Langley approves budget amendment due to rising legal costs

Langley officials have approved an amendment to the city’s 2026 budget to address unexpected financial pressures, primarily driven by rising legal expenses. Finance Director Kelly Beech noted that the amendment is necessary to reflect current data and costs that were unknown during the original drafting process.

A significant portion of the adjustment involves the legal fund, which requires an increase of more than $100,000. Mayor Kennedy Horstman reported that ongoing Public Records Act lawsuits filed by local resident Eric Hood have cost the city over $119,000 since November. The city is currently seeking sanctions against Hood and his attorney regarding these legal actions.

While the city is attempting to manage the general fund by seeking other revenue sources, Beech expressed concerns regarding the impact of these uncontrollable expenses on the city's financial stability.