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Council approves budget amendment to fund economic development coordinator, adds performance metrics
Summary
The council amended and approved a biennial budget change to fund an economic development coordinator role; the motion requires administration to present metrics in three months and a status report at two years. The vote passed with one council member recorded as opposing.
The Snoqualmie City Council voted May 26 to amend the 2025–2026 biennial budget to create and fund an economic development coordinator position and added performance reporting requirements.
Council member Johnson read the ordinance amending the budget to provide appropriation for the position. Council member Holloway successfully moved an amendment requiring administration to present the metrics to evaluate the position within three months and to present a two-year metrics status report — an amendment the council adopted before voting on the ordinance.
Council discussion acknowledged fiscal constraints identified at a recent budget retreat and included two lines of argument: supporters said the role could help the city attract grants and revenue (potentially offsetting the cost), while others urged caution about adding headcount amid a known budget gap. Council member Murphy raised concerns about timing and the city’s current fiscal position. Council member Tessman recorded a “no” vote; the remainder voted to approve the amended ordinance.
What the motion means: Administration will recruit or designate the coordinator position and must report back with measurable performance criteria within three months and report performance status after two years. Several council members said the position could “pay for itself” through grant-writing and economic development activity but noted the city must monitor return on investment.
Action recorded: Motion to amend the biennial budget to fund an economic development coordinator passed (mover: Council member Johnson; amendment mover: Council member Holloway). The motion carried with Council member Tessman voting no.
