Federal Way City Council adopts 2017-18 biennial budget

The Federal Way City Council unanimously passed the 2017-18 biennial budget on Tuesday.

Ordinance No. 16-826, the $299.2 million two-year budget results in about $150 million each year and includes an additional nine police officers, the reorganization of the Mayor’s Office, and a cost of living increase for city employees.

The 294-page budget Mayor Jim Ferrell proposed in September sticks to the council’s reserve policy of 17 percent of on-hand cash, or $9 million in the bank, and adds Performing Arts and Event Center employees.

To pay for the $3 million the additional officers cost, the council approved an increase of admission taxes, Transportation Business District fees and business registration fees.

The city must also pay $935,000 in debt services to SCORE jail in 2017 and another $934,000 in 2018. Other highlights include $20,000 a year for the Historical Society of Federal Way and a $300,000 investment in the market competitive salaries for city employees.