2026-08-12 Work Session MinutesRichfield City Council Work Session Minutes
August 12, 2026
Richfield Municipal Center Bartholomew Conference Room 6700 Portland Avenue South
1.Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Supple at 04:49 PM in the Bartholomew Conference Room.
Council Present: Mary Supple, Walter Burk, Sharon Christensen, Sean Hayford Oleary, and Rori Coleman-Woods.
Staff Present: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Steve McDaniel, Budget, Debt, and Cash Manager; KristinAsher, Public Works Director; Joe Powers, City Engineer; Karl Huemiller, Recreation Services Director; LisaParadise, Assistant Finance Director; Jay Henthorne, Public Safety Director; Chris Fierst, Liquor OperationsManager; Sack Thongvahn, Assistant City Manager; Mary Bogie, Finance Director; Melissa Poehlman,Community Development Director; Andrew Spear, IT Manager; Courtney DesCamps, Senior Analyst; andKate Croteau, Human Resources Director.
Guest Presenters: Rebecca Kurtz, Ehlers, Inc.
2.Item Discussion
a.Preview the preliminary 2027 Budget and provide long-term financial planning update assummarized in the Financial Management Plan (FMP). Preview proposed utility rates, proposedCity fees and the proposed 2027 Capital Improvement Budget (CIB) and 2028-2031 CapitalImprovement Plan (CIP).
City Manager Rodriguez provided an overview of the work session. Budget, Cash, and Debt ManagerSteve McDaniel then reviewed the Financial Management Plan (FMP) and introduced Rebecca Kurtz ofEhlers, Inc., who presented the City’s long-term financial projections. The proposed 2027 levy is$33,193,791, a 4.54% increase over 2026.
Council discussed the projected property tax impact, including changes in residential and commercialproperty values. The City Council asked questions regarding the projected increases and calculationmethodology.
The FMP presentation concluded at 5:58 p.m. Council recessed and reconvened at 6:08 p.m.
Mr. McDaniel provided an update on the preliminary 2027 budget, with additional department-level detailsto be presented at the next work session. Staff also reviewed proposed 2027 City fee changes, includingadjustments to development and inspection fees, business licenses, Public Works fees, and RecreationServices fees.
Staff presented the 2027 utility update and the proposed 2027 Capital Improvement Budget (CIB) and2028-2031 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The 2027 CIB totals approximately $26.4 million andincludes investments in parks and recreation, transportation, utilities, facilities, fleet, and technology.
Council provided feedback on the proposed levy increase and expressed support for proceeding withstaff’s recommendation. Staff also discussed the remaining budget process, including the Truth inTaxation hearing and certification of the final levy in December.
3.Adjournment
The work session adjourned at 7:41 p.m.
Date Approved:
August 25, 2026
____________________________ Mary Supple Mayor
____________________________ Michelle Friedrich City Clerk
____________________________ Katie Rodriguez City Manager