[Letter by Valerie King – North Bend Resident. Views expressed are those of the author, not the Living Snoqualmie website. You may submit letters to the editor info@livingsnoqualmie.com.]
I’ve lived in North Bend for a long time, and after watching the November 18th City Council meeting on YouTube, I’m worried about what’s happening with our city’s money and how decisions are being made. I’ve heard that the city is facing a $9.1 million deficit over the next few years, but I’m not hearing a clear plan to fix it. A $9.1 million deficit won’t magically fix itself.
I’m hearing that the city will memorialize some savings in 2026 when details about some contracts are solidified, but the makeup of the Council will be different in 2026. Maybe that council wouldn’t memorialize the savings that it can memorialize now.
At the meeting, Councilmember Torguson suggested moving $600,000 from the 2026 budget to the 2027 budget to help pay for the new police contract. That basically is a reduction for 2026. Then Councilmember Elwood suggested delaying the vote until December 2nd because maybe the amount should be smaller—or maybe it should be bigger. I think it would be better if it would be bigger. I think the suggested move should be done now.
It’s very upsetting that the city and some council members think that raising property taxes is an acceptable solution. People are already struggling. So many people I know have moved away, or are planning to move away, because it’s getting to be so unaffordable here. At this very meeting, the council approved the 1% levy increase. It’s surprising that the hit we take as taxpayers will total only $25,000 for the city, but it’s good that the council voted to have it go to the 2027 police contract fund.
I hope that the council will do as Councilmember Torguson suggested and move $600,000 from the 2026 to the 2027 budget, to reduce the 2026 budget, in preparation for what will be needed to pay for police service.
By a Concerned North Bend Resident
Comments
One way that the city is trying to cover that budget deficit is by annexing the Shamrock Park and Berry Estates neighborhoods behind Safeway against the will of the residents. We didn’t get to vote for anything that put the city in this position, and I do not think we should have to help dig them out.
There is a property owner who owns a large chunk of land back here as well as a lot of buildings in downtown who tells us it’s “a done deal”. I find this way of doing things- behind closed doors and with inside deals- absolutely disgusting.
Always raise property taxes. Never think about reducing spending. Cutting salaries. Run the cities like a business or better run it like a household. Don’t spend money you dont have. Balance your check book. Our government has gotten completely out of control. All these new houses means more property taxes and yet its never enough. Let’s cut all the paid leave that government workers get. I know a few City workers. “Working” from home doing nothing all day but making 2 phone calls. Retire at 58 and we pay and pay and pay