Town hall

Deputy Mayor Eric Faison invites residents to an informal question and answer session about Federal Way. The next meeting will be 7 p.m. Oct. 27 at Olympic View Elementary School, 2626 S.W. 327th St. The meeting is free; refreshments will be served. Call (253) 835-2401.

City’s next budget

Federal Way’s proposed budget for 2009-2010 was presented at the city council meeting Oct. 21. City Manager Neal Beets gave an overview of the details.

Beets said the proposed budget calls for a balanced budget, no layoffs and no general tax or fee increases for 2009-2010. While departments are cutting back on spending, the city does not want to increase taxes, he said. However, with the declining economy, there is a need to increase the city’s revenue. While wages and costs increase, sales tax is beginning to flatten, Beets said, adding that people are spending less money.

Beets said the way to resolve that problem is by growing the city’s tax base. That means bringing more businesses to Federal Way, he said.

One selling point for businesses, Beets said, is that Federal Way’s crime rate is declining at a faster rate than any other city in Puget Sound. Federal Way also has some of the lowest taxes per capita in the area.

Beets proposed forming a board that could help enhance community festivals and events, which will make Federal Way more attractive to prospective businesses, he said.

The complete budget proposal can be viewed at City Hall or online at

www.cityoffederalway.com.

Hanson moves on

Donna Hanson, Parks and Recreation and Cultural Services Director for the City of Federal Way, will step down Oct. 29 to become city manager in Medina.

Hanson has been with Federal Way eight years, spending the first five years as assistant city manager before moving to her current position. Hanson, a resident of Burien, previously served as a city manager for Normandy Park and Puyallup.

Teacher honored

Dana Henry, a physical education teacher at Lake Grove Elementary, was honored as P.E. Teacher of the Year by the Washington Alliance for Health Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. The principal at Lake Grove said Henry is knowledgeable, intuitive, caring and implements standards-based teaching in every lesson.