Richland City Council Meeting 11-03-2026

Richland City Council regular meeting, November 3, 2026. The Council unanimously approved Ordinance 2026-28 adopting the 2027 budget and 2027–2032 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The budget includes $3 million in 2027 for police-station design and planning, with construction anticipated in 2028 and estimated financing costs of about $2 million annually. The citywide budget is up approximately 4.5–4.6% from 2026; it includes 4.9 additional FTEs and reflects increases in personnel, benefits, utilities, and other operating costs. Council also unanimously approved the consent calendar, including Change Order No. 1 to Contract 30726 with Big D’s Construction of Tri-Cities, Inc. for the Columbia Playfield (no change-order amount was stated), authorization to apply for a FY2027 federal counter-UAS grant, and an interlocal agreement for FY2026 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant funds.

The Council adopted the multi-jurisdictional natural hazard mitigation plan, which supports eligibility for FEMA mitigation grants; the planning work was supported by a state grant and a hired contractor. Ben Franklin Transit presented a proposed “Show Us Your City” bus-wrap project and plans to issue an RFP for local artists. The National Endowment for the Arts grant is expected to fund the wraps, with no city funding requested; Richland was asked to designate a contact and help coordinate city input. Fire officials also described the Blood on Board program, operational since October 21, with estimated recurring costs of $15,000–$20,000 per year; the presentation was for discussion, not a spending vote.