City Council Committee Agendas
Regular MeetingMount Vernon, WA · November 12, 2025
Minutes
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Public Works and Library Committee
November 12, 2025
SUMMARY
1. Finance
2026 Budget Revenue Sources Overview
2026 Projected Revenue: $93.13 million (up nearly 3% from 2025).
Property Tax Revenue: Increased from $9.48 million to $14 million
due to a levy lid lift.
Sales Tax: Estimated at $10 million, same level as 2024 and 2025
est.
Gov’t Operating Funds Revenue: $51.68 million (13.5% increase),
with taxes comprising 19.4%.
Finance Director: Doug Volesky noted assessed values rose from
$5.9B to $6.3B.
2. Public Works Director Update
Purchasing Policies
Proposed updates to policies last amended over 15 years ago.
Mayor’s Signing Authority: Increased to $350,000.
Department Heads: Authorized to approve purchases up to
$100,000.
Change Orders: Mayor may approve up to 20% of contract value.
Council may delay vote until after January 1, 2026, due to 50%
turnover.
3. Library
Commissary Kitchen: Phased opening with limited shifts and users.
Out-of-District Card Fees: May increase from $80 to $104 annually.
Community Programs: Strong attendance at author talks and craft
events.
Art Wall: Installed with support from Parks and Arts Commission.
4. Public Works and Capital Projects
Sewer Separation Plan: 10-phase plan aligning with long-term
goals.
Park Street Generator: Installed ($78,752) with $20,000 in electrical
work pending.
Laventure Road Widening: On schedule despite weather delays.
Kulshan Trail Safety Lighting: Consultant selection by January.
TIP Updates (2027–2032): Being expedited to align with budget
cycle.
5. Parks and Recreation
Bakerview Restroom Restoration: Delayed due to electrical issues.
Change Order: $12,345 added to $68,229 contract; fully covered by
WCIA insurance.
Focus remains on fire damage repair only.
6. Animal Control Ordinance Update
New Ordinances: Replace licensing with vaccination and
microchipping.
Compliance Window: 20 days to show proof and dismiss violations.
Action Items
Chris Phillips:
Email council the updated purchasing thresholds.
Draft and circulate ordinance for council review before January
1, 2026.
Jennifer Berner:
Proceed with restroom change order execution.
Doug Volesky:
Finalize budget documents for public hearing and adoption.
Kevin Rogerson:
Respond to council questions on animal control ordinance.
City Council:
Review purchasing policy materials in preparation for January
discussion.
Agenda
CITY OF MOUNT VERNON
PUBLIC WORKS AND LIBRARY COMMITTEE
AGENDA
November 12, 2025, 6:00 p.m.
Police Court Campus, 1805 Continental Place
1. OPENING CEREMONIES
A. Call to Order
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. October 8, 2025, Public Works and Library
B. October 15, 2025, Development Services
C. October 22, 2025, Finance & Parks and Recreation
D. October 29, 2025, Committee of the Whole
4. FINANCE – Doug Volesky
A. Continue 2026 Budget Discussion
5. PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR UPDATES – Chris Phillips
A. Purchasing Policies
6. PARKS AND RECREATION – Jennifer Berner
A. Bakerview Park Restroom Update
7. LIBRARY – Isaac Huffman
A. Makerspace, Teen Area, and Programs Review
B. Skagit County Library Support
8. PUBLIC WORKS
1. Surface Water Utility Updates – Blaine Chesterfield
A. On-Call Environmental Services Agreement
B. Park Street Pump Station Generator
2. City Engineer Updates – Frank Reinert
A. LaVenture Road Widening
B. Combined Sewer Separation Study
C. Pavement Preservation Plan Update
D. 30th Street Improvements
E. Kulshan Trail Safety Lighting-3
F. Riverside Drive Improvements 1 & 2
G. 2027-2032 Transportation Improvement Plan Timeline
Public Works and Library Committee
November 12, 2025
Page 2 of 2
9. MISCELLANEOUS
10. AGENDA REQUESTS
11. ADJOURNMENT
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