Ellensburg posts stronger‑than‑expected 2025 revenue; council accepts preliminary Q4 report

The Ellensburg City Council accepted the preliminary fourth‑quarter 2025 financial status and investment reports during its March 2 meeting after a presentation from Finance Director Jerica Pascoe.

Pascoe said the fourth‑quarter report is preliminary pending year‑end close and audit, but highlighted that 2025 revenues were up approximately 17% over 2024, with notable increases in construction (about 115% over last year) and professional/technical services (about 83.7%). She said a single large construction project and related robotics/tech spending materially boosted sales tax and state distributions; without that project the city’s revenues would have been near a 2% decrease versus 2024.

Pascoe reviewed several details: city assistance (a portion of state real estate tax distribution) rose 23% year over year; hotel/motel tax was down 7%; water and garbage tax receipts increased; and gambling tax timing affected pull‑tab receipts. She noted the city’s investments totaled approximately $91.9 million with a year‑to‑date interest return near $3.5 million and that most invested balances are in utilities and proprietary funds (not unrestricted general fund).

On debt, Pascoe said outstanding G.O. debt totals roughly $6.7 million and revenue bond debt about $20 million, with scheduled principal payments coming in June and November. She cautioned against relying on volatile construction revenue for ongoing operations and recommended using one‑time construction receipts for one‑time projects.

Council moved and accepted the preliminary Q4 financial and investment reports by voice vote. Staff will complete year‑end close and present final audited statements when available.