11/09/26 Council Study Session

The City of Sumner Council held a study session on November 9, 2026, focused on the proposed 2027–28 biennial budget. Staff reviewed 11 included staffing requests, including two police officers, an assistant city attorney, and IT and public works positions. The two officers are funded through the General Fund, while two sergeant positions were shifted to the Public Safety Sales Tax Fund. Hiring an assistant city attorney would allow the City to end its $72,000-per-year prosecution services contract; additional in-house capacity is also expected to reduce traffic-engineering professional-services costs by $90,000 per year. The council discussed an $80,000 citywide parking study and available reserves, but made no formal procurement award or spending vote during the session.

Council members broadly supported carrying forward the mayor’s updated budget direction, including funding for ADA curb ramps and street trees, with the second public hearing scheduled for November 30 and budget consideration expected December 7. Staff reported notification of a TIB grant of more than $1 million for additional crossings and ADA improvements on Valley Avenue and Main Street; the required 20% local match was still being determined. The council discussed possible future B&O tax revenue for curb ramps, but no future allocation was committed. No vendor selection or bid approval was identified.