Federal Way mayor proposes 2021-22 biennial budget

Emphasis on city beautification, public safety

By Mirror Staff • September 20, 2020 1:30 am
Federal Way mayor proposes 2021-22 biennial budget

With an emphasis on public safety and maintaining a clean and litter-free city, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell presented his proposed 2021-22 biennial budget to the Federal Way City Council on Sept. 15.

The mayor’s proposed 2021-22 biennial budget aims to avoid any layoffs of city staff, maintain the current level of service, fully fund most reserve accounts, invest in key information technology infrastructure, and allocate funding for improvements to the Community Center and Dumas Bay Centre.

“My proposed budget is one that reflects many of the priorities that I have continued to focus on throughout my six years as mayor,” Ferrell said. “This balanced budget delivers what the community expects and deserves — without raising taxes, laying off any city employees, or dipping into the general fund reserve, all while continuing to provide the same level of services.”

For public safety, the proposed budget adequately funds the police department to respond to the current needs of the community, adds three officers to bring the total number on the force to 137 (up from the authorized 134), and provides funding for jail services.

For capital projects, the mayor proposes a two-year study and design of a new Public Works’ Shop for a total of $500,000. This, along with several other projects, could be possible by refinancing two old bonds (FWCC 2013 GO Bond and 2017 GO Bond) to lower annual payments.

The proposed budget also puts a focus on city beautification, providing ongoing funds to maintain two full-time positions dedicated to cleaning up litter throughout the city, as well as funds to add a graffiti technician to address other cosmetic issues.

Funding was also allocated for the “Eyes on Federal Way” customer service app, which will be released later this year. The app will help residents notify the city of any garbage and litter that needs to cleaned up.

The 2021-22 budget process continues over the next four months, with nine upcoming budget meetings. To view the entire proposed budget, visit cityoffederalway.com/budget.