As prescribed by Washington State Law, the City Manager must submit a proposed budget for the City Council to review and adopt every two years. Citizens are invited to attend and participate in budget meetings starting next month. The 2009-2010 budget will be discussed at City Council meetings as follows:

Oct. 6: Regular Council meeting, 7 p.m.

City Manager and Finance Director’s summary presentation of the 2009-2010 biennial budget to the Council.

Oct. 20: Council meeting, 7 p.m.

Proposed 2009-2010 operating budget: City Council, City Manager’s Office City Attorney’s Office, Community and Organization Relations, Finance Department, Municipal Court, Youth and Family Services and Development Services Group.

Nov. 3: Council meeting, 7 p.m.

Proposed 2009-2010 operating budget: Police and fire departments, Parks and Recreation, and the Maintenance department.

Nov. 17: Council meeting, 7 p.m.

Follow-up items of proposed operating budget, revenues and finalized changes, the proposed 2009-2010 Capital Improvement Program and adoption of the 2009 property tax levy.

Dec. 8: Special meeting, 6 p.m.

Adoption of 2009 utility rates, 2009 fee increases (if any) and a 2009-2010 budget ordinance.