The City of Newcastle has announced its 2025 Preliminary Budget, which emphasizes a careful financial strategy and prioritizes public safety amid rising costs. The budget includes funding for 12 police officers through the King County Sheriff's Office to address staffing shortages, along with provisions for a Police Explorer Program and license plate reader cameras. Approximately $695,000 from the Cumulative Reserve Fund will be utilized to offset increasing costs in police and fire services. The proposed Admissions Tax is projected to generate $200,000 in new revenue, resulting in a balanced General Fund with a surplus of over $64,000. The budget also includes significant reductions in general government expenditures, with staffing adjustments aimed at improving efficiency.

The city invites residents to engage in the budget process by attending upcoming meetings in October.