The Renton City Council voted 5–2 to adopt a 2025–26 biannual budget amendment on second and final reading after extended debate over a proposed cut to the city’s Electronic Home Monitoring (EHM) program.

Councilmember Van and Councilmember Rivera led the debate over the EHM line item. Rivera introduced an amendment asking the council to “hold off on defunding/dissolving our EHM program and to hold off until the next budget cycle,” arguing the city had not exhausted other revenue and community‑engagement options and warning that privatizing the program would expose immigrant participants’ data to private companies. The council voted on the amendment and it failed 4–3.

Supporters of the ordinance said the amendment would delay needed fiscal decisions and that the broader budget includes market‑rate compensation adjustments for non‑represented employees intended to keep high‑level staff. “Before I vote, I do want to give kudos to the city for actually proactively doing the research, and for bringing our non‑represented employees’ compensation in line with what the market is seeing around the region,” said Council President Elverson before voting in favor.

Opponents focused on the human cost of the decision. Councilmember Rivera repeatedly urged more community input and objected to eliminating two in‑house EHM positions; Rivera said the move would likely shift services to private contractors and risked the privacy and safety of vulnerable residents. “I’m gonna personally apologize to Georgia and Kenny. I’m very sorry for what we’re doing tonight, and I’m gonna vote nay,” Rivera said.

The ordinance’s title was read into the record as an amendment to the City of Renton’s fiscal years 2025–26 biannual budget, listing prior budget ordinance numbers and increases to budgeted revenues and expenditures as part of the ordinance language. After final roll call the mayor announced the tally as five ayes and two nays and declared the motion carried.

Votes at a glance
- Motion: Adopt 2025–26 biannual budget amendment ordinance (second and final reading). Outcome: Approved (5–2). Recorded explicit votes in discussion: Council President Elverson — aye; Council Member Perez — aye; Council Member Prince — aye; Council Member McIrvin — aye; Council Member O’Halloran — aye; Council Member Rivera — nay. The meeting recorded the final tally as five ayes and two nays.
- Amendment: Delay dissolving/defunding EHM program and hold off on terminating two positions until the 2026 budget review. Outcome: Failed (4–3).

What the council said
Proponents argued the budget contains necessary pay adjustments that help retain staff. Elverson described pay adjustments for non‑represented employees as an important step to keep Renton competitive and retain staff.

Opponents said firing long‑tenured EHM staff and shifting services to private contractors would undermine workers and client protections. Rivera asked the council to use grant opportunities and other revenue levers before eliminating in‑house services and voiced concern about privacy for immigrant clients if services are privatized.

What happens next
The ordinance takes effect per the language read into the record. Councilmembers and staff said they will continue discussions about service delivery and look for funding and operational alternatives in the next budget cycle, but no formal direction overturning the ordinance was adopted at the meeting.

Speakers
Council President Elverson — Council President (voted aye on budget ordinance)
Councilmember Van — Council Member (spoke in favor of reviewing EHM carefully before cuts)
Councilmember Rivera — Council Member (introduced amendment to delay cuts; voted nay)
Councilmember Perez — Council Member (voted aye on budget ordinance)
Councilmember Prince — Council Member (voted aye on budget ordinance)
Councilmember McIrvin — Council Member (voted aye on budget ordinance)
Councilmember O’Halloran — Council Member (voted aye on budget ordinance)

Authorities referenced
Ordinance (title as read): City of Renton ordinance amending the City of Renton fiscal years 2025–26 biannual budget as adopted by ordinance number 6,147 and amended by ordinance numbers 6,156, 6,158, and 6,163. (Referenced in discussion and vote.)

Clarifying details
budget_line_item: "EHM program removal" (category: personnel/program) — detail: Council debated removing EHM and eliminating two in‑house positions; council voted not to delay that action. source_speaker: Councilmember Rivera
vote_tally: budget_adoption — value: 5 yes, 2 no — source_speaker: Mayor
amendment_vote_tally: hold_off_on_EHM — value: 4 yes, 3 no — source_speaker: Mayor

Proper names
{"name":"Electronic Home Monitoring (EHM)","type":"program"},{"name":"City of Renton","type":"agency"},{"name":"Don Person Renton Senior Activity Center","type":"facility"}

Searchable_tags:["budget","EHM","personnel","vote","Renton"]