October 26, 2026 City Council Workshop

The October 26, 2026 City of West Richland City Council workshop focused on the proposed 2027–2028 biennial budget, which projects revenues and expenditures through 2032. The general fund’s requested expenditures exceeded projected resources by more than $13 million, prompting reductions and deferrals; the proposal depends on a 4% water utility tax increase and establishing a Transportation Benefit District (TBD). Neither revenue measure nor the budget was approved at this workshop. The council was asked to review the budget ahead of the November 17 public hearing, with final hearing and adoption scheduled for December 15. The finance director said alternatives or further reductions would be needed if the proposed revenue measures are not adopted.

The proposal defers about $965,000 in street-fund equipment, including two plow trucks, while retaining an $85,000 bucket truck purchase funded by a one-time transfer. TBD revenues would support street striping, weed control, pothole repair, and replacement of deteriorated wooden streetlight poles. Other capital projects include the Kennedy intersection, Bombing Range overlay, Keene and South Highlands intersection, pavement preservation, Belmont Reservoir, wells, and the SCADA system; funding includes grants and developer contributions. The budget also prioritizes IT and cybersecurity, retains an IT systems administrator position and two police officers funded by House Bill 2015, and discusses a police department request for 10 leased vehicles. No contract awards, vendor selections, or procurement votes were identified.