Issaquah Committee of the Whole Council - April 6, 2026

The City of Issaquah Committee of the Whole Council met on April 6, 2026, to discuss key municipal projects including public safety and civic facilities updates and a potential park bond renewal. The council reviewed a proposal to forego constructing a new city hall and instead focus on remodeling the police station, leveraging a councilmatic bond with debt service paid from public safety sales tax proceeds. Estimated renovation costs for the police station range around $21 million, with further design refinement planned. The council emphasized the need for multiple cost options and clear justifications for the renovation expenses. Additionally, the council considered a potential park bond renewal to be placed on the November ballot, aiming to extend an existing levy rate without increasing taxes. The proposed bond would generate approximately $17 million, supplemented by other revenues to fund over $23 million in park capital projects, including trail improvements, athletic field renovations, and community space enhancements. Council members discussed the importance of balancing active and passive park uses, leveraging grant funding, and ensuring public access to school district fields. Concerns were raised about tax fatigue, the need for a clear vision to present to voters, and the timing of the bond relative to other budget priorities. The council requested further detailed cost estimates, grant funding projections, and community engagement to refine the bond package and public safety facility plans.