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Forks council reviews preliminary 2026 budget, raises staff-pay, bridge and rate concerns
Summary
Clerk/Treasurer Caryn DePew presented preliminary 2026 budget revisions including a proposed 3% staff raise and explanations for lower 2025 property-tax estimates; staff and council discussed WSDOT inspection photos for Russell Road bridge and deferred final decisions.
Clerk/Treasurer Caryn DePew presented revisions to the City of Forks' preliminary 2026 budget at the Nov. 24 workshop, noting adjustments to interfund splits that made estimated 2025 property-tax revenue appear lower than 2024 and proposing a 3% across-the-board raise for City staff.
Councilmember Wood asked why estimated 2025 property-tax revenue appeared lower; DePew explained the difference stemmed from splits between funds rather than a reduction in assessed values. DePew also said the Consumer Price Index has risen about 11% since the last citywide wage increase in 2023 and proposed a 3% increase for all City staff in 2026.
Public Works Director Hampton presented WSDOT inspection photos showing issues with the Russell Road bridge and discussed possible follow-up work and costs. Hampton also described recent operational problems in the sewer system — including a broken screw press — and said he will explore emergency funding but is not certain the situation will qualify. Hampton emphasized ongoing funding constraints tied to historically low utility rates and raised staffing challenges, saying comparatively low wages make hiring and retention difficult in Public Works.
The council discussed these items but did not adopt final budget actions at the workshop; staff indicated rate studies and additional follow-up will inform any formal proposals the council will consider before final budget adoption.
