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Washington Terrace weighs property-tax option as sheriff contract, fire and parks needs push budget higher
Summary
Council discussed a tentative FY budget that reflects rising sheriff-contract costs (estimated at $1,335,005.22, about $135,000 more than last year), potential truth-in-taxation (TNT) messaging to voters to fund law enforcement, and major capital needs including a proposed $1.8 million ladder truck and parks projects matched to grants.
At a special Washington Terrace City Council work session, the meeting leader (Chair (S3)) told the council the city faces higher costs for contracted law enforcement after the county realigned its contract formula and shifted service allocations.
"The estimated cost for fiscal year 26/27 is $1,335,005.22," Chair (S3) said, calling that figure roughly $135,000 higher than the prior year. The staff presentation noted a planning assumption of a 7% annual increase for contract law enforcement costs going forward.
Why it matters: staff explained the county moved from a 50/50 split (calls for service/population) to 60/40, which increases Washington…
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