Battle Ground City Council Adopts 2026 Budget - 12/08/25

The Battle Ground City Council adopted the city’s 2026 annual budget in a unanimous vote on December 1 after months of budget planning, meetings, and public hearings.

The budget was developed with an emphasis on service level improvements, efficient use of public resources, and focus on priorities expressed by residents through the Battle Ground Community Survey completed earlier this year.  This includes thoughtful investments toward transportation improvements, park facilities and amenities, and strengthening local economic development efforts. 

2026 Budget Highlights

Transportation System Improvements

The budget includes the investment of approximately $8 million in one-time street preservation and capital projects planned in 2026. 

Street preservation efforts will prioritize the reconstruction of:

• NW 20^th Avenue, from Main Street to Onsdorff Boulevard
• SW 20^th Avenue, from NW 6^th Street to Scotton Way
• SW Scotton Way, from SR 503 to Parkway Avenue
• Grace Avenue, from Main Street to NE 10^th Street

“Our council recognized that maintaining a strong community starts with the basics, including better roads,” said Mayor Troy McCoy.  “Knowing that this historic investment in our infrastructure will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives makes me proud to be a part of this Council.”

Parks and Community Spaces

Parks remain at top priority for the City Council.  The approved budget includes approximately $2.8 million for parks capital improvement projects, supported by $1.7 million in grant funding and $1.1 million in park impact fees.

In 2025, the city welcomed new playground structures in Kiwanis, McConnell, Cresap, and Dublin Meadows Parks.  The 2026 budget will fund the new outdoor recreational equipment at Florence Robison Park as well as the construction of the first phase of the Remy Park Improvement Project, adopted as part of the Parks Master Plan in December 2024.

Supporting Local Economic Development

Battle Ground is proud to have a strong small-business environment, supported by a diverse and thriving community of local entrepreneurs.  To further bolster our local economy, the City will be introducing a new funding program that will invest $50,000 directly into small businesses.  This program will be designed to support the Battle Ground Business community, and advance the City’s recently approved Old Town Revitalization Plan.

As we move into the year ahead, the City eagerly looks forward to these and other targeted public investments that will ensure Battle Ground continues to flourish.  To learn more about the 2026 Budget, please visit us online at www.cityofbg.org/Budget.

Battle Ground Police Department Hosts Annual “Shop With A Cop” Event For Local Youth (Photo) - 12/08/25

On December 6, 2025, the Battle Ground Police Department (BGPD) proudly hosted its annual Shop with a Cop program, partnering with Walmart, Battle Ground Seniors Inc., and Pepsi Co. to bring holiday joy and vital support to local children and their families.

More than 20 Battle Ground children were paired with uniformed police officers for a special shopping experience at Walmart. Professional staff from BGPD and volunteers from Battle Ground Seniors Inc. also took part, making the event a true community effort.  Mayor Troy McCoy and Deputy Mayor Shane Bowman joined in the festivities, and Rafferty, BGPD’s comfort dog, was also on hand, adding to the warmth and excitement of the day.  A visit from Santa made the experience even more memorable for everyone involved.

The children, selected through a nomination and lottery process, were each provided with a set budget and invited to choose items of their own.  While many might expect the focus to be on toys, officers and volunteers were moved to see how often the children first chose gifts for siblings and parents before selecting anything for themselves. Equally touching were how many selected basic necessities that are often taken for granted; items such as toothbrushes, socks, and shoes.

The program offered more than just financial assistance; it also created meaningful moments of learning and connection. Officers and volunteers watched as the children practiced decision-making and budgeting, weighing wants versus needs while staying within their allotted funds. When a child’s purchases exceeded their budget, more than once did an officer quietly stepped in, reaching into their own pocket to cover the difference. These unspoken acts of kindness, repeated throughout the event, reflected the compassion and dedication of BGPD personnel.

In addition to sponsoring the event, Walmart went above and beyond, recognizing that this year has been particularly challenging for many families.  After the shopping concluded, the children were gathered at the front of the store near a BGPD patrol vehicle with an attached trailer.  With Santa standing nearby, the trailer was opened to reveal a brand-new bicycle for each child.  As the children realized the surprise, their faces lit up with joy, prompting more than a few happy tears among the adults present.

Events like Shop with A Cop exemplify BGPD’s motto, “Partners with the Community.” The program allows children to see police officers in a role beyond enforcement and gives officers the opportunity to build positive, mentoring relationships with youth in a relaxed, supportive environment.

The Battle Ground Police Department is humbled to serve such an exceptional city, surrounded by residents, businesses, and community partners who care deeply for one another. BGPD remains grateful for the continued opportunity and honor to serve what it proudly considers the very best community around.

City Of Battle Ground Implements Electronic Plan Review - 12/03/25

The City of Battle Ground is excited to announce the implementation of electronic plan review. eReview offers a streamlined, fully paperless process for submitting requests for permits, planning applications, and engineering applications, starting December 1, 2025.

This updated platform modernizes the way customers submit materials, track progress, and communicate with City staff, providing a faster, more accessible, and more transparent experience for all users.

“This launch represents an important step forward in how we serve our community,” said Community Development Director Kristin Lehto. “By moving to a paperless system, we’re improving efficiency, reducing wait times, and giving residents and businesses a convenient tool to stay informed throughout every stage of their project.”

Key Benefits of the Updated Online System

• Paperless Submittal & Review: Upload documents directly online, reducing trips to City Hall and reducing the need for printed plan sets.
• Increased Convenience: Applications can be submitted anytime, from anywhere, allowing customers to move at their own pace.
• Real-Time Transparency: Track your application status, review comments, and required actions, with clear communication between applicants and City staff.
• Greater Efficiency: Digital workflows help accelerate review timelines, minimize back-and-forth, and ensure complete and accurate submissions.
• Centralized Access: All documents, corrections, and approvals remain in one secure location for easy reference.

The City encourages homeowners, builders, contractors, and design professionals to explore the updated Customer Self Service (CSS) platform and experience the benefits firsthand.

More information, including instructions and system access, is available at www.cityofbg.org/Building-Permit-Resources.

Community Partners Come Together To Brighten Battle Ground For The Holiday Season (Photo) - 12/01/25

Holiday cheer is alive and well in Battle Ground.  The City was overwhelmed by the generous community partners who came together to literally brighten the festive atmosphere at the Battle Ground Event Center for the City’s upcoming Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration.

Luke Rogers, owner of Clean Choice Professional Services, has generously taken the lead as the primary sponsor for this effort, installing a beautiful light display on the Battle Ground Event Center building, trees, and light poles. Their work is sure to create a bright and welcoming setting, full of holiday cheer, from the Tree Lighting Event through the end of December.

This project was also made possible thanks to the contributions of several local businesses and individuals whose support reflects the spirit of community that makes Battle Ground so special.

Donors include Desiree Lorentz (Realtor – John L. Scott), LeAnn Dodge (State Farm Insurance Agent), Terry Hammack, Avilaco Drywall, Impact Automotive, and Dev’s Coffee Bar.

Their generosity directly supports the installation of additional lighting features, bringing the magic of the holiday season to life in Battle Ground.

“We are grateful for the commitment of these local partners who stepped forward to help make this year’s holiday celebrations brighter for everyone,” said Recreation and Event Center Manager Joanna Martin.  “Their support helps create a warm, festive environment for the community to enjoy all season long.”

The City looks forward to welcoming residents and visitors to the Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration on Friday, December 5, 2025, beginning at 5:30pm.  Additional details are available on the City’s website at www.cityofbg.org/Annual-Events.

Beyond The Badge: Battle Ground PD Serves Thanksgiving Meals To Local Families (Photo) - 11/26/25

The Battle Ground Police Department proudly hosted its second annual Serving Beyond the Badge: Thanksgiving Edition, an event created to help local families enjoy a warm, traditional Thanksgiving meal.

This year’s event provided a fully cooked Thanksgiving meal to families within the Battle Ground community who may not have otherwise been able to enjoy one.  Between responding to calls for service, Battle Ground officers delivered these meals to over 16 local families, bringing comfort and connection directly to their doorsteps.  Over 75 individual meals were carefully prepared and packaged by the dedicated Battle Ground police officers and professional staff along with a team of committed volunteers, including Battle Ground Mayor Troy McCoy and City Manager Kris Swanson.

This tremendous effort was made possible by the generosity of local businesses and individuals who truly embody what it means to support their community.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to Playmakers Sports Bar and Grill, Summerland Catering Services, Maddox Industrial Transformers, Al & Ernie’s Bakery Café, Utopia Salon, Castle Farms, Walmart, and Lori Lindberg, whose contributions helped turn this vision into reality,” stated Chief Dennis Flynn.  “We are proud to stand alongside local businesses, volunteers, and city leaders as we work together to uplift and support Battle Ground families during the holiday season.”

Serving Beyond the Badge is more than just a yearly tradition, it reflects the Battle Ground Police Department’s ongoing commitment to living out the department’s motto: Partners with The Community.

City Of Battle Ground Approves New Funding For Public Safety – Effective April 2026 - 11/24/25

The Battle Ground City Council has approved a 0.1% public safety sales tax, marking a significant investment in the long-term safety, stability, and wellbeing of the community.  This measure will adjust the city’s total sales tax rate to 8.7%, beginning on April 1, 2026.  The additional 0.1% sales tax revenue will be dedicated exclusively to supporting public safety by increasing police staffing. 

Approval Timeline

Under state law via House Bill 2015, cities and counties in Washington may enact 0.1% sales and use tax devoted to public safety-related programs through a councilmanic vote.  The Council unanimously voted to adopt the ordinance during its November 17 public meeting, following a public hearing held on November 3.

The 0.1% public safety sales tax is estimated to generate approximately $667,000 in revenue over a twelve-month period.

Why a Sales Tax? 

A sales tax distributes the costs of public safety across everyone who uses and benefits from local services, including non-residents who shop in and visit Battle Ground.

“After much deliberation and detailed budget review, the Council unanimously voted to adopt the Public Safety Sales Tax,” shared Mayor Troy McCoy.  “Our community has been consistently clear about the importance of maintaining a respectable number of police officers in our city.  This, along with the need to reduce overtime and adjust how the officers’ shifts are set up to better meet service needs spoke volumes in guiding this decision.”

Once the new rate takes effect, consumers will see a 0.1% increase added to their taxable purchases made within the City of Battle Ground.  For example, for every $100 spent, this will include an additional 10 cents.  Essentials such as grocery staples, prescription medications, and other non-taxable goods will not be affected.

Investing in Public Safety

Results from the community survey completed in January 2025 highlighted public safety as one of the community’s top priorities.  This investment reflects those findings and supports the community’s expressed expectations for the City’s continued delivery of high-quality public safety services. 

The revenue generated by the new public safety sales tax will strengthen the city’s ability to ensure reliable and effective public safety services as Battle Ground continues to grow, including the addition of two (2) police officers to the 28 sworn law enforcement officers budgeted in 2025.