Council approves updated interlocal agreement to receive King County parks levy funds

The Newcastle City Council voted unanimously Jan. 6 to adopt a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute an updated interlocal agreement with King County related to the renewed five-year King County Parks property tax levy.

City manager Pingel told the council the levy was renewed for five years through 2031 and that an updated interlocal agreement is required for Newcastle to receive its share of levy funds and to apply for competitive grants tied to the levy. He said Newcastle received roughly $163,000 in park levy funds in 2025 and that the updated agreement is expected to yield more funds per year in the new cycle.

Deputy mayor Charbonneau moved to approve resolution 2026-1069 (as listed on the agenda) and Council member Griffin seconded. Charbonneau noted his work with regional partners to preserve or increase the allocation to cities. The council voted and the motion carried 7-0.

Pingel said the city has historically used levies for park capital improvements but that levy funds may also be used for maintenance activities under the agreement. The council did not debate specific allocations at the meeting; staff said typical practice had been to dedicate the funds to the park capital improvement fund but other permitted uses exist.

The resolution authorizes the city manager to execute the interlocal agreement and positions Newcastle to pursue both direct levy distributions and competitive grant opportunities under the renewed county levy.