10/20/2026 - Mercer Island - City Council Regular Meeting

Mercer Island City Council regular meeting, October 20, 2026, included a public hearing and workshop on the preliminary 2027–2028 biennial budget. Staff described projected two-year funding gaps of approximately $2 million in the Youth and Family Services Fund and $2.4 million in the General Fund, with the proposed budget using one-time resources and fund balances to maintain services while a longer-term funding strategy is developed. The proposed annual fleet budget increases by $875,000 compared with 2025–2026: $420,000 in the General Fund and $447,000 in utility funds. Staff also reported that vendors are submitting proposals for floor and wall repairs and interior painting at the 9655 building; no award was made. The city’s major water-supply pipeline replacement is underway. Staff reported a previously accepted $2.14 million Criminal Justice Training Commission grant, with an estimated $1.9 million net positive effect on the preliminary budget. No public testimony was received at the budget hearing.

Council unanimously approved a motion to have an ad hoc committee work with staff to review Eastside Fire & Rescue’s proposed 2027–2028 contract costs—including personnel, overtime, and administrative fees—and return with findings and a recommended budget approach on November 17, 2026. The budget remains preliminary, with final adoption scheduled for December 1. Council also approved consent-agenda items and made amendments to the Planning Commission restructuring ordinance at first reading; the proposal to expand that commission from five to seven members failed. No contract awards or vendor selections were identified.