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Woodinville staff report stronger operating finances and propose CIP adjustments; council approves first reading of 2026 property tax levy ordinance
Summary
City staff reported an improved operating margin (from $12,000 to about $350,000 projected) and proposed CIP adjustments, including increased estimates for the SR‑202 corridor/trestle project. Council approved continuing the budget hearing to Nov. 4 and passed first reading of the 2026 property tax levy ordinance (no council‑level tax increase proposed).
City finance staff and the city manager presented the mid‑biennial budget review on Oct. 21, reporting stronger than expected beginning fund balances (about $6.2 million higher than budgeted) and a projected positive general fund operating margin of roughly $350,000 at the end of the biennium.
Staff said capital project revenues are forecast to decline by about $1.4 million because of timing on impact fee collections; however, sales tax and construction activity are supporting capital receipts. Several operating‑budget adjustments were proposed, including a term‑limited two‑year GIS technician (estimated at about $133,000 per year) to expedite data projects and avoid re‑collecting stale data. A set of service and small equipment line‑item changes net to only modest operating changes.
On the capital side, staff recommended carryover of prior‑cycle purchases and adjustments to project budgets. Most notably, the SR‑202 corridor and trestle replacement reached 90% design and staff estimated an additional $4.6 million is needed; staff also recommended deferment or rescheduling of some overlay and sidewalk projects to manage workload and bid timing.
Because of the council schedule, staff presented and the council moved to continue the public hearing on the mid‑biennium budget to Nov. 4 and approved first reading of the property tax levy ordinance for 2026 with no council‑initiated rate increase (staff added a small buffer to capture new construction value). The council will take final action on budget amendments and the levy at a later scheduled meeting.
