2026-10-27 Pullman City Council Study Session

The City of Pullman City Council held a study session on October 27, 2026 (the meeting metadata is dated October 28 UTC). The main procurement item was the Pine Street bridge repair and reset: staff reported that the city awarded Hal May Builders a $150,000 contract on October 13 and had issued a notice to proceed, with work expected to finish by December 31. The contract includes repairing the damaged north abutment, strengthening the bridge tether points, and returning the existing bridge to position. Staff recommended against a retrofit for now, citing its cost and the bridge’s expected service life; two retrofit concepts were estimated at roughly $600,000 or more. Council members discussed the repair, alternatives, and budget constraints, but took no action on the project during the study session. Staff noted that future retrofit work could be considered through the capital improvement plan or with grant support.

The council also reviewed the 2026 third-quarter financial update and began its 2027–28 budget workshop. Staff described tight revenues, deferred capital spending, and planned operating reductions. The proposed budget includes approximately $376,000 in 2027 grant funding and about $600,000 in sales-tax revenue to help fund three police positions, as well as a police-department boiler replacement estimated at $220,000–$230,000. A $1.6 million increase in parks charges for services reflects Metro Parks District funding for Veterans Memorial Park and Lawson Memory Garden. Staff said some proposed fee changes would be discussed November 17. The city’s tourism contract with the Pullman Chamber of Commerce is in year two of a three-year agreement, awarded through a competitive bid process. No budget or procurement motions were passed; the council adjourned after a motion.