Ridgefield City Council 2022 Budget Adopted on December 2, 2021

RIDGEFIELD, WA – Ridgefield Council members adopted a balanced $62.9 million 2022 Budget at the City Council meeting on December 2, 2021, setting the framework for the operating and capital budgets for 2022. The budget includes key community investments in people and projects including better roads, parks, trails, and public safety. Public Hearings on the budget were held during the City Council meetings on November 18 and December 2.

“The 2022 budget is the result of strategic planning to fund all core city services, and responsibly invest in key community priorities including transportation, parks and trails, water quality and quantity, managing growth, and public safety,” said Mayor Don Stose. Ridgefield uses seven City Council goals and community surveys to guide and develop the annual budget according to council and resident priorities. New to the budget in 2022, each department has implemented performance measures to quantify how the city is performing in meeting Council’s goals.

Investments in community priorities include:

• Street Projects funded with developer fees: Royle Road Roundabout Construction, Pioneer Street Widening and Roundabout Design, Pioneer Street East Extension Design and Construction, Hillhurst Multi-Modal Trail Construction.
• Park Projects funded with developer fees: YMCA Site Plan & Permitting, Overlook Park Splash Pad Construction, Skate Park Alternatives Analysis, Horns Corner Park Phase 1 Construction, Refuge Park Phase 1 Construction, Gee Creek Trail Heron Drive to Main Ave, Smythe to Reiman Trail Construction.

Additional highlights from the budget include:

• Investments in public safety (Hydrant Replacement Project, two additional Police Officers, Public Safety Facility Improvements)
• Maintenance of existing parks and trails (Abrams Park Upgrades and Bridge Maintenance)
• Management of growth (Water Main construction, Community survey follow up, Communications System Upgrades)

The 2022 Budget includes a decreased cost to Ridgefield residents, featuring the lowest property tax rates, stormwater and water rates of any city providing service in Clark County. Residents will also see a decreased sanitary sewer rate.

Even with extensive investments in residents and infrastructure, as well as decreasing the burden on residents, the City of Ridgefield remains committed to maintaining strong reserves to cover future emergencies, capital repair and replacement, debt service, retirement, or downturns in the economy.

Access to the 2022 budget is available at on the city website or at City Hall (230 Pioneer St) Monday-Friday 7:30AM to 4:30PM.