# Mountlake Terrace City Council Work Session - October 8, 2026

The Mountlake Terrace City Council held a work session on October 8, 2026, continuing its review of the proposed 2027–28 general fund budget and fiscal sustainability measures. Staff described across-the-board 5% reductions and department-specific savings, including a $50,000 reduction in city attorney costs, a $90,000 reduction in economic-development professional services, elimination of a vacant communications position budgeted at about $127,000, and changes to the city newsletter to reduce costs. The economic-development budget includes funding for a hotel market study; community development staff also cited expected annual revenue of about $200,000 from building permit fee increases approved earlier in the year. Other reductions included travel, training, subscriptions, and professional services, while insurance and other costs are rising. No new contract awards or procurement votes were identified during the session.

Police officials described reducing booking expenses by about $90,000 through use of the Lynnwood jail and citation-and-release procedures where appropriate, and removing one vacant commissioned-officer position; they noted potential effects on staffing and services. Council also discussed higher jail, medical, and public-defender costs, including a 43% increase in inmate medical costs and the impact of court caseload limits. Public comment raised concerns about utility bills and traffic cameras; staff clarified that the city does not collect money from traffic cameras. The session was a budget review rather than an action meeting, and no spending or procurement motions were passed.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Professional Services, Public Safety
**Published:** October 08, 2026

### Sources
- [Mountlake Terrace City Council Work Session - October 8, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26lShIvbcUo) - CityofMLT