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Spokane Valley holds third public hearing on proposed 2026 budget; final reading set for Dec. 9
Summary
City staff presented the third and final public hearing on the 2026 budget: total appropriations $148.4 million across 31 funds; general fund $70.6 million; capital expenditures $47.9 million (71.25% grant‑financed); staff said recurring revenues and expenditures are roughly balanced and projected general fund balance is $36.6 million (53% of recurring expenditures). Council scheduled a Dec. 9 final reading of the budget ordinance.
City finance staff presented the third public hearing on the proposed 2026 Spokane Valley budget on Nov. 25, summarizing major revenues and planned expenditures and inviting public comment before the ordinance's second and final reading on Dec. 9.
Chelsea Walls described the proposal as $148.4 million in total appropriations across 31 funds, with the general fund at $70.6 million and other funds totaling $77.8 million. Capital expenditures were estimated at $47.9 million, of which $34.1 million is expected to be paid by grant revenues (about 71.25% grant‑financed). The funded full‑time employee count remains at 118.25, unchanged from 2025. Recurring revenues were estimated at $68.6 million, recurring expenditures at $68.5 million; staff noted a planned one‑time spend‑down of fund balance for nonrecurring items. The projected ending general fund balance is $36.6 million, roughly 53% of recurring expenditures (the city goal is at least 50%).
Public commenters raised questions about projected shortfalls on specific projects (ice rink and street improvements), line‑item transparency across funds, and contingency funding. Councilmembers asked for clarifying detail and one councilmember said she would vote against final approval because she believed there were unexplained numbers and possible cuts to be made. Staff reiterated the December 9 second reading schedule and said additional details and attachments become part of the official minutes once signed.
No final budget ordinance vote occurred on Nov. 25; the council will consider the final adoption on Dec. 9.
