Ridgefield City Council members approve 2017 budget

RIDGEFIELD — Ridgefield City Council members unanimously adopted the 2017 budget at the Dec. 1 city council meeting. Council members approved a $20.2 million budget, consisting of $9.2 million for operating funds, $3.9 million for special revenue funds and $6.9 million in capital improvements. The 2017 capital projects include $2.75 million in grant funding. Highlights of the 2017 budget include:

• System and technology upgrades to create efficiencies in daily operations.
• Increase staffing by four full-time positions.
• Complete design and begin construction for the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex.
• Design and construction of additional walking and biking trails.
• Master planning for the Gee Creek Trail.
• Street maintenance and improvement projects.
• LED street light replacement.
• Sidewalk improvements in the downtown area.
• Police facility expansion.

“In 2016 the city invested in capital improvements that support responsible growth in Ridgefield,” said Ridgefield City Manager Steve Stuart. “The 2017 budget builds on the planning conducted over the past two years to insure we are serving our citizens.” The city of Ridgefield’s 2017 adopted budget is available on the city’s website at http://www.ci.ridgefield.wa.us/finance/page/budget-0.