The Battle Ground City Council unanimously adopted the city’s 2026 budget during its Dec. 1 meeting, signing off on a $102.9 million plan that leans heavily on capital work, street preservation, and new public safety staffing.
The budget utilizes an estimated $89 million in revenue and draws roughly $14.1 million in fund balances for one-time projects, equipment and infrastructure. Capital work accounts for nearly a third of all spending, at $29.9 million. Personnel costs account for $16.9 million and services cost a total $20.1 million.
A key piece of the plan is a new 0.1 percent public safety sales tax that takes effect April 1, 2026. That tax is part of the city’s total 8.7 percent sales tax rate and is expected to bring in about $500,000 during its first nine months, then roughly $667,000 per year, depending on the economy. The tax will fund two new police officers and their associated costs. The budget also includes four new full-time positions citywide, bringing staffing to 105.75 employees.
Transportation remains a major focus. The city has $17.1 million in capital transportation projects planned, supported by state and federal grants, impact fees, and general fund dollars. Major projects include $4.3 million for SE Grace Avenue, $1 million for NW 5th Street improvements and $800,000 for the W 15th Avenue and W Main Street intersection. Street preservation is funded at $3.3 million.
Parks improvements total $2.8 million, including work supported by grants and park impact fees. Those projects include $1.5 million for Remy Park improvements, $430,000 in equipment for Florence Robinson Park, $630,000 for bathroom upgrades at the Skate Park and Kiwanis Park and $50,000 for McConnell Park. Utility funds continue multiyear water and sewer infrastructure projects that began in 2024 and are slated for completion in 2026.
Mayor Troy McCoy praised the council’s involvement in the process before the unanimous vote.
“I think this is the most I've seen individual counselors dig into the budget (and) take an interested and productive view or part in it, it's great to see. It takes many voices, to make this … good job, everybody, for really taking the most important part of our job seriously,” he said.
