The City of Washougal 2022 budget is one step closer to approval with City Manager David Scott’s submission of his annual budget recommendation to the City Council during their workshop Monday evening. Reflecting the Council’s priorities, the proposed $47 million budget allows the City to maintain existing services levels while targeting key enhancements and continued capital investments.
“It has been a great budget season,” noted Finance Director Jennifer Forsberg. “We have a balanced budget with a conservative approach presented here to the Council.”
Washougal City Council began the budget review process during the summer months with a series of work sessions that focused on departments, priorities, and projects. The Council could adopt the budget as early as November 8, 2021 after a public hearing.
The Council’s top operational priorities for 2022 are maintaining service levels overall and enhancing pavement management. Highlighted initiatives and projects in the 2022 budget include:
Community Livability and Services
- Implement enhanced program in community aesthetics and code compliance
- Building repairs and enhancements to East County Family Resource Center
Transportation and Public Infrastructure, Parks and Open Space
- Continued enhanced Pavement Management Program
- Completion of Hamllik Park Improvements (work underway currently)
- Replacement of Hartwood Park Bridge
- Pickleball court improvements
- Enhanced parks and facilities maintenance
Economic Development
- Initiation of a Towncenter Sub-Area Plan and Planned Action Ordinance
- Exploration of new economic development incentives
Each of these projects is in alignment with Washougal’s four Strategic Pillars that are set forth in the 2013-2023 Strategic Plan: Communication, Community Engagement, Core Services and Economic Development. These pillars, along with the results of the 2020 Community Survey, inform Washougal City Council’s priorities that are set during their annual planning session each spring.
To ensure that the 2022 budget enables the city to provide important service improvements and make additional investments, beyond maintaining current service levels, the 2022 operating budget assumes the Council will adopt a 1% increase in property tax levy and EMS levy.
“I would like to thank the Council for their leadership and efforts in identifying priorities and providing policy guidance,” said City Manager Scott. “I would also like to thank the city staff that work hard every day to deliver outstanding service, and those community members who serve on our boards and commissions.”
The city manager’s proposed budget presentation from the October 25 city council workshop can be found at https://cityofwashougal.us/129/Agendas-Minutes.
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Contact:
Jennifer Forsberg, Finance Director
(360) 835-8501 ext. 503
Jennifer.Forsberg@cityofwashougal.us
Michele Loftus, Communications Specialist
(360) 835-8501 ext. 510
Michele.Loftus@cityofwashougal.us
