City Council Regular Meeting of Monday, November 9, 2026

At its November 9, 2026 regular meeting, the Kenmore City Council reviewed the preliminary 2027–2028 biennial budget, which maintains current service levels and includes cost increases for contracts, staffing, and materials. The proposed budget projects $156.96 million in expenditures and an ending fund balance of $11.9 million against a $4.687 million requirement. Major capital-related drivers include Lakepoint activities, with a potential $20 million property purchase in 2028, surface-water projects, and the public works operations center. Following the defeat of Proposition 1, staff said the council would return in the first quarter of 2027 to consider budget changes. A public hearing was held on amendments to the 2025–2026 budget; the proposed adjustments total $4.1 million in additional revenue and $1.8 million in increased expenditures, including changes involving the Savage Moose property, CAPE, and other funds. Adoption was anticipated at the November 16 meeting.

The council unanimously approved the 2027 fee schedule, effective January 1, 2027, including updated park and school impact fees and retaining specified fee reductions and exemptions. It also unanimously approved Racer’s proposed 2027–2028 budget, which maintains existing service capacity with a 2% increase in partner contributions, below inflation. A $25,000 grant request from Step It Up Camp and a suggested allocation of up to $50,000 for air-quality testing were discussed but not approved; members favored further scoping and consideration in a future budget amendment. The council rejected a six-month extension of interim zoning regulations near Swamp Creek, 3–4, then directed staff to bring back a different proposed ordinance for discussion. No contract award or vendor selection was identified.