2026-11- 02 Pullman City Council Study Session

The Pullman City Council held a special meeting/study session on November 2, 2026, including discussion of the proposed 2027–28 budget and procurement. Council approved a consulting services agreement with Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates for a comprehensive operational analysis of Pullman Transit, discussed as a $175,000 engagement. The study will assess routes, fleet size and composition, staffing, fares, farebox technology, and service efficiency, with input from employees and riders. Council members debated the cost, timing, and alternatives such as university student projects; the motion to authorize the agreement passed. The consent agenda also passed, approving routine disbursements and a $218,947 transfer of sales-tax revenue to the CIP reserve fund.

Budget discussions included substantial planned utility capital work: $5.5 million for a wastewater treatment plant belt filter press, $2.1 million for water-main replacements, $900,000 for sewer-main rehabilitation, and $600,000 for advanced metering infrastructure. The transit budget includes $3.279 million for two electric buses, primarily grant-funded. Staff also reviewed stormwater improvements, street funding reductions, proposed recreation fee changes, and citywide financial pressures, including declining general-fund reserves and significant future capital needs. No final budget adoption occurred at this session; property-tax levy decisions and further revenue discussions were scheduled for later meetings.