Seattle council preps for final vote on plan to close $175M deficit
(The Center Square) - Mayor Katie Wilson’s plan to balance Seattle’s $175 million deficit ahead of next year will reach a final vote next week, as the city council considers $55.5 million in additional spending. Under her proposal, Wilson plans to balance the general fund’s structural gap by reprioritizing existing revenue sources to fund her agenda, various account transfers and relying on available fund balances. The council wants to add $55.5 million in amendments above Wilson’s 2027-28 budget to fund district priorities. The nine members spent Friday reviewing Councilmember Dan Strauss’ “balancing package” before deciding next Monday what else to add or remove ahead of a final budget vote set for Nov. 20. The back-and-forth over the proposed budget since it was first unveiled last month has led to some concern on the council. “I have to admit, at times this process has not felt, or has felt less than forthright,” Councilmember Maritza Rivera said, citing 3,000 pages of accompanying materials. “It feels like we don't have all the information at the proper time we should … and it also makes our constituents distrust government.” Under Wilson’s plan, the city would still face a roughly $23 million deficit in 2027,
