Biennial Budget 

Mayor’s 2023-2024 Budget Message

Snoqualmie City Council and Community:

I am pleased to present the City of Snoqualmie’s 2023-2024 Biennial Budget which will fund the city’s activities for the next two years. This proposed two-year budget totals $165 million, including $44.0 million for the General Fund, and $67 million in capital investments. It is my goal that the biennial budget reflects the needs of our community. The entire budget process is a demonstration of the teamwork and diligence of city staff and City Council. I am encouraged by the strength of our local community as we recover from the financial challenges of COVID-19, it is clear that we are a community that supports our own. As we look to the future, I am confident that this balanced budget is fiscally responsible and places us on a good footing for a strong economic future.

This budget reflects using America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to supplement our revenue losses that occurred during COVID-19 and covers operating expenses negatively impacted by inflation. Cities continue to struggle with revenue limitations such as property taxes, representing 45% of our revenue, which is limited to a 1% annual increase, not including new construction, by state law. We included funding in the budget to improve revenue management oversight and a comprehensive revenue fee study to ensure our service costs are covered. In addition, we are looking at other ways to maximize revenue streams, such as increasing tourism and economic development. Based on input from the community, the City Council has identified priorities that are evident throughout the budget. These priorities are seen in capital projects that are being funded and specific services that are supported. We took a balanced budget approach to align resources with our need to add staffing resources as our community grows and increases demand for new levels of service.

The biennial budget and capital improvement plan addresses several strategic Council priorities:

• Ensure Fiscal Transparency and Operational Stability

• Assure a Safe Community

• Enhance Quality of Life

• Encourage Economic Vibrancy

• Bolster Neighborhood Livability

• Invest in Transportation & Infrastructure

Council approved the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) on August 8, 2022. The CIP is a financially sound, responsible, and balanced investment in our community. The plan preserves the City’s financially stable condition, provides for the proactive maintenance of critical infrastructure, and invests strategically in improvements designed to enhance the quality of life for Snoqualmie residents. Council is currently performing a comprehensive review of all financial policies which are incorporated into the budget, the first review in over a decade. Financial policies help foster confidence in local government by increasing transparency, accountability, and consistency in municipal decision-making. I would like to thank the City Council for their work in setting priorities that put our community needs first. I would also like to thank our city staff who have labored to make this budget a reality and who continually work so hard to keep our city running smoothly. It is a pleasure to serve as your Mayor, I am thankful to be a part of such a wonderful community.

Respectfully,

Mayor Katherine Ross

2023-2024 Biennial Budget