Warrenton budget committee unanimously approves FY 2026—27 proposed budget

The Warrenton warrants and budget committee voted unanimously on May 10 to approve the citys proposed fiscal year 2026—27 budget and recommended it to the city commission for adoption. The approved package includes ongoing operations, capital projects and proposed utility rate increases.

Budget Officer (name withheld) highlighted the largest single item in the document: a multi-year wastewater treatment plant project with an estimated cost "roughly 35 to 38,000,000 spread over several years." The total budget presented to the committee was described as about $74,000,000. The budget includes a proposed 4% increase in water rates and an 8% increase for sewer and stormwater rates to help cover upcoming projects and operating costs.

Committee members moved and seconded formal motions at the meeting. The committee also set the property-tax levy parameters in its action and included an authorization to levy the proposed amounts in accordance with Oregon budget law. Chair (speaking for the committee) read the committees formal action and the record states the committee approved the budget and "submits the approved fiscal year 20 26 20 27 budget to city commission for further consideration and recommended adoption."

The committee also confirmed a plan to sell a wastewater general-obligation bond next fiscal year; staff said they are targeting an August bond sale and are working with financial advisers and bond counsel to time the sale for favorable market conditions. The committees approval now sends the proposed budget and associated levies to the city commission for final adoption.

What happens next: the city commission will consider adoption of the recommended budget at a subsequent meeting; staff said bond-sale timing and other capital schedules will be finalized as advisory work completes.