Walla Walla City Council tackles 2027 budget outlook and failed parks levy lessons

WALLA WALLA — The Walla Walla City Council began preliminary discussions for its 2027-2028 biennial budget on Monday, while also reviewing lessons learned from a failed park district ballot measure earlier this year.

Finance Director Liz Moeller presented the initial budget calendar and revenue outlook, marking the official start of the city’s two-year budget process. General fund tax revenues are currently projected at approximately $31 million for 2027 and $31.3 million for 2028. Moeller noted that these early forecasts assume a standard 1 percent property tax levy increase, which the city council is scheduled to vote on this October.

Later in the meeting, Parks and Recreation Director Andy Coleman delivered a post-mortem on the Metropolitan Park District ballot measure, which failed in February after receiving only 28 percent approval.

Coleman shared feedback collected by a community task force, citing voter concerns over the lack of a tax sunset date, poor economic timing, and a plan that voters felt was too large and complicated.

“Many just don’t want new taxes at all,” Coleman said, adding that public misinformation also negatively impacted the measure.

Looking ahead, the parks advisory board recommended officially revisiting funding strategies in February 2027. Despite the funding setback, Coleman identified a $2 million project to replace failing pond walls at Pioneer Park as an urgent health and safety priority that the city must still address.

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Elkhorn Media Group