The Finance Department serves the City of Newcastle by providing the accounting, budgeting, and financial management support which is key to the daily operations and long term decision-making for the city. Our responsibilities include:

• Assisting the City Manager and City Council in development of annual budgets
• Forecasting revenue and expenditures for financial planning
• Monitoring actual revenue and expenditures vs. adopted budgets
• Accounts payable and receivable and payroll
• Serving as the liaison with the Office of the State Auditor
• Managing the city's fund balances and investments
• Business licensing and registration of solicitors and alarm monitoring companies

Each year, the City Council reviews the proposed budget and considers public input before adopting the final plan. The budget is guided by city priorities from the strategic plan, helps manage resources responsibly, and ensures transparency and accountability.

Washington State law requires the City Manager to submit a balanced annual budget for the upcoming calendar year. The law also sets procedures for Council review, public hearings, and final adoption. City Council must adopt the budget by December 31 to provide legal authority for city operations and capital improvement programs.

The 2026 City of Newcastle Budget was adopted by City Council on November 4, 2025.

View the 2026 Adopted Budget.

View Past Budgets in the Document Center.

Where Do Our Property Taxes Go?

Have you ever wondered where the dollars from your property tax payments go, or why they can vary greatly year to year? The short answer is, it varies. There are multiple taxing districts within the city limits of Newcastle, meaning property taxes for residents in different areas have a different makeup of what they support. One example is how part of the city belongs to and supports the Renton School District, while another part belongs to and supports the Issaquah School District. More information about your specific parcel can be found by looking it up on the King County Assessor's website here.

This image shows the breakdown for a "typical" residence in Newcastle.


Where Do Our Sales Taxes Go?

Have you ever wondered exactly where your sales taxes go, or why your jurisdiction’s rate differs from others? The Municipal Research and Services Center offers tips, tools and information about all things sales taxes. Learn more here.