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University Place council approves mid‑biennial budget adjustment, updates COLA to 2.7%
Summary
The University Place City Council on Dec. 1 approved an ordinance amending the 2025‑26 budget, applying $1.3 million in one‑time 2024 funds to nonrecurring needs, updating the salary schedule with a 2.7% cost‑of‑living adjustment, and authorizing project corrections across several CIP accounts. The vote was 6‑0.
The University Place City Council voted unanimously Dec. 1 to adopt a mid‑biennial budget ordinance that adjusts 2025‑26 appropriations and updates the city salary schedule to reflect a 2.7% cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA).
Finance Director Leslie Glaisdell told the council the ordinance uses $1,300,000 in one‑time 2024 monies to pay for nonrecurring items and to correct prior budget omissions. "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," Glaisdell said. She listed adjustments across multiple funds including the general fund (credit card fees, audit costs, support for council economic‑development and affordable‑housing goals), police public‑safety (jail costs and legal settlements), surface‑water management (admin fees and pond sediment/vegetation removal) and property management (increased condo repair costs and a replacement reserve).
The adjustment includes corrections to public‑works capital projects and equipment: 36th Street Roundabout; 35th Street, phase 2; 67th Avenue, phase 2; Leech Creek Sewer and the 57th Street Sewer project. Glaisdell also said the fleet fund will include a sander component for an earlier truck delivery and that the swim fund received notice of a $120,000 NPDES grant for 2025‑27.
Glaisdell also presented an updated salary schedule, saying, "This has been adjusted to the 2.7%" based on June‑to‑June CPI; HR separately added four position titles to provide internal career‑path flexibility without adding net new headcount.
Council members asked clarifying questions before debating the ordinance. Council Member Fleming emphasized that the adjustments do not introduce new ongoing fees. Mayor Pro Tem Wood noted the city's 10‑year forecast remains net positive across line items and commended staff for conservative management. After a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Wood and a second on the dais, the clerk called the roll; the ordinance passed 6‑0.
The ordinance takes effect as specified in the adopted text and staff will implement the budget‑level transfers and adjustments included in the packet. The council did not add new recurring fees as part of this vote.
