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Forks council adopts 2026 budget after heated debate over lodging-tax awards; councilor abstains
Summary
The Forks City Council adopted the 2026 budget (Ordinance No. 686) following extended debate over lodging-tax allocations. Council member Caryn Pearson declared a remote interest and abstained from lodging-tax votes; an amendment to reduce several awards failed, and the ordinance ultimately passed 3–1 with one abstention.
The City of Forks City Council adopted its 2026 budget (Ordinance No. 686) on Dec. 8 after an extended discussion about lodging-tax allocations and a procedural motion to reconsider.
Clerk/Treasurer Caryn DePew introduced final changes to the preliminary 2026 budget before the Council voted to approve the budget in principle with a 3–1 vote (Council member Soha opposed). Later debate centered on lodging-tax awards embedded in the ordinance.
Council member Caryn Pearson identified a potential conflict because she serves as an unpaid officer of a 501(c)(3) that requested lodging-tax funds and asked whether she should abstain. Attorney/Planner Fleck advised that "she should probably abstain from voting," and recommended a motion to reconsider. That motion to reconsider was made by Council member Gingell and carried, prompting more discussion about whether Pearson could vote on the budget generally but abstain on specific lodging-tax allocations.
Council member Soha moved an amendment that would have struck a $15,000 lodging-tax award to Blakeslee's Bar & Grill and reduced several awards for the Forever Twilight in Forks festival and related visitor services. The amendment produced a tie in the roll call and failed when votes split and Pearson recorded a remote interest abstention.
After further procedural discussion, the Council approved Ordinance No. 686 as written by a recorded vote described in the minutes as 3–1 with Pearson abstaining and Soha opposed. Mayor Tim Fletcher expressed a desire for better accounting from applicants, suggesting the Forks Chamber of Commerce present stronger justification and tracking for lodging-tax requests going forward.
The ordinance vote concluded with the budget adopted for 2026; minutes note staff would confirm some procedural details after the meeting.
What happens next: the budget ordinance took effect as adopted; staff is expected to follow up on procedural confirmations and the Council signaled an interest in tighter documentation for future lodging-tax requests.
