Yelm City Council 09/22/2026

At the September 22, 2026, Yelm City Council meeting, the council approved authorizing the mayor to execute a professional services agreement with Parametrix, Inc. for NPDES program development and an updated stormwater management plan, not to exceed $119,935.87. The work is fully funded by a Department of Ecology capacity grant and will evaluate the city’s stormwater system and identify potential future capital projects. The council also received a preliminary 2027–2028 budget presentation; the budget is still under development, with capital project discussions and public hearings scheduled for October and final adoption targeted for November. Proposed future spending includes about $300,000 for body-camera replacement and setting aside reserves toward a new financial system estimated at $400,000–$500,000. Upcoming infrastructure needs discussed included a water reservoir, a new well, and water-pipe upgrades.

The council approved ordinances changing utility rates effective January 1, 2027: water and sewer rates are proposed to decrease by about 6%, while stormwater rates would increase. Council members and a public commenter discussed the CPI-based automatic annual rate adjustment, including concerns about public oversight; staff said rates are reviewed during budget cycles and offered to bring the CPI calculation to council annually. The transcript records approval of the water and sewer ordinances, but does not provide enough of the stormwater roll-call vote to confirm its outcome. Public comment also raised concerns about development-related water supply, schools, and traffic; staff reported that the water system plan supports build-out through 2033 and that current water rights are expected to last about 20 years.