Council hears 2026 budget amendment first reading; approves $15,000 for July 4 parade security

Finance Director Kristen Reed presented the first reading of Ordinance 2841, the city’s first 2026 budget amendment, on June 22. Reed told the council the difference between estimated and actual beginning fund balances was almost $2,400,000, driven largely by projects that were not finished by year-end and by grant rollovers. She said the amendment increases revenue by $1,400,000 and expenses by $2,600,000, producing a net increase in the ending fund balance of just over $1,000,000.

Reed highlighted personnel adjustments included in the amendment: increasing the media services technician from 0.5 FTE to 1.1 FTE and adding a temporary 0.5 FTE administrative specialist in finance to support implementation of the city’s new financial software. "This is the first reading, so I'm happy to answer any questions," Reed said.

Separately, the council considered and approved Resolution 1881, an amendment to the provision-of-service agreement with the Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce to provide additional funding for July 4 parade security. Parks Director Lina Hicks explained the use of the previously authorized $15,000: $8,500 for barriers lining the parade route, $2,500 to cover overtime for six additional city staff, and $4,000 to the Chamber for hiring security and event staffing. "The funds have already been authorized by council. This would just kind of break it up, of how we're going to spend it," Hicks said. The council approved the resolution by voice vote.

The budget amendment remains at first reading; council may amend and adopt the ordinance at a later meeting. The resolution to allocate parade security funds was approved at the meeting.