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White Salmon council adopts first 2026 budget amendment, approves major water capital spending
Summary
The White Salmon City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 2026-04-1186, a first-quarter budget amendment that adds roughly $8.9 million in water-related capital expenditures while keeping operating funds above minimum balances; a resident urged shifting more funding to childcare during public testimony.
The White Salmon City Council on April 15 adopted an amendment to the city's 2026 budget that shifts technical reconciliations and authorizes approximately $8.9 million in capital expenditures primarily for water mainline construction.
Staff presented the amendment as a first-quarter, technical update that includes about $259,000 in net expenditures and $128,000 in transfers, with the large capital figure tied to restricted water-construction funding and an associated Public Works Trust Fund loan. Staff said most adjustments are supported by restricted or designated sources and do not create structural fiscal risk.
At public testimony, Gabrielle Gilbert urged Council to consider directing a greater portion of available funding toward childcare and early-learning services, linking childcare access to economic and educational outcomes. Mayor Marla Keethler and staff replied that the roughly $9 million for water projects is restricted to eligible infrastructure work and will be repaid over a 20-year loan term, and therefore cannot be reallocated to general-childcare spending.
Council discussion focused on technical reconciliations, departmental reallocations and alignment with Council priorities including housing infrastructure, playground equipment and wildfire preparedness. Councilor Ben Giant moved to adopt Ordinance No. 2026-04-1186 and Councilor David Lindley seconded; the motion carried unanimously, with all five members voting aye.
The ordinance updates year-end fund balances, departmental budgets and capital project authority; staff reported operating funds remain above minimum reserve requirements. The city also noted the amendment includes allocations for playground equipment at Rheingarten Park and funding connected to wildfire-preparedness projects.
The council approved the amendment at the meeting and implementation will proceed through regular project controls and loan financing terms. The city did not specify a revised timeline for the water mainline construction beyond noting associated permitting and construction schedules.
