Council to hear 2027 budget briefing and weigh a $44,200 Public Works study
A preview of the Wednesday, October 28 meeting from the city's agenda packet. Nothing here has been decided yet.
The short version: The Orting City Council meets Wednesday, October 28, at 5:00 p.m. (study session) and 6:00 p.m. (regular meeting) at City Hall, 104 Bridge Street S, with Zoom participation available. The main decisions are a proposed consultant contract for a Public Works review and a resolution setting the 2026 meeting calendar. The council will also hold a public hearing on the 2027 preliminary budget.
Up for a vote
- Public Works Organizational Assessment (AB26-67). The council is asked to authorize the Mayor to sign a professional services agreement with 65th North Group to review the city's Public Works department, at a cost not to exceed $44,200. An ad hoc committee recommended this firm from three finalists (65th North Group, Baker Tilly, and Matrix Consulting Group), whose scores were within 1 to 2 points of each other. The packet says the firm lowered its rate from $67,450 and includes one on-site week in a 12-week timeline. The packet lists the amount budgeted as $0, with $44,200 shown as the unexpended balance.
- 2026 Council Meeting Calendar (AB26-122). The council is asked to approve Resolution No. 2026-30, which updates the 2026 meeting schedule after Ordinance No. 2026-1168 changed it. Regular business meetings would be held on the second and last Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. Study sessions would move to the third Wednesday of each month at 9:00 a.m. This resolution replaces Resolution No. 2026-07.
Discussion and presentations
- Leasehold Excise Tax Agreement (AB26-115). Finance Director Tammy Moter will brief the council in the study session on an agreement with the Washington State Department of Revenue to collect a local leasehold excise tax. The tax applies to private use of publicly owned property and was imposed by Ordinance No. 2026-1159, effective January 1, 2027. The packet says the state keeps 2% to cover collection costs, and the tax is remitted monthly. The packet lists no cost to the city. The agenda does not list a motion for this item, though the summary sheet recommends authorizing the Mayor to sign the agreement.
- Round table discussion. Mayor Drennen will lead an open discussion among council members during the study session.
- Pierce County Library presentation. Representatives from the Pierce County Library System will present to the council.
- 2027 Preliminary Budget (AB26-112), public hearing. Finance Director Tammy Moter will present a memo covering city services, funds and revenue sources, revenue and expense changes, staffing changes, and the city's approach to fiscal responsibility for the 2027 budget. This is a public hearing, so residents may comment. No motion is recommended.
Routine business
The consent agenda includes claims vouchers totaling $1,273,226.08 (including $11,277.01 in electronic transfers and one voided warrant of $92.10), payroll deposits of $317,905.19 for October 1 to 15, 2026, and minutes from the October 10 budget workshop and October 14 council meeting. It also includes AB26-117, a facility rental agreement letting Big J's Outdoor Store hold its annual holiday sale at the Orting Station from December 7 to 13, 2026, for a flat fee of $1,000. The packet notes that hourly rates would otherwise total about $3,700. The recommended motion is to approve the consent agenda as prepared.
How to take part
- In person: Orting City Hall, 104 Bridge St S, 5:00 pm
- Join on Zoom
- Watch live on Pierce County TV
- Written comments: email [email protected] by 3pm on the day of the meeting.
