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Cosmopolis workshop: preliminary general-fund revenue up 3%; staff recommends 1% property-tax increase
Summary
City finance staff presented preliminary general-fund revenue figures showing roughly a 3% increase over last year and recommended a 1% property-tax increase (about $4,300) to help cover rising costs; council proceeded to convene the formal meeting, excused one member and approved the agenda and consent agenda by voice vote.
At an Oct. 1 workshop preceding a brief council session, city staff presented preliminary general-fund revenue estimates and recommended the council consider a 1% property-tax increase next year. "It is my strong recommendation to council that that 1% increase be adopted. It is a whopping $4,300," the presenter said, noting that while revenues are projected roughly 3% higher than 2024 actuals, rising costs make even modest gains insufficient.
Staff highlighted several items affecting the revenue picture: a one-time $30,000 school-related fee inflated 2025 projections, a $71,000 RCO grant will require a budget amendment, and EMS revenue was moved out of the general fund in 2025 (now accounted for in its own fund). Sales-tax and license/permit lines were slightly up, while utility taxes showed declines tied in part to foreclosure impacts. Staff urged conservative budgeting for interest income and warned against counting on unusually high interest revenue to balance the budget.
After the workshop, the presiding official called the Oct. 1 council meeting to order at 08:05. Council took a motion to excuse Council member Wynne (moved and seconded on the floor) and approved the motion by voice vote. The agenda and the consent agenda were likewise approved by voice vote; no recorded roll-call tallies were entered in the workshop transcript.
Why it matters: the 1% property-tax increase proposed by staff is intended to help shore up general-fund revenue amid modest growth and rising costs; the mayor’s preliminary budget will be provided at the next council meeting for fuller review and action.
Next steps: council will receive the mayor’s full preliminary budget at the next meeting for formal consideration; staff said workshops and follow-up sessions will be scheduled to allow public questions and council review before any formal tax or budget action.
