Enumclaw council approves $15,000 trial appropriation for July 4 parade safety

Enumclaw’s City Council voted on May 26 to approve up to $15,000 to fund safety measures for the July 4 parade on a trial basis, amending an original request that sought funding for two parades. Councilmember Martineau said the request reflected rising parade attendance tied to national celebrations and major events and described the budget ask as a minimum safety package: “The request is for funding of safety of $15,000 per parade, which includes $8,000 to go towards temporary barriers … and the balance of the 15 for each parade is to hire additional staffing,” she said.

The council discussed logistics, cost options and impacts on downtown businesses if barricades reduce parking. Staff said initial vendor pricing for full aluminum barricades ran near $16,000 but dropped after government‑contract pricing; staff noted plastic panels might be a lower‑cost, easier‑deployed alternative. Officials warned the staging company’s setup could require closing portions of Cole Street and that deployment could take three to four days unless timed to avoid other events.

Councilmember Lefler urged a focused, trial approach: he moved to amend the original motion to authorize up to $15,000 for the July 4 parade only, to be used for measures “as deemed appropriate by administration and police department and chamber of commerce.” The amendment passed; the final appropriation passed on the council floor by a 5‑1 vote.

Councilmembers and staff emphasized this is a one‑time, trial allocation for July 4; administrators will report back after the event to evaluate effectiveness and cost‑benefit before considering funding for additional holidays. The council also asked staff to work with the Chamber of Commerce and downtown businesses on deployment plans to limit parking impacts and to explore buying versus renting barricades if repeat use is anticipated.

The council moved next to an executive session on litigation matters and adjourned at 8:24 p.m.