A transition from major facility projects of years past to water distribution infrastructure, streets, equipment, and long-term building maintenance for future budgets was presented at the Washington City Council’s special session Tuesday night.

The session was held for a fiscal year 2022 budget workshop, in which City Administrator Brent Hinson stated that the general fund budget is being kept at $1 million, with the same property tax levy as last year at about $15.22 per $1,000 valuation, 2% average non-union salary increases, and a general fund spending net change of -0.76%. Other budget highlights include $50,000 allocated from water and sewer funds for Geographic Information System mapping with Garden & Associates, replacement of the K9 patrol vehicle for the police department and a possible replacement of the chief’s vehicle, and replacement of the fire department’s air packs. Hinson says they plan to apply to the Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters program to replace the packs which are nearing the end of their 15-year life span.

The council also discussed a proposed $2.2 million General Obligation bond issuance this year, which would go toward the 2021 Water Main Project, the extension of South 11th Street, and police and fire capital equipment. Capital projects mentioned include East Adams Street paving at $1.35 million, a new airport fuel farm at $200,000, engineering and initial work on plat 2 of the NLW residential development estimated at $200,000, traffic signals at South 12th and East Washington at $400,000 with $300,000 funded by the Iowa Department of Transportation, and Wellness Park soccer field lighting and Phase 1B completion at $460,000.