The Sequim City Council held a work session and regular session on April 28, 2025, focusing primarily on the city's water system plan and its implications for future growth and infrastructure development. The meeting began with a presentation on growth projections, highlighting that the city's water system plan, updated in 2022, anticipates a population of nearly 9,500 by 2025. This projection indicates that Sequim has room for growth, which is essential for long-term planning.

The water system plan is a state-mandated document that requires updates every six to ten years, depending on various factors such as water quality and historical growth trends. It outlines operational and maintenance needs, as well as expansion plans for the next 10 to 20 years. The council discussed how these plans are integrated into the capital improvement program (CIP), which aligns with ongoing development projects and necessary infrastructure upgrades.

Key projects mentioned include the Silverhorn deep well, which is currently funded through a $2 million loan, and the West Sequim Bay expansion, aimed at providing water service to areas currently relying on private systems. The council also noted the recent grant of $555,000 from the Opportunity Fund for the design of a new reservoir road booster station, which will serve approximately 2,400 equivalent residential units (ERUs).

The meeting further addressed the funding sources for these projects, which include utility rates, meter installation fees, and general facilities charges (GFCs). For the fiscal year 2025, the budgeted utility rates are expected to cover a significant portion of the operating costs, although capital project funding is increasingly reliant on external sources such as loans and grants.

The council highlighted the importance of proactive planning, with several projects already underway, including the deep well and the reservoir design. The discussion concluded with an acknowledgment of the efforts of city staff in securing funding and advancing these critical infrastructure projects ahead of schedule.

Overall, the meeting underscored Sequim's commitment to sustainable growth and infrastructure development, ensuring that the city's water system can meet future demands while maintaining service quality for its residents.