Auburn meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Auburn council approves 0.01% sales tax, budget amendment; police eligibility list advances

The Auburn City Council voted 7-0 on Oct. 12 to approve Ordinance No. 7042, authorizing an additional 0.01% sales and use tax. According to the city's summary of the meeting, the tax aligns with state law and allows Auburn to collect its portion of funds after King County adopted the measure earlier in October 2026. The summary describes the measure as a sales tax increase for children and family services.

Budget amendment and school bond support

At its Oct. 5 meeting, the council voted 7-0 to approve Ordinance No. 7031, amending the city's 2025-2026 biennial budget. The meeting summary does not state a dollar amount for the amendment.

The council also adopted Resolution No. 5929 on a 7-0 vote, supporting the Auburn School District's school construction bond. The summary describes the resolution as a statement of support; it does not describe a city funding commitment.

In the same meeting, the council appointed Jenny Chen, Joshua Choi, Alise Lee, Izabella Pogosian and Kristy Rogacheva to the Junior City Council through Aug. 31, 2028, on a 7-0 vote, and approved the consent agenda of past minutes, claims vouchers and payroll vouchers, also 7-0.

Study session draws no votes

The council met Oct. 12 for a study session covering the Office of Equity, Engagement and Outreach 2026-2027 Work Plan, Resolution No. 5928 on the 2027 City Fee Schedule, and 2027 Legislative Agenda Priorities. The minutes record presentations and discussion but no final decisions, approvals or votes.

Boards and commissions: what was decided

The Civil Service Commission on Oct. 13 approved the Sept. 8, 2026, meeting minutes, an entry-level police officer eligibility list with 11 candidates dated Oct. 7, 2026, an animal control officer eligibility list with 3 candidates dated Oct. 7, 2026, and updated Civil Service Rules dated Oct. 13, 2026. A proposed title change for a non-commissioned position was tabled to the November 2026 meeting.

The Junior City Council on Oct. 14 approved its Sept. 23, 2026, minutes and finalized four subcommittees: Arts, Community Events, Policy and Civic Engagement. Members agreed to proceed with the Oct. 28 meeting despite the absence of staff member Jonathan Glover, and discussed upcoming event participation and a future report to the City Council on youth survey findings.

Still pending: items heard but not yet final

Minutes have not been published for several Oct. 6 and later meetings, so the following are agenda items only, not outcomes:

• The Planning Commission was scheduled to hold public hearings, deliberate and vote on adopting the Climate Element 5-Year Implementation Plan as an appendix to the Comprehensive Plan, and on creating a new Chapter 18.80 of the Auburn City Code for Development Agreements. The commission is a seven-member advisory body; its actions are recommendations to the City Council, not final decisions.
• The Parks & Recreation Board was set to take initial feedback on naming the new Downtown Park and to hear on a potential partnership or donation from the Auburn Noon Lions Club.
• The LEOFF Disability Board was scheduled to review and vote on member claims, including assisted living expenses of $8,492.00 for Sept. 9-30, 2026 (Member #350627), medical expenses of $300.00 and dental expenses of $804.20 and $473.10 (Member #193495), and home health care expenses of $1,821.25 plus supplies of $172.84 (Member #444135). New claims listed were dental $50.00 (Member #948705), vision $55.00 (Member #779147) and medical $204.00 (Member #910342). The board was also scheduled to elect its Fire Representative.
• The Arts Commission was set to interview 2027-29 Poet Laureate candidates Nancy Colson and Ziarre McGuire.
• The Business Improvement Area Committee and the Cemetery Board also had agenda items on financial updates, visioning, drainage and public art.

Coming up

The City Council meets Oct. 19. Scheduled items include Ordinance No. 7027 on Development Agreements, Resolution No. 5928 adjusting the 2027 Fee Schedule, Resolution No. 5930 on the 2027 Valley Regional Fire Authority Fee Schedule, Resolution No. 5931 authorizing an agreement with Taqueria El Taco Maestro 2 LLC, D/B/A: Taco Tecalitlan, and claims vouchers totaling over $5.3 million. No other upcoming meetings appear in the records provided.

Auburn council approves 2025-2026 budget amendment, backs school bond; sales tax proposal on the table

The Auburn City Council voted 7-0 on Oct. 5 to approve Ordinance No. 7031, amending the city's 2025-2026 biennial budget, and adopted Resolution No. 5929 supporting the Auburn School District's school construction bond. The official minutes record both actions but do not state a dollar amount for the budget amendment or for the bond.

Council decisions from Oct. 5

All four recorded actions were unanimous, 7-0:

• Approved Ordinance No. 7031 amending the City's 2025-2026 Biennial Budget
• Adopted Resolution No. 5929 supporting the Auburn School District's School Construction Bond
• Approved appointments of Jenny Chen, Joshua Choi, Alise Lee, Izabella Pogosian and Kristy Rogacheva to the Junior City Council through Aug. 31, 2028
• Approved the consent agenda, which included past minutes, claims vouchers and payroll vouchers

Budget workshops produced no decisions

The Council held 2027-2028 biennial budget workshops on Sept. 29 and Sept. 30. The Sept. 29 session covered the General Fund, the Capital Program and the Transportation Improvement Plan. The Sept. 30 session covered various city funds and department programs, with discussion of funding priorities and operational costs. The minutes state that no substantive decisions were made on Sept. 29 and that no formal actions were taken on Sept. 30.

Sales tax proposal before the Council

The Council's Oct. 12 agenda listed Ordinance No. 7042, which proposes an additional 0.01% Sales and Use Tax to assist children and their families. The same agenda listed Resolution No. 5928, amending the city fee schedule for 2027 fees, a discussion of 2027 legislative agenda priorities, and an update from the Office of Equity, Engagement and Outreach. Minutes for that meeting have not been published, so no outcome is recorded here.

Boards and commissions, Oct. 6-8

Agendas were published for several bodies; minutes are not yet available, so the items below are what was scheduled, not what was decided.

Parks & Recreation Board was to hear a recap of summer camps and recreation programs, updates on Master Builder tree planting at Brannan Park and Recreation Conservation Office grants, and a potential partnership or donation from the Auburn Noon Lions Club. It was also to take initial feedback on naming the new Downtown Park and vote on July 7, 2026 minutes.

Planning Commission scheduled public hearings and votes on adopting the Climate Element 5-Year Implementation Plan as an appendix to the Comprehensive Plan and on creating a new Chapter 18.80 of the Auburn City Code for Development Agreements. The Commission is a seven-member advisory body; its actions are recommendations to the City Council, not final decisions. Staff updates on 2026 Comprehensive Plan map and text amendments were also listed.

LEOFF Disability Board was to review and vote on member claims, including assisted living expenses of $8,492.00 for Sept. 9-30, 2026 for Member #350627 (partially approved Sept. 8); medical expenses of $300.00 and dental expenses of $804.20 and $473.10 for Member #193495 (tabled Sept. 8); and home health care expenses of $1,821.25 (Aug. 21-Sept. 18) plus supplies of $172.84 for Member #444135. New claims listed were dental $50.00 for Member #948705, vision $55.00 for Member #779147 and medical $204.00 for Member #910342. The board was also to elect its Fire Representative.

Arts Commission was to interview two candidates for the 2027-29 Poet Laureate position, Nancy Colson and Ziarre McGuire, and hear presentations on 2027 galleries and Fire Hydrant Public Art.

Business Improvement Area committee was to review a financial update and a Downtown Auburn Cooperative report, and discuss BIA visioning, planning and a community survey.

Coming up

• **Cemetery Board, Oct. 13:** 10th Addition Cemetery Drainage Project update, Enterprise Fund City Council budget presentation, Centennial Viewpoint Park public art installation, Outside Marker Sales Policy update and water utility expenses.
• **Civil Service Commission, Oct. 13:** votes on the Entry Level Police Officer and Animal Control Officer eligibility lists, updated Civil Service Rules, and a title change from Parking Control Attendant to Parking Control Officer.
• **Junior City Council, Oct. 14:** Open Public Meeting Act training from City Clerk Shawn Campbell, a presentation on government relations and the Washington State Legislature, selection of subcommittees, and selection of attendees for the Veterans Day Parade, Santa Parade and Breakfast with Santa.

Note: For meetings marked agenda only, this roundup reflects scheduled items. Outcomes will be available when official minutes are published.

Auburn boards to weigh zoning, LEOFF claim; no decisions from past week

Auburn's four meetings held over the past two weeks were all agenda-only sessions, with minutes not yet published, so no final decisions have been recorded. The most consequential items ahead are a City Council study session on zoning updates and a Pierce Transit ballot measure, and a LEOFF board vote on a $12,938.80 assisted-living claim.

Recent meetings (no decisions finalized)

Human Services Committee (Aug. 10) – The committee will consider ratifying a motion from July 7, 2026, that reverses a Feb. 23, 2026, motion which inadvertently changed the published scoring rubric. It will also discuss Homelessness and Housing Stability applications and approve minutes from the July 14, 2026, special meeting. Public comment was accepted in person or in writing.

Civil Service Commission (Aug. 11) – The commission will consider approving the Entry Level Police Officer Eligibility List and the Animal Control Officer Eligibility List, along with minutes from the July 14, 2026, meeting. A public comment period was scheduled.

Business Improvement Area (Aug. 13) – The committee will approve minutes from April 9, 2026, hear a downtown cooperative report, review finances (presented by Emerson Folker), and discuss BIA visioning and planning with Director Krum and Jenn Francis. Also on the agenda: a community survey and fire hydrant update.

LEOFF Board (Aug. 19) – The Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters Disability Board will consider a tabled claim for $12,938.80 in assisted living expenses for LEOFF 1 Member #350627, covering services from June 25 to July 31, 2026. The board will also approve minutes from the Aug. 4, 2026, meeting.

Coming up

Human Services Committee (Aug. 24) – The committee will review scored Tier 1 applications for Homelessness and Housing Stability and for Basic Needs/Job Training/Education programs. It will also approve minutes from the Aug. 10 meeting. A representative from Catholic Community Services' Katherine and Rita's House will attend but not speak. Public comment is accepted in person or in writing by 5 p.m. the day before.

City Council (Aug. 24) – A study session will include a presentation on Pierce Transit Proposition 1, plus discussions on two ordinances: No. 7025 (daycare zoning) and No. 7026 (live/work zoning). Also on the agenda: a community fitness program and guidance for elected officials' social media use. No final votes are scheduled; these are discussion items.

All items listed are from official agendas; no decisions have been reported for the past week's meetings.

Auburn Planning Commission sends Gateway zoning amendment to Council; City Council set to act on broadband franchise, court appointment

Planning Commission recommends Auburn Gateway zoning change

The only body with published minutes this period, the Planning Commission, voted 6-0 on July 7 to recommend the Auburn Gateway Zoning Text Amendment to the City Council as proposed by staff. The commission also approved its June 2, 2026, draft minutes 6-0. The recommendation now goes to the City Council for final action.

City Council agendas: broadband franchise, airport loan, police guild agreement

The City Council's July 6 agenda included a public hearing on a wireline telecommunications franchise agreement for Astound Broadband, LLC (Agreement No. FRN24-0004). The same agenda listed Resolution No. 5916, a $1,320,000.00 loan agreement for Airport T-Hangar Upgrades (Project No. CP2518); Ordinance No. 7023 amending the City's 2025-2026 Biennial Budget; Resolution No. 5918 on a collective bargaining agreement for the Auburn Police Support Guild Non-Commissioned Unit 2025-2027; and payroll vouchers totaling $3,974,552.67 for June 11 to July 1, 2026. Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published, so outcomes are not available.

On July 13, the Council held a study session agenda covering Ordinance No. 7029 regarding electric-assisted bicycles and electric motorcycles, a Flock Camera Audit presentation, a draft supplement to the Automated Traffic Safety Camera 2025 Program Expansion Study, and a Municipal Court Judge candidate presentation. Minutes are not yet published.

Boards and commissions meet on grants, trees, parks, and salaries

The Human Services Committee met July 7 to establish Tier Ranking Criteria for Human Services Grant Applications, which staff will use for initial review before committee scoring. On July 14, the committee was scheduled to review 2026-2027 grant applications and approve minutes from June 22 and July 7.

The Urban Tree Board's July 7 agenda included approval of May 2026 minutes, discussion of 2026 heritage trees with Park Planning Manager Thaniel Gouk, and noted the resignation of board member Benjamin Woodhouse.

The Parks & Recreation Board on July 7 was set to discuss e-bike and e-motorcycle law updates, NRPA's Parks and Recreation Month, Summer Camp 2026 updates, and approval of June 2026 minutes.

The Civil Service Commission met July 14 to consider the Entry Level Police Officer Eligibility List and the Animal Control Officer Eligibility List, plus approval of June 9, 2026, minutes.

The Independent Salary Commission met July 16 to discuss salary adjustment philosophy and review criteria for identifying comparable jurisdictions, with public comment due by 5:00 p.m. the day before the meeting.

Coming up

The City Council meets July 20 with a packed agenda, including confirmation of Sara Watson as Municipal Court Judge (Position No. 2, 2027-2029); a $55,000 increase to Public Works Contract No. 26-103 for Project CP2227 (ARC Upgrade and Repairs); Ordinance No. 7024 granting Astound Broadband, LLC a wireline telecommunications franchise; Resolution No. 5919 to seek a Public Works Trust Fund loan for the East Valley Highway Widening Project (CP2311); and Resolution No. 5912 authorizing the mayor to execute a First Amendment to the lease with Rainier Flight Services, LLC.