Kenmore council weighs three revenue paths — Kenmore levy, MPD, and public-safety sales tax — and asks staff to prepare proposals

Kenmore — The Kenmore City Council spent its May study session probing options to close a mounting budget gap, directing staff to prepare formal proposals and financial models for several possible revenue measures.

City Manager Terry Kilgore framed the problem: a forecast that already shows a cumulative operating deficit of just over $20 million and reserves likely to fall below targets by 2028–29. "All of the numbers that have been presented to you presume at least one councilmanic option is pursued," Kilgore told the council, describing a menu of options that includes councilmanic sales-tax levies (transportation, public safety), levy lid lifts, a metropolitan parks district (MPD), and a bundled “Kenmore” enhanced levy to fund climate action, affordable housing, human services and economic development.

The session featured sustained debate over timing, electability and scope. Council Member Culver argued against rushing an MPD, citing statutory limits on MPD powers and a high historical failure rate for MPD ballot measures in the state. "MPDs are also an underperformer," Culver said, pointing to MRSC data he…