Newcastle City Council Recaps November Meetings and Budget Adoption

Newcastle, WA – The Newcastle City Council has provided a summary of its November meetings, during which the primary focus was the adoption of the city’s 2025 budget. The council unanimously approved the budget on November 19, following extensive preparation by City Manager Scott Pingel and Finance Director Lindsay Chambers.

Key Highlights of the 2025 Adopted Budget

• Public Safety Funding: $695,927 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) will be transferred from the Cumulative Reserve Fund to the General Fund, with most of these funds allocated for police contracts.
• Admissions Tax Revenue: The city anticipates $245,000 in revenue for the General Fund from the newly implemented admissions tax.
• Property Tax Decision: The council decided to "bank" the allowable 1% property tax increase rather than collect an additional $62,872. This preserves the option to use this amount in a future budget if needed.
• General Fund Surplus: The General Fund is projected to close the fiscal year with a $133,000 surplus.

These financial decisions reflect a balance of meeting immediate needs and preparing for future fiscal flexibility.

Updates on Public Safety Committee

The council also addressed questions about the Ad-Hoc Public Safety Committee, noting that it has transitioned into a private entity. While no longer officially affiliated with the city, the committee plans to continue its work independently.

Storm Response Discussion

A recent extended power outage sparked a robust council discussion about the city’s storm response. Feedback from residents was shared during the meeting, contributing to ongoing evaluations of how the city can improve preparedness and communication during emergencies.

Looking Ahead

The next Newcastle City Council meeting is scheduled for January 7, 2025. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions about the city’s future initiatives.

The city extends its warm holiday wishes to the community and looks forward to upcoming seasonal events that celebrate the spirit of Newcastle.