At its regular meeting on March 17, the Auburn City Council gave Mayor Nancy Backus the go-ahead to negotiate an agreement with Financial Solutions Inc. to conduct a comprehensive rates study for water, sanitary sewer and storm drainage utilities.

The city’s current rate structure for its water, sanitary sewer and storm drainage utilities expires on Dec. 31, 2025.

The total cost of the services provided by the consultant cannot exceed $123,660.

To ensure that the continued financial stability of these essential services is in place, Councilmember Kate Baldwin explained: “It is necessary that we would conduct a comprehensive rate study that establishes rates for the periods going forward from 2026 to 2028.”

Baldwin said the study will analyze current and projected operating capital expenses, review existing rate structures, evaluate funding requirements, and develop financial models and rate alternatives.

In other action, the council:

• Passed an agreement that authorized Mayor Backus to execute an agreement with other members of the South King County Transportation Board. The resolution authorizes an agreement allowing the city to continue to participate on the board, which develops and recommends transportation policies, projects and programs for the South King County area.

• Authorized the mayor to execute an agreement between Auburn and King County to implement the 2025 Waste Reduction and Recycling Grant program and to accept and expend program grant funds. The grant would be $48,706 to support the city’s waste reduction and recycling program for 2026.

• Passed a resolution surplussing and de-accessioning the artworks known as “Hawk” and the “The Long Look.” Council members made the decision based on recommendations the Auburn Arts Commission made at its meeting March 4, 2025. “This happens commonly within cities,” said Councilmember Kate Baldwin.

“The Long Look” is a life sized bronze deer sculpture created by Walla Walla artist Brad Rude. It looks out over the valley from Centennial Viewpoint Park up on top of Auburn’s West Hill.

Cast in 1992, vandals hit it in 2013, and it was recast and reinstalled in the park later that same year.

“Hawk” was selected for the Purchase Award from the 2015-16 Downtown Sculpture Gallery, and has roosted at the corner of Main Street and Auburn Way.