Sequim’s 2026 budget is moving forward balanced at $51.6 million with utility rate increases set for the next five years, municipal funding capped, and project costs and loads set to account for inflation, tariffs and other fluctuating variables.

City councilors approved the budget 5-0 on Nov. 24 with councilors Dan Butler and Nicole Hartman excused from the meeting.

Following two public hearings on Nov. 10 and 24, no budgetary numbers changed, according to Finance Director Sue Hagener; however, councilors agreed in another 5-0 vote to use Rainy Day Funds to fully fund a pair of two-year contracts they previously reduced.

Municipal funding

In the summer, councilors voted for a new policy that limits Sequim’s Municipal Funding Program to 1.5% of the city’s General Fund. For 2026, that t

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