City of South Bend, WA City Council Meeting 9-28-2026

At the September 28, 2026, South Bend City Council meeting, the council unanimously approved recalling a previously laid-off employee for a fifth police officer position, subject to adequate budget appropriations. Members stressed that the position must be shown to be affordable in the upcoming budget before an offer proceeds. The council also discussed Ordinance 1619, which would impose a 0.1% sales and use tax for criminal justice purposes. The tax could support police department expenses and preserve eligibility for future state grant funding, although the department would need additional training to qualify. The council voted to advance the ordinance to a second reading; it was not finally adopted at this meeting.

The council discussed, but took no action on, a proposed utility right-of-way fee to help fund street repairs and the possible creation of a transportation benefit district as a road-funding mechanism. Both topics are to receive further review, including legal review of the proposed fee. Public comment also raised concerns about an unidentified substance sprayed in the community, while a library representative reported on summer programming. No contracts, vendor selections, or procurement awards were identified.