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KENNEWICK, Wash. – The City of Kennewick adopted its budget for 2025-26, totaling $455.5 million, to address various projects and services.The budget focuses on five main areas: community safety, economic development, infrastructure and growth, quality of life and responsible government.Among the largest allocations are $80 million for water and sewer, $65 million for capital improvements, and $47 million for medical services.Dana Dollarhyde, the City of Kennewick’s lead communications specialist, said the city is excited to pursue new and exciting projects.”Most notably would be the convention center expansion, which is planned to break ground in 2025,” said Dollarhyde.The adopted budget also has plans to enhance the Vista Entertainment District, provide student resource officers to all middle schools, and address homelessness in the city.The budget is funded from various sources, with nearly 70% coming from taxes, 9% from the starting balance, and 8% from service charges.Dollarhyde said that despite increased taxes, the community shouldn’t be largely affected.”We did increase sales tax by 1/10 of 1%, but this Transportation Benefit District really keeps our sales tax dollars local,” says Dollarhyde.The Transportation Benefit District is an independent taxing district that helps keep taxes local, as well as funding transportation improvements within the city.