Chapter 3.60
EMERGENCY FUND
Sections:
3.60.030 Disposition of funds.
3.60.040 Expenditures without notice or hearing.
3.60.050 Expenditures generally.
3.60.010 Fund established.
There is hereby established a city fund known as emergency fund (fund number 005), a subfund of the general fund, for the purpose of providing funds for unanticipated and unbudgeted emergencies described in RCW 35A.34.140 and 35A.34.150. [Ord. 1091B § 1, 2024.]
3.60.020 Sources of funding.
The sources of funding shall be by a budget appropriation by the city council from any tax, other revenue source not restricted in use by law, and/or year-end budget surplus at the close of the fiscal year. However, the maximum fund balance accumulated in this fund at any time shall not exceed the equivalent of $0.375 per $1,000 of assessed valuation of property within the city limit at such time. [Ord. 1091B § 2, 2024.]
3.60.030 Disposition of funds.
The emergency fund shall be used exclusively for unanticipated and unbudgeted emergencies as defined in RCW 35A.34.140 and 35A.34.150. [Ord. 1091B § 3, 2024.]
3.60.040 Expenditures without notice or hearing.
Upon the happening of any emergency as defined in RCW 35A.34.140, the city council may, upon the adoption of an ordinance, by a majority plus one, stating the facts constituting the emergency and the estimated amount required to meet it, make the expenditures therefor without notice or hearing. [Ord. 1091B § 4, 2024.]
3.60.050 Expenditures generally.
In the case of other emergencies not defined in RCW 35A.34.140 the city council may, before allowing any expenditures therefor, adopt an ordinance by majority plus one, stating the facts constituting the emergency and the estimated amount required to meet it, and declaring that an emergency exists. The ordinance shall not be voted on until five days have elapsed after its introduction. Any taxpayer may appear at the meeting at which the emergency ordinance is to be voted on and be heard for or against the adoption thereof. [Ord. 1091B § 5, 2024.]
3.60.060 Replenishment.
The city intends to replenish the fund balance as soon as possible given existing economic conditions and budgetary constraints. It intends that replenishments are the priority use for unanticipated unrestricted revenues and end of year surplus funds. [Ord. 1091B § 6, 2024.]
3.60.070 Withdrawal of funds.
No money shall be withdrawn from the emergency fund except by transfer to the appropriate operating fund authorized by a resolution or ordinance of the city council, adopted by majority vote of the entire legislative body, clearly stating the facts constituting the reason for the withdrawal or the emergency as the case may be, and specifying the fund to which the withdrawn money shall be transferred. [Ord. 1091B § 7, 2024.]