Fiscal Responsibility

Duvall is a community rooted in connection, character, and care. As we grow, we have a responsibility not just to expand—but to do so with purpose. That means asking hard questions about how we spend, what we invest in, and what kind of city we’re becoming.

The good news? Duvall is in a strong financial position. We’ve managed our growth well, maintained reserves, and invested wisely in critical infrastructure. But as we approach the next decade of development—both residential and commercial—we must also acknowledge the challenges on the horizon: rising service demands, finite resources, and a need for sustainable, equitable growth.

This is a moment to align our values with our budget—to make sure our growth delivers real returns for the people who live here. And at the center of it all is a commitment to sustainability, impact, and community safety.

Where We Are: A Snapshot of Duvall’s Financial Health

Duvall’s 2024 financial report tells a clear story: we are managing our money wisely.

• Ending cash and investments: $40 million across all funds

• General Fund surplus: Revenues of $7.07M vs. $7.03M in expenditures

• Enterprise funds (Water, Sewer, Storm): Well-funded with over $21M in combined reserves

• Capital improvements: $21.7M invested in infrastructure like Big Rock Ballfields, utility upgrades, and roads—while still maintaining healthy fund balances

We’ve spent below our budget targets for the biennium and finished 2024 with a combined under-budget margin of over $8 million.

This fiscal discipline gives us the ability to plan ahead—not just react.

Looking Ahead: Funding the Next Phase of Growth

While we’re on solid footing today, the cost of maintaining high-quality services will continue to grow. That’s why the City Council is actively exploring new revenue options—not to expand government, but to protect what matters most.

In early 2025, the Council released an RFP for election consulting services to help develop potential ballot initiatives for additional funding. The goal is to explore options like:

• Lifting the existing property tax levy cap to maintain police and parks services

• Introducing a dedicated sales tax for public safety investments

This process reflects a truth that every city faces: if we want to maintain Duvall’s quality of life, we have to ensure that revenue keeps pace with need. That’s not just budgeting—it’s strategic stewardship of our future.

Because any ballot initiative may coincide with the upcoming general election, I want to be transparent: I neither support nor oppose this effort at this time. I have not seen the technical analysis or reviewed what cost-saving measures have been considered. Until I have a clear, fact-based understanding of the process, I believe it’s responsible to listen, learn, and ask questions before forming a position.

Growth Must Be Sustainable—and Strategic

Over the past 10 years, Duvall’s primary focus has been residential growth, particularly on the south end. Communities like Toll Brothers, D.R. Horton, and Duvall Village have brought new families and new investment into our city. But that type of growth cannot continue indefinitely without broader planning.

We are now entering a new phase—one where commercial development, public infrastructure, and community balance are just as important.

As the city explores expanding its boundaries (again, primarily to the south), a large influx of commercial real estate is on the horizon. This brings big opportunities, but also big questions:

• How do we preserve the character of Old Town in the face of new development?

• How do we align commercial architecture and planning with Duvall’s rural, small-town spirit?

• How do we ensure that residents benefit, not just developers?

The answer lies in smart, intentional growth—growth that has clear ROI for our city and our community.

The ROI of Public Investment

Too often, public projects are seen as sunk costs. I believe the opposite. Every dollar we spend should generate a return—for our residents, our resilience, and our collective future.

Whether it’s a sidewalk, a sewer line, or a police officer, we must ask:

• Will this investment improve lives?

• Will it reduce future costs?

• Will it help us attract and retain families, workers, and businesses?

Take, for example, the Big Rock Ballfields expansion. It’s more than turf—it’s an investment in recreation, in youth sports, in mental health, and in community bonding. It pays dividends in reduced screen time, safer play spaces, and increased property values.

Or consider transportation infrastructure. By addressing congestion on SR-203 or completing Third Avenue improvements, we’re not just fixing roads—we’re reducing commute times, boosting local business, and improving emergency access.

This is what I mean by ROI-based governance—not just cost-conscious, but impact-conscious.

Community Safety: The Bedrock of Quality of Life

Safety is foundational. Duvall’s Police Department has done an outstanding job keeping crime low—far below both national and regional averages. Our residents feel secure, and that’s no small thing in today’s world.

But we cannot take that for granted.

As our city grows, so will calls for service. More homes, more traffic, more events—all of these increase the demand on police, fire, and emergency systems. And while we celebrate Duvall’s low crime rate, we also need to prepare for emergencies beyond policing:

• Wildfires, like those we saw in California earlier this year

• Power outages and storm events

• Potential dam failure scenarios involving the Tolt Dam

• Delays in access to medical care for isolated or vulnerable residents

Public safety isn’t just a department. It’s a system—a network of support that must be staffed, funded, and ready.

That’s why I support:

• Maintaining approachable, community-focused policing as we grow

• Upgrading emergency preparedness and communication systems

• Strengthening fire and EMS partnerships to meet regional risks

• Expanding access to healthcare and crisis services, especially for those who can’t easily travel to Redmond or Seattle

When residents know they’ll be cared for—whether during a crisis or a quiet night—that’s when a city truly thrives.

A City That Works for All of Us

Duvall is at an inflection point.

We’ve proven we can grow. Now we must prove we can grow wisely. That means:

• Balancing commercial development with community identity

• Meeting affordable housing mandates while preserving green space

• Funding critical services without compromising fiscal health

• Ensuring that our investments deliver real value—for every resident, every day

This isn’t about bigger government or higher taxes for their own sake. It’s about building a city that works—and keeps working—for the people who live here. Because in the end, what makes Duvall special isn’t just our budget. It’s our values. Our people. Our belief that small towns can do big things—when we do them together.