Several bridges, roadways and utilities are earmarked for upgrades — along with an increase in utility rates — in the City of Sequim’s 2024 budget.
City councilors unanimously approved Sequim’s approximate $47.1 million operating budget on Nov. 27, with councilor Kathy Downer excused from the meeting.
Residents can expect another 3-percent increase to sewer and water rates in 2024 continuing a 2022 budget decision by councilors to increase rates annually at that rate through 2025 to help cover projects, reserves and increasing expenses.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, councilors opted not to raise utility rates and property taxes in 2020 and 2021 to minimize impact on residents. Staff recommended increases but without them, debt reserves and capital projects were not funded, they said.
City Manager Matt Huish in his 2024 budget message noted that the average total utility bill for water/sewer in a single-family residence using 500 cubic feet of water a month has only gone up an average of 1% annually the last nine years, for a total of about $2.83 a month.
“Many families, specifically those using 1,000 cubic feet or more, have seen their monthly bills decrease, primarily due to the removal of the higher two-tiered sewer rate,” he wrote.
“Therefore, the administration has diligently complied with budget policy to ‘minimize the impact of any tax and fee increases on residents.’”
Sequim continues to offer a low-income discount program for reduced utility bills for those who qualify. Read more at sequimwa.gov/440/Low-Income-Utility-Discount.
Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash City of Sequim staff budgeted $400,000 to create a parking lot and EV charging stations next to the Sequim Civic Center at now razed residences formerly known for various criminal activities.
Councilors approved a 1% increase in property taxes at their Nov. 13 meeting in a 4-2 vote, with Mayor Tom Ferrell and Deputy Mayor Brandon Janisse opposed and councilor William Armacost excused.
Councilors briefly discussed and acknowledged the financial impact of increases.
Downer highlighted the increases in general expenses for residents.
“I don’t know how people do it,” she said.
City staff indicated that even with the 1% increase, some people’s property taxes could go down depending on their assessments.
Sue Hagener, the city’s director of administrative services, said the property tax is an important part of the city’s varied tax-base that supports public safety, parks, streets and more.
Project plans
Across the city, staff have planned a variety of capital projects totaling about $12.7 million, with most securing funds or using city funds.
The most sizable project slated for construction is the Silberhorn Deep Well at $3.8 million. The project looks to increase water supply and meet forecasted water demands in 20 years, according to the city’s budget book.
It’ll be funded through a 20-year loan at 1.39% via the state’s Public Works Board with annual payments expended at about $275,000 using water revenues, staff report.
About $1.9 million from water and sewer funds is set for West Sequim Bay to expand water and sewer services and increase capacity for anticipated residential developments, John Wayne Marina and PNNL-Sequim.
One million dollars is budgeted to relocate sewer piping to underneath the Johnson Creek trestle bridge and repair the structure before the Department of Transportation begins work to improve fish passage in the area.
Another project estimated at $400,000 installs a parking lot next to the Sequim Civic Center to add more parking and EV charging stations, located on property that once housed residences known for various criminal activities.
City staff have budgeted $350,000 to replace four aging pedestrian bridges between Carrie Blake Community Park and the Reuse Demonstration Site across Bell Creek. City staff plan to make them compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and wide enough for mowers to go across.
Several other projects are scheduled, including annual pavement rehabilitation estimated at $618,000.
Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash One of the capital projects slated for 2024 includes replacing four timber bridges between Carrie Blake Community Park and the Reuse Demonstration Site across Bell Creek. It’s estimated to cost about $350,000 for the project.
City councilors agreed to a resolution solidifying their legislative priorities at their Nov. 13 meeting that seeks state funds for capital projects, such as $1.5 million towards site work construction for upgrading and expanding the city’s shop at 169 W. Hemlock St.
They also seek $10 million for the West Sequim Bay Corridor Infrastructure Project to serve utility installation for development and the expansion of PNNL-Sequim.
Health, human services
At their Nov. 14 meeting, city councilors voted 5-1 — with Downer opposed — to increasing the Sequim Health and Housing Collaborative’s contract from $110,000 to $133,100 following a new request from the multi-agency effort.
Christy Smith, CEO of United Way of Clallam County who serves as administrator for the contracts, said the money would go a long way to help “make sure everyone has a safe place to live and eat.”
The contract includes outreach to engage people about services, support people with emergency support services, such as hotel, rental, basic urgent care, chronic health care and wellness programming, and more services.
City staffing
Staff estimated that anticipated wages and benefits will increase about 2%, or by about $234,000, to about $11 million in 2024.
Total, staffing will increase by 1.44 full-time net hours to 95.71, including a fleet and asset manager, parks and facilities specialist, assistant clerk, accounting assistant, and two temporary positions for accounting and for planned retirement.
Following changes last year, Sequim Police Department moved to 22 sworn officers and one code enforcement officer to account for predicted personnel openings, increase in police incidents, and compliance with state mandated training and tactics, according to the city’s budget book.
More budget details
General Fund revenue projections are $12.68 million slightly above operational expenditures, staff report, with revenues and expenses projected to increase by 2%.
Debt on the Civic Center, 152 W. Cedar St., will continue with $700,000 budgeted to pay towards its bond.
For more about the 2024 budget, visit sequimwa.gov/1105/2024-Adopted-Budget.
