Tag: #fiscalsustainability

A few things

amymcforduvall

As ballots arrive, I’ve noticed heightened online discussion and some understandable questions about the city’s budget.

Maintaining fiscal responsibility is essential — I agree we should never shift new costs onto residents without careful scrutiny. But claiming a blanket “$2 million deficit” without context is misleading.

First, municipal budgets are made up of multiple funds; a shortfall in one doesn’t automatically mean a crisis across the board. Second, Duvall maintains healthy reserves and mitigation funds precisely to absorb swings. Third, promising “no tax increases, no burden to residents” may sound reassuring, but real balance often requires tough choices: trimming non-essential programs, renegotiating contracts, prioritizing capital projects, or phasing adjustments over time.

As a voter, I’d want to hear how a candidate plans to make those trade-offs — which cuts they’d propose, or how they’d involve the community in that discussion.

As mayor, I’ll continue to insist on transparency: show which line items are unsustainable, present real alternatives, and walk residents through the trade-offs. I won’t rely on slogans or vague assurances. If there’s a structural gap, we’ll address it steadily and openly — not ignore it. Because trust is built by showing your work, not by promising the moon. Our full budget is online and available to the public here: https://stories.opengov.com/…/published/6MBzSG4wW… I’ll be looking to make this information even more accessible and understandable for residents moving forward.

The City Council recently approved a 0.1% sales tax dedicated to public safety. You can read more here: https://www.duvallwa.gov/…/AB-25-46—Ordinance-1340-on…

As our levy that funds the School Resource Officer at Cedarcrest High School expires in December, it was essential to identify a sustainable funding option for that position and for our police department overall — both of which remain high priorities for our community. Unlike levies, which expire after a set term, this sales tax provides a stable, long-term funding source that ensures continuity in public safety services without repeated renewal campaigns.

Where the Rest of the Money Lives

amymcforduvall

When you see numbers in the millions, it’s natural to wonder — is Duvall overspending?

Here’s what’s really happening:

A lot of our budget lives in restricted funds — like water, sewer, and stormwater utilities. Those are self-sustaining and paid for by user rates, not property taxes.

Then there are Capital and Street Funds, which rely on grants, impact fees, and savings for specific projects — like rebuilding 3rd Avenue or improving Main Street crossings.

Sometimes you’ll see a “negative” balance listed for one of those funds. That doesn’t mean the City is in debt — it often means we’re using reserves that were saved for exactly that purpose (for example, spending grant matches or construction savings).

In short: our funds are doing their jobs — maintaining the systems we rely on and investing in future improvements.

Fiscal Sustainability

amymcforduvall

As we plan for Duvall’s future, strong financial stewardship will continue to matter more than ever.

Over the years, our city has navigated tight budgets, rising costs, and growing demands on local services. City staff and leaders have worked hard to keep things running smoothly — and that effort deserves real recognition. I’m committed to honoring what’s been done — but also to taking a hard look at what’s not working, and driving the changes our community expects and deserves.

Fiscal responsibility isn’t just about spending less — it’s about being thoughtful with every dollar, communicating clearly, and investing in long-term solutions that serve the whole city.

If elected Mayor, I will:

• Prioritize sustainable, transparent budgeting

• Focus on long-term planning over short-term fixes

• Communicate clearly about where funds are going and why

• Make room for the things that matter most to Duvall — from infrastructure to public safety to parks and recreation

I look forward to working closely with our City Council, dedicated staff, and engaged community to keep Duvall moving forward with a shared commitment to transparency, sustainability, and fiscal responsibility.

We don’t need to wait for a crisis to make improvements. Real progress comes from thoughtful, intentional changes — grounded in listening, planning, and a shared belief that we can always do better for the people we serve.

This photo is from a Main Street building that recently got a makeover—and I love when businesses, while customizing for their needs, choose to preserve historic elements for everyone to enjoy. It keeps our community’s character alive!