Woodinville officials Brandon Buchanan, who is the city manager, and Blaine Fritts, the city's financial director, recently reviewed the budget and proposed changes with members of the city council, according to an article in the Woodinville Weekly.
Fritts discussed employee benefits, noting there has been a 3% increase in benefits to offset the rise in the cost of living. The cost of medical premiums with high deductibles has risen, but the higher costs also come with more coverage. Dental premiums will also increase, but the city has switched to a plan that offers far more coverage.
The report discussed the police department's staffing needs, suggesting it needs to add two officers: a patrol officer and a patrol sergeant. The need for a patrol officer stems from the fact that two new housing developments, Vinterra and Woodin Creek, are expected to generate more calls for police assistance.
The patrol sergeant would help take the weight off the single individual who currently acts as ‘Patrol/Administrative/Detective Sergeant’, and also fills in for the Police Chief. The second sergeant would allow the department to streamline police work.
The report also proposed creating two entirely new positions: Intergovernmental Affairs Coordinator and Purchasing/Contract Manager. Both would help meet the needs of the growing community as it interacts with other private and governmental entities.
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