Woodinville council adopts mid‑biennial budget, adds $580,000 for recreation‑center property and approves 2026 fees

The Woodinville City Council on Dec. 9 approved changes to the 2025–26 biennial budget and adopted associated ordinances and a rates‑and‑fees resolution.

Finance staff told the council the city increased the previously proposed recreation‑center property acquisition from $8.0 million to $8.58 million after new cost information emerged, adding $580,000 to the appropriation. That increase will be funded through general‑fund reserves, the presenter said.

The council also moved forward on related budget measures: the ordinance adopting the revised 2025–26 biennial budget and an ordinance establishing authorized employee positions, pay ranges and benefits for 2026. Council conducted voice votes where motions were made, seconded and carried unanimously.

Council approved a rates and charges resolution that updates the sports‑field fee schedule and inserts interim rates for January–June before a July 1, 2026, effective date. Staff explained the July effective date aligns with block bookings for large seasonal users, and that bookings are charged by use date (if a booking is for July play, July rates apply even if the reservation is made earlier).

Council members asked clarifying questions about the timeline for implementing fees and the accounting of the recreation‑center purchase. No roll‑call breakdown was recorded in the transcript for the budget and fee votes; the mayor called the ayes and the motions carried unanimously.

The city manager and finance director said the amendments complete the mid‑biennium package and staff will return follow‑up material in future budget work sessions, including implementation details for the updated fee schedule.

What happens next: The council adopted second readings and ordinances at the meeting; staff will implement the updated rates and incorporate the adjusted appropriations into the city’s financial plan for the remainder of the biennium.