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Lacey leaders outline $225 million budget, parks and housing priorities at advisory-board forum
Summary
Mayor Andy Ryder and City Manager Rick W. told advisory-board chairs and residents about Lacey’s roughly $225 million 2026 budget, major parks and public-safety projects, a $3.8 million-a-year transportation benefit district whose voter-approved funding expires in 2027, and demand for a $300,000 human-services grant.
Mayor Andy Ryder opened the city’s advisory-board forum by framing Lacey as a community whose residents are “shareholders” in local government and noting the city’s recently adopted budget. “We just adopted with all of our different funds, about a $225 million budget,” Ryder said, urging volunteers to stay involved in advisory boards that help guide council decisions.
City Manager Rick W. gave a 15-minute overview of priorities and finances, saying the city serves more than 60,000 residents across roughly 28 square miles and that the General Fund is roughly $74 million while utility funds make up the largest portion of the overall budget. He emphasized that sales tax is the city’s largest but most volatile revenue stream and that salaries and benefits account for about two-thirds of General Fund spending. “This growth both brings opportunity and responsibilities,” Rick W. said, describing a three-part financial strategy of revenue enhancement, economic…
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