Sequim finance director presents $51.6 million proposed 2026 budget, including about $17.3 million in capital projects

Finance Director Sue Hagener on Sept. 12 presented the Sequim City Manager's proposed 2026 budget to the mayor and city council, laying out a $51.6 million package of appropriations that includes roughly $17.3 million for capital projects and a proposed 1% increase in the property tax levy.

"This budget reflects the city's dedication to sound financial stewardship and prudent fiscal management," Hagener told the council during a detailed, single-speaker presentation of the digital budget book and timeline for adoption.

Why it matters: The proposed budget sets service and capital priorities for Sequim, funds routine operations in the general fund and several enterprise funds, and establishes the amounts council will consider when it certifies the levy and adopts the budget later this year.

Top-line numbers and fund rules Hagener said the total appropriations across all funds are $51,600,000 and reminded council that the body approves the budget at the fund level. The general fund is the city's primary governmental fund, with proposed expenditures of about $13.7 million. Hagener reported a modest general-fund surplus of roughly $14,000 in the 2026…