City of Leavenworth to hold public hearing on preliminary 2027-2028 budget

LEAVENWORTH — The Leavenworth City Council will hold a public hearing Tuesday on the city's proposed 2027-28 budget, which includes funding for street improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and the city’s community center project.

The public hearing is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Nov. 10 inside Leavenworth City Hall, with an option to attend virtually. Finance Director Chantell Steiner and City Administrator Matthew Selby will provide a budget presentation to the public and council members during the meeting.

A Nov. 6 draft of the preliminary budget proposes $3.6 million in street capital expenditures in 2027 and $3.55 million in 2028. The budget identifies state and federal grants as funding sources for several projects. Projects include $1.5 million for citywide road maintenance and repair, $550,000 for Sherbourne and Evans street widening, and nearly $700,000 for Ski Hill Phase II construction. The budget also proposes $500,000 for Autumn Strasse Phase II in 2027 and $3 million in 2028; the road will connect Chumstick Highway and Titus Road.

The preliminary budget also includes several small water improvement projects, as well as a $5 million grant for a Ski Hill sewer project in 2028.

The budget reflects the city’s plans to turn the former Osborn elementary school property into the Upper Valley Community Center. The preliminary budget proposes $450,000 for a feasibility study in 2027, increasing to $491,340 in 2028. The city received a federal grant for $941,340 for the project. The budget also includes $1 million for the demolition of the building in 2028.

The preliminary budget is subject to change before a final adoption in December.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media