditure," she said. Laysdale outlined adjustments across the general fund (PEG and credit card fee changes, audit costs and items supporting council goals for economic development and affordable housing), the police/public‑safety fund (jail costs and a legal settlement), the surface water management fund (admin fees and pond sediment/vegetation removal), park capital projects (two park parcels and demolition/security for one parcel by Kobayashi Park) and multiple public‑works projects including the 36th Street Roundabout, 35th Street Phase 2, 67th Avenue Phase 2, Leech Creek Sewer and the 57th Street Sewer Project.

Other corrections included a fleet fund adjustment to add a sander component for a previously purchased dump truck and an IT fund change tied to the Abadex contract for council AV upgrades. The property management fund was adjusted for unanticipated condominium building repairs and to build a replacement reserve; staff also revised timing for Suite 101 rent income after Salted Rim’s delayed opening.

The ordinance also reflects revenue updates: insurance recoveries, swim administration fees, transfers, and an updated opioid abatement settlement figure. Laysdale said the city had also been awarded a $120,000 NPDES grant for 2025–27, which will appear in the swim fund.

Councilmembers asked clarifying questions before the vote. Councilmember Fleming emphasized that no new fees were being proposed, and Mayor Pro Tem Wood sought confirmation that the $120,000 NPDES award was a general state grant for surface‑water management; Laysdale confirmed both points. Councilmember Boykin asked about the change from an earlier 4% estimate to a 2.7% COLA; Laysdale explained the city uses June‑to‑June CPI and adjusted the schedule accordingly.

After the public hearing produced no speakers, the council voted 6‑0 (Boykin, Cunningham, Fleming, Grassi, Mayor Pro Tem Wood and Mayor Figueroa) to pass the ordinance.

The ordinance will amend the budget as described; the measure’s effective date was not specified during the meeting. Staff will carry forward the administrative steps to implement the appropriation changes and the updated salary schedule.