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Washington City Council approves 2026 budget after mayor breaks tie; attempt to fire administrator fails
Summary
The Washington City Council passed the 2026 budget 4‑3 after Mayor Bruce Bailey cast a tie‑breaking vote; a separate motion to terminate the city administrator for 'lack of performance' failed on a 3‑3 vote when the mayor declined to break the tie. The council also held an executive session that produced actions on one personnel and one litigation matter.
The Washington City Council approved its 2026 budget on Dec. 8, 2025, after Mayor Bruce Bailey cast a tie‑breaking vote following a 3‑3 split among council members. Councilman Newton Gunter moved to approve the budget “as is, except for not funding 501(c)(3) organizations,” a change that divided the council and generated focused debate on the city’s relationship with nonprofit service providers.
Councilman Newton Gunter made the motion to adopt the budget with the exemption; Councilman Andy Anderson seconded. Councilman Larry Hill argued against removing funding for 501(c)(3) organizations. The roll call was Councilman Nathaniel Cullars, Sr. — No; Councilman Larry Hill — No; Councilwoman Kimberly J. Rainey — No; Councilman Newton Gunter — Yes; Councilman David Fisher — Yes; Councilman Andy Anderson — Yes. With the 3‑3 tie, Mayor Bruce Bailey voted to break the tie in favor, and the budget passed 4‑3. The meeting record notes there are 63 nonprofit organizations registered in the city.
Also during the meeting, Councilman Nathaniel Cullars, Sr. moved to terminate the City Administrator immediately, citing a “lack of performance.” Councilman Larry Hill seconded the motion. Councilman Andy Anderson opposed the termination, saying there were no metrics to prove a lack of performance and citing support for the administrator from city employees. The motion produced a 3‑3 tie (Nathaniel Cullars, Sr.; Larry Hill; Kimberly J. Rainey — yes; Newton Gunter; David Fisher; Andy Anderson — no); the mayor did not break this tie, and the motion failed.
The council had previously recessed to an executive session on a motion by Councilman Nathaniel Cullars, Sr., seconded by Councilman Larry Hill. Attorney Adam Nelson reported that the executive session covered two personnel matters and one litigation matter; the record states action was taken on one personnel matter and one litigation matter but does not specify details in open session. The council reconvened at 9:28 p.m.
The council also approved prior meeting minutes and the meeting agenda earlier in the evening. The budget vote and the failed termination motion were the principal substantive outcomes of the Dec. 8 meeting.
