In a recent budget balancing workshop, Longview city officials convened to address the city's financial challenges and explore collaborative solutions. Mayor Bujav and other council members gathered to hear from interim city manager Dusse, who outlined the evening's agenda focused on providing a comprehensive overview of the city's budget situation.

Dusse emphasized the importance of high-level discussions rather than delving into specific departmental cuts, stating, \"Everything's still on the table right now.\" The goal of the workshop was to foster open dialogue among council members to generate creative solutions while minimizing negative impacts on the community.

Jeff Swanson, a financial consultant, joined the meeting remotely to discuss the long-term implications of Initiative 747, which limits property tax levy increases to 1%. He highlighted that this restriction has significantly affected municipal finances across Washington state, particularly as costs have risen faster than the allowed increase. Swanson noted that the recent inflationary pressures, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have further strained budgets, leading many municipalities, including Longview, to consider drastic cuts to services.

The workshop aimed to gather feedback from council members on strategic priorities and next steps in addressing the city's financial situation, underscoring the collaborative approach needed to navigate these challenges effectively.