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Moses Lake council weighs survey results and revenue/cut scenarios as forecast shows widening deficit
Summary
At a lengthy study session, consultants presented a statistically valid survey (300 responses) showing high voter priority for emergency response and water and strong support for a 0.1% public-safety sales tax (reported 73%). Staff and consultants ran live forecast scenarios showing deficits through 2031 and tested revenue options (property tax 1% capacity, sales taxes, MPD) and program reductions including possible changes to the Larson Rec Center, Surf and Slide, museum and parks.
City staff and outside consultants spent the bulk of the meeting presenting community survey data and running live budget scenarios intended to close a growing multi-year budget gap.
Ian Stewart of Fulcrum Strategy Group summarized the statistically valid survey (300 completed interviews between March 18 and April 1, 2026) and walked council through methodology and results. Stewart said the margin of error is about 5.7 percentage points at the 95% confidence level for the full sample and noted larger margins for the three sub-geographies. When asked what is the most important problem the city should address, open-ended answers clustered on homelessness (17%), crime/drugs/public safety (17%), and infrastructure/roads. Stewart identified two standout priorities in the forced-choice sections: fast fire and emergency medical response and a sustainable, reliable water source.
On fiscal trade-offs, the survey presented voters with options to close the budget gap. Stewart said the plurality of respondents…
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