Granite Falls council reviews 2025 budget workshop, lists potential capital projects

Deputy City Manager Jeff Balentine presented a PowerPoint workshop at the City of Granite Falls council meeting on Aug. 28, outlining 2025 budgetary goals, estimated fund reserves and a list of potential capital projects across multiple funds.

Balentine walked the council through potential General Fund projects such as Old City Hall renovations and items listed as the Jim Holm lighting/CCTV project and the Frank Mason dock replacement project. He also reviewed Street Fund priorities including traffic devices, street striping, Galena Street extension, Alpine Street overlay and sidewalk improvements on West Stanley Street tied to TIB crack-sealing and arterial improvements.

The presentation included Community/Arts Fund ideas (including war memorial stones), CIF and arterial-route reserve items, and public-works equipment needs such as replacement pickup trucks. Water Fund items listed included a valve exerciser and the Cascade and Grand Avenue waterline replacement project. Sewer Fund potential projects included clarifier rehabilitation and repainting, sludge hauling and WWTP-related lift-station and hoist equipment. Storm and Solid Waste funds were noted for a Granite Falls LID retrofit and a risk-mitigation balance, respectively.

The workshop was presented as a review of possible projects and reserve positions; the minutes record no adopted appropriations, specific dollar figures, or formal budget votes. A procedural motion to excuse Councilmember Glenn due to work was moved by Councilmember FitzGerald, seconded by Councilmember Griggs and was carried; the minutes do not include a roll-call tally.

The meeting concluded without final budget adoption. Staff will continue budget development and return with more detailed cost and funding information in later sessions, as typical for the city’s budget process (the transcript contains no dates, amounts, or final decisions).