Moses Lake council adopts 2025 budget, approves single budget amendment

The Moses Lake City Council voted to adopt the city’s 2025 budget and approved a single-year budget amendment during its regular meeting.

Finance Director Madeline Prentice told the council the only change since the prior hearing was restoring and consolidating a business-licensing technician position, which increases the budget by roughly $114,000. Prentice also said the amendment package affects non‑general funds: about $2.1 million in additional appropriations and about $2.4 million in additional revenues, producing a net increase in fund balance of roughly $222,000; she cited a PFAS settlement and a set of grants as revenue sources.

Mayor Swartz opened the final public hearing on Ordinance 3080; no members of the public testified. Council member Lombardi clarified whether the vote covered the whole budget or just the single amendment, and staff confirmed the motion was to adopt the full budget as presented. An unidentified council member moved to adopt Ordinance 3080; the motion was seconded and the council approved the budget by roll call/voice vote with a reported tally of 6–1.

On Ordinance 3081, Prentice explained there would be no impact to the general fund and that the amendment consolidates several fund-level changes and recognizes settlement and grant revenues. Council moved and seconded adoption of the amendment; the ordinance passed unanimously.

Council members praised staff work to identify savings and to hold the budget closer to balance. Prentice reported citywide revenues of $83,060,000 through the third quarter and noted a year‑to‑date citywide fund‑balance increase; she also described timing differences tied to property‑tax receipts that typically resolve in the fourth quarter.

The council’s actions finalize the city’s spending plan for 2025 and allow staff to proceed with the listed appropriations and capital project adjustments.