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Mount Rainier approves budget amendment to add EV refuse truck purchase and rent street sweeper
Summary
Council adopted Ordinance O6-2025 to add FY26 line items enabling purchase of one EV refuse truck (grant-funded) and the rental of a street sweeper this spring/summer. The amendment allocates $627,000 in grant funds and $185,087.07 from fund balance for this fiscal-year truck purchase.
The Mount Rainier council adopted Ordinance O6-2025 (Budget Amendment #1) on Dec. 2, 2025, to authorize budget entries that allow the city to purchase one electric refuse truck this fiscal year and rent a street sweeper for spring and summer operations.
Finance consultant Ron Wilson summarized the amendment, saying it is intended "for the purpose of buying some vehicles" and to position the city to receive the maximum tax-differential credit. Ron described the first truck purchase as funded by a $627,000 grant with a city contribution from fund balance of $185,087.07 to cover the truck, a charging station and incidental costs.
City Manager Kharish Kamali clarified the street-sweeper item: the council will rent a sweeper for spring/summer FY26 (rental fee), with purchase options considered in FY27. Kamali said the city has successfully used rentals before and is coordinating costs, vendors and any needed contractual steps.
Councilmembers asked about electric options for sweepers and chargers. Kamali said staff are researching EV options and coordinating with neighboring jurisdictions for lessons learned; he also assigned staff to work with Pepco and other partners on charger readiness.
The motion to adopt the budget amendment was offered by Councilmember Valerie, seconded by Councilmember Joseph, and passed 4–0. The ordinance record lists separate revenue and expense line items that balance to zero and establishes the accounting needed for grant reimbursement and tax-differential credits.
Council directed staff to proceed with procurement steps in line with grant requirements and to report back on charger infrastructure needs.
