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Ferndale council adopts fiscal year 2027 budget and tax rate after public hearing
Summary
After a public hearing, city finance staff presented FY27 figures showing a balanced general fund, a modest millage rollback adjustment and plans for capital investment and an OPEB repayment; the council adopted the general appropriations budget and tax, water and sewer rates by roll call.
The City Council opened a public hearing on the fiscal year 2027 general appropriations budget, tax rates and water/sewer/sanitation rates that were submitted by the city manager.
City finance staff presented the budget and multi‑year forecast, noting a roughly 0.09 change in the projected overall millage rate due to county rollback factors and explaining that voted millages are exempt from rollback in their first year. Staff said the FY27 projections include increased investment in capital projects and, new to this version, an assumed repayment of debt to the city’s OPEB trust and full retiree pension obligations (details linked to a ballot measure voters will consider in August). The finance presentation noted a projected positive general fund position and showed a planned transfer to the public improvement fund.
Council opened the floor for questions and heard none from the public. The council then moved to adopt the FY27 general appropriations budget and the associated tax and utility rate resolutions; clerk called the roll and the motion carried by recorded vote.
What happened: The formal vote to adopt the fiscal year 2027 budget and to set tax and utility rates passed by roll call. Staff said the projected general fund buffer was healthy for planning purposes and that the water and sewer rate increases reflected input received from the water resources commissioner’s office.
Next steps: City staff will proceed with FY27 implementation and bring any required reporting or adjustments to council; the presentation tied some choices to voter action on pension consolidation referenced in the packet.
