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Washington approves 2025 budget, conditions funding for local organizations
Summary
The City of Washington approved its 2025 budget Dec. 27 by a 5–1 vote and required URA, 4E, Parks & Rec, WCCP, the Sheriff's Department and the Animal Shelter to return with three-month spending plans and contracts before funds are released.
The City of Washington approved its 2025 budget Friday, Dec. 27, with a 5–1 vote and attached a requirement that several local organizations present three-month spending plans and formal contracts in work sessions before receiving funds.
Councilman Mahoney moved to approve the budget and proposals covering the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), 4E, Parks & Rec, WCCP, the Sheriff’s Department and the Animal Shelter; Mayor Bruce A. Bailey restated the motion and said, “Motion to approve the budget, URA, 4E, Parks & Rec, WCCP, and the Animal Shelter and the budget as is, and then all these organizations should come back with a contract.” The motion was seconded by Councilmen Cullars and Fisher.
The council discussed withholding funds if organizations did not provide adequate contractual detail, and the transcript records: “We won't give them funds if they don't have the necessary meat in their contract. We'll hold those funds.” That remark is not attributed to a specific councilmember in the meeting record.
In the roll-call vote Fisher voted yes, Hill yes, Gunter no, Cullars yes, Anderson yes and Mahoney yes, producing a 5–1 outcome in favor of the budget. The council meeting was then adjourned after a motion by Councilman Hill and a second by Councilman Cullars.
The conditions attached to the approval require the named organizations to meet with the mayor and council during work sessions and present three-month plans and contracts before funds will be distributed. The transcript does not specify dollar amounts, specific contractual terms, or deadlines beyond the three-month planning requirement.
The meeting occurred at the Edward B. Pope Conference Center and was presided over by Mayor Bruce A. Bailey. Councilmembers Anderson, Cullars, Fisher, Hill and Mahoney were present in person; Councilman Gunter participated by phone.
