Committee of the Whole - October 5, 2026

The City of Renton Committee of the Whole reviewed the preliminary 2027–2028 biennial budget on October 5, 2026. The presentation described a proposed citywide budget of approximately $782 million in expenditures and discussed a projected general-fund gap to be balanced partly with fund balance; staff said the city remained above its required reserve minimum. Capital priorities include about $13 million for parks and facilities and $15 million for transportation improvements. Staff also highlighted a proposed 6.3-million-gallon reservoir replacement, Liberty Park improvements, city-facility upgrades, and a possible $15–$17 million councilmanic bond for infrastructure projects. That bond and the associated project concepts are not included as funded items in the budget ordinances currently being prepared, and remain under consideration. Grants are projected to provide approximately $18.9 million toward capital funding. No contract award or procurement vote was taken.

The proposed budget includes five additional parks-maintenance positions, partly funded by repurposing professional-services contracts, and other staffing additions for outreach, legal services, public defense, and speed-camera administration. Staff noted increased solid-waste costs associated in part with a new garbage-hauler contract, with garbage rates proposed to rise 9% in the first year and 7% in the second. The council also discussed geographic equity in capital investments, golf-course self-sufficiency, revenue assumptions, and potential future revenue options. Public hearings were scheduled for October 12, 19, and 26, with budget adoption planned for November 16; the meeting itself included no spending or procurement motions or votes.