Understanding Pullman’s Budget, One Department at a Time
Part 2: What Are We Actually Paying For?
I’ve been spending time working through Pullman’s proposed 2027–2028 budget, trying to better understand where our money goes and what we’re getting for it.
As a small business owner, I’m used to looking closely at expenses. But city budgets work a little differently, and I’m learning quite a bit along the way.
One of my biggest takeaways so far? A department’s budget is much more than someone’s salary.
It can include benefits, operating expenses, equipment, technology, building maintenance, and other shared city services.
Today’s Budget Review
I looked at four areas of our General Fund:
Human Resources — $318,517: Two full-time employees who support the city’s workforce.
Legislative — $373,379: Includes $84,000 in combined annual salaries for seven councilmembers. The mayor is budgeted separately.
Cemetery — $156,215: Maintenance and operation of our city cemeteries.
Community Improvement — $116,417: Primarily maintenance of public rights-of-way.

Something Interesting I Learned

After asking several questions, I learned that Community Improvement isn’t necessarily a department with its own dedicated employee.
Parks employees perform different types of work throughout the city and charge their time to the appropriate budget. So the salary line for Community Improvement represents work performed, not necessarily one person’s paycheck.

What’s Next?
I’ll continue reviewing the budget, looking for opportunities to save money while understanding the services those dollars support.
Next up is Community Development, including planning, permitting, building inspections, and economic development.
I’m learning as I go, and I hope sharing what I learn helps others better understand the budget, too.
These are my personal observations based on the mayor’s proposed budget and questions I’ve asked along the way. Figures are proposed, not final. This is not a complete analysis or an official City Council position. Any interpretations or errors are my own.
Rooted in Pullman.
Tawny Szumlas
Pullman City Council, Ward 3

Working Through Pullman’s Proposed Budget
I’ve spent some time today digging into Pullman’s proposed 2027–2028 budget, and I wanted to share a few things I’ve learned.
I’m trying to better understand where our General Fund money comes from, where it goes, and what we’re actually paying for when we look at individual department budgets.
Today, I focused on a handful of our smaller city functions, including communications, economic development, grants, legal services, and executive administration. I also looked at how other Washington cities provide similar services.
One thing that stood out to me is that a department’s total budget is much more than someone’s salary. It can include benefits, supplies, operating expenses, and payments for shared city services such as IT, buildings, equipment, and GIS.
I’ve also learned that other Washington cities employ people or contract for many of these same functions. Their job titles and responsibilities vary, so I’m still working to understand how the actual costs compare.
A few important caveats: This is strictly my personal understanding and interpretation of the mayor’s proposed budget as I’ve worked through it. It is not a comprehensive budget analysis, an official City Council position, or a representation of decisions that have been made. These are proposed figures, not a final adopted budget. The comparisons are preliminary, and I welcome corrections if I’ve misunderstood something.
I’m continuing to work through the budget, department by department, looking for opportunities to save money while understanding the services and people behind the numbers.
I believe we need to be thoughtful about every dollar we spend, but also careful about what we might lose when we make cuts.
I’m sharing what I’m learning along the way in hopes that it helps others better understand the decisions ahead.
Shared in my individual capacity as a Pullman City Council member, not on behalf of the City Council.

Is anyone in Pullman willing to pick up and deliver a sofa? It does not detach (one piece) and heavy. Willing to pay.

I live near Kamiaken and heard what sounded like 2 separate explosions about 40 minutes apart. This didn’t sound like fireworks, this shit was loud and shook the floor of my apartment. Anyone got any info on this? Been living here about 4-5 months and it’s the first time I’ve heard this. No siren, no sign anyone actually notices.

Disclaimer: These summaries reflect my personal understanding of City Council meetings and do not represent the official position of the City of Pullman or City Council. Every effort is made to provide accurate, unbiased information. No bias is intended. If you notice an error, have a question, or would like clarification, please contact me at tawny.szumlas@pullman-wa.gov.

I want a float therapy place here 😭😭😭😭 I herniated my L5 and just wanna be weightless for awhile.

Hey there, looking to go to the 11/10 WSU @ Duquesne basketball game in Pittsburgh. I know it’s unlikely, but does anyone have tickets available for this that they’re trying to move? Thanks.

Open to all. Bring a dish or just yourself.

Hi Reddit, I'm Eric Fejeran, at-large member of Pullman City Council. The Mayor's proposed 2027-2028 budget was posted this week, and in his own words, "this budget is not balanced."

The short version: the City spends about $1.5M a year more than it brings in, and General Fund savings are projected to be almost gone by the end of 2028. Council will be choosing between more revenue, more cuts to services, or a mix.

I made a 90-second video and started a free newsletter to explain this stuff in plain language: ericfejeran.substack.com

Happy to answer questions here. Which City services matter most to you?

Thanks for bearing with me as I try out my own videos and things!

(These are my own views, not an official City statement. This is my council account, and comments about City business may be public records.)

Hi everyone! I'm a WSU student currently working on starting a community-based knitting and crochet volunteer organization in the Pullman and Moscow area.

I'm hoping to bring together students and local residents to create handmade items for hospitals and underserved individuals and families, as well as host free beginner-friendly knitting and crochet workshops.

Since I'm still in the early stages of getting everything started, I'm trying to find ways to gather supplies so that anyone can participate regardless of whether they already own yarn or knitting/crochet tools.

I was wondering if anyone in the area has extra yarn, crochet hooks, knitting needles, or other supplies they no longer use and would be willing to donate? I'm hoping to get this organization started around late November to early December so that we can make our first donations during the holiday season.

I'd also love to connect with local knitters and crocheters who might be interested in volunteering, teaching workshops, or helping get the organization started! I'm still working on establishing community partnerships, but I'm hoping to get our first events organized soon. If anyone has suggestions for local businesses, crafting groups, or other places I could reach out to for donations, I'd really appreciate it!

We will be going over the proposed budget at this week’s meeting. Unfortunately I will not be there, but you can watch along at home or at your convenience on the City of Pullman YouTube page:

https://youtube.com/@cityofpullmanwa?si=i6qBzQAtiaC3G4dP

Looks very hazy towards ground level right now and smells like smoke but not necessarily wildfire like this summer. Does anyone know if there's anything going on near by?

I likely herniated a disc and am thinking pool exercises would be best for me, but I don't want to do an actual class right now. I just want to get in and swim/walk laps

This is my personal summary of the Pullman City Council meeting and is not an official record. Please refer to the City's published minutes for the official record. Please contact me if you see any errors. Tawny.szumlas@pullman-wa.gov

I’m clearing out a bunch of stuff! 🛍️ Lots of brand new and gently used items at super low prices!
✨ All the items listed below are BRAND NEW!
Everything needs to go, so prices are negotiable! Bundle deals available too!
📍 Pickup in downtown Pullman
DM me for prices or more details! First come, first served! 🫶

Did anyone hear the loud boom and it see a meteor breaking up in the sky just now???

Does anyone know of good storage options for a 2 bedroom apartment size for a month? I actually only need 10 days of storage time but I need to be out of my current residence and need a short term storage option so I can move my things before the end of the month.