09/21/2026 Federal Way City Council - Special Meeting

The City of Federal Way held a special City Council budget session on September 21, 2026, featuring presentations from the Municipal Court, Police Department, and Public Works Department. The Municipal Court discussed staffing challenges, including the need for an additional probation officer and increased security hours, both currently unfunded but placed on a waiting list. They highlighted a grant-funded project to create private office spaces for defense counsel within courtrooms and the implementation of a new court case management system scheduled for May 2027. The Police Department presented on ongoing and proposed programs, including funding for drone operations, forensic software, and automated license plate reader cameras, with requests for moderate budget increases to sustain these initiatives. They also discussed vehicle replacement needs and staffing levels, noting no new positions requested for 2027-2028. The Public Works Department reviewed operational divisions, rising costs in solid waste disposal and stormwater management, and the city's fleet replacement challenges, emphasizing deferred maintenance and budget constraints. Several council members raised questions about specific budget items, grant funding, and legislative priorities such as natural gas regulation impacts. The meeting concluded with a commitment to track and consider additional budget requests, including neighborhood safety improvements and domestic violence therapy programs.