Yelm council approves easement vacations, mid‑biennium budget amendment and 2026 property tax levy

YELM, Wash. — The Yelm City Council on Nov. 25 approved three formal measures: a resolution to vacate abandoned utility easements, a mid‑biennium budget amendment and the city’s 2026 property tax levy on second reading.

The council adopted Resolution No. 664 after staff said the easements in question no longer carry active utility service and now encumber lots being developed. An on‑dais motion to approve the resolution “to vacate existing utility easement burdening the properties located at 16747 Canal Road Southeast and 9819 Grove Road Southeast” was made by Council member Wood and seconded by Council member Crossman; the motion carried on a voice vote.

On the mid‑biennium budget amendment — Ordinance No. 1137 — staff described a set of technical adjustments. Finance staff said renegotiation with enterprise services allowed the city to reduce vehicle rental costs, which affected the equipment rental fund across departments, and noted finalized salary and benefit changes for 2026. The ordinance also reflected transfers to purchase and fully upfit three vehicles for two previously approved police officer positions. A public hearing was opened and closed with no speakers, and council approved the ordinance on second reading.

The council then held the second reading and required public hearing on Ordinance No. 1138, the ad valorem property tax levy for 2026. Staff reported no changes from the first reading and said reserve levels remain consistent with the city’s reserve policy. After the hearing (no public testimony), Councilor Crossman moved to approve the levy; the motion was seconded by Councilor Hess. The measure passed on second reading with two recorded nays; the transcript records the two nays as Council member Wood and a council member identified variably in the record (name appears inconsistently as King Geiser/Kingizer/King Eiser). The ordinance was declared adopted.

What happens next: The ordinances were adopted on second reading, completing the council’s action on these items for now. Any further implementation (for example, vehicle purchases) will proceed through the city’s administrative process and budget procedures.

Quotes and source notes: In presenting the easement item, staff said “these lines are abandoned as a result of… projects that we have,” and added that property owners requested relief because the easements now encumber developing lots. Council member Wood moved approval of Resolution 664 by reciting the official motion text on the record.