Lynden City Council
The Lynden City Council held its November 17 regular meeting focusing primarily on budget-related matters and annual administrative items. The most significant action was the approval of the city's 2026 property tax levy ordinance, which increases the levy by the maximum allowable 1% or $40,585.68. Council also approved updates to the water leak adjustment policy, expanding eligibility from residential-only to include commercial, irrigation, and industrial accounts. The meeting featured three public hearings: the 2026 preliminary budget (with no public comments), the 2025 Comprehensive Plan update (receiving written comments from PSE and JWR), and the property tax levy ordinance. Transportation Impact Fees emerged as a notable discussion point, with the city-wide TIF proposed to increase from $2,168 to $2,973 per trip as part of the comprehensive plan update. Council handled several routine administrative matters including airport advisory board term renewals and the annual review of an interfund loan from the Sewer Fund to the General Fund. One agenda item was pulled from the consent agenda for additional discussion before ultimately being approved with amendments. The meeting concluded with committee reports highlighting ongoing discussions about traffic enforcement, police recruitment, budget challenges including decreased sales tax revenue, and staff communication concerns.
**ORD-25-1719 - 2026 Property Tax Levy** - PASSED 7-0 - Approved 1% property tax levy increase of $40,585.68 - Staff recommendation: Approve - Council action: Approved - Estimated mil rate decrease to $1.04304 despite levy increase - Required by state law to be passed by November 30 **RES-25-1134 - Water Leak Adjustment Policy** - PASSED 7-0 (with amendments) - Expanded water leak adjustment eligibility beyond residential to include commercial, irrigation, and industrial accounts - Staff recommendation: Approve - Council action: Approved with amendments - Maximum adjustment remains $2,000 or 50,000 cubic feet, whichever is lower - One ad…
- **December 1, 2025**: Final budget hearing and potential comprehensive plan adoption - **November 30, 2025**: Deadline for property tax levy certification to county - **November 19, 2025**: Community Development Committee meeting for additional comprehensive plan discussion - **2026**: More detailed…