09/15/2026 Federal Way City Council - Special Meeting

The City of Federal Way held a special City Council meeting on September 15, 2026, focused primarily on presenting and discussing the proposed biennial budget for 2027-2028. Finance Director Steve Grum provided a detailed overview of the budget book, highlighting key revenue forecasts, expense challenges, and debt obligations. Significant procurement-related topics included rising insurance premiums, jail costs, and debt payments for city facilities such as the community center and maintenance shop. Revenue projections were carefully reviewed, including sales tax, utility tax, property tax, permit fees, real estate excise tax, investment interest, and lodging tax, with conservative growth assumptions to maintain fiscal health. The budget was balanced by addressing expense increases and managing fund balances, with a menu of budget balancing tools presented to the council. Upcoming department-specific budget presentations and study sessions were scheduled to further review spending and procurement priorities. The meeting concluded with an executive session on collective bargaining matters.