Most residents who spoke Tuesday night urged the city council to reject the nearly $150,000 project, citing concerns over the use of taxpayer funds.
PUYALLUP, Wash. — The Puyallup City Council voted Tuesday night to approve a nearly $150,000 flagpole installation honoring America’s 250th anniversary, even as the majority of public commenters urged the council to reject it — pushing back on the use of taxpayer funds for the project.
The proposal calls for a 100-foot flagpole in the median along North Meridian Avenue, just south of the North Meridian Bridge. The flag itself would measure 20 by 30 feet, with a commemorative plaque at the base marking the nation’s milestone birthday. City leaders have described the installation as a “civic gateway” along the Highway 167 extension project.
The total cost comes to $149,710, covering construction, lighting, engineering, inspections and state transportation costs, along with a small contingency reserve. City staff confirmed the funding would come from existing taxpayer dollars, though following Tuesday night’s pushback, the council agreed to also pursue private contributions.
More than a dozen community members addressed the council, with most speaking in opposition.
Concerns centered not on the flag itself, but on the price tag. One resident questioned who would cover the ongoing costs of lighting, maintenance and the flag. A woman in the crowd argued the expenditure reflected misplaced priorities at a time when residents are struggling to afford gas and groceries. Even some veterans in attendance raised objections, with one saying his concern was not with honoring servicemembers, but with the responsible use of limited public funds.
Another veteran said the community needs more than a flag — it needs veterans taken care of.
Not all veterans opposed the project. A handful of supporters argued the flag would serve as a unifying symbol for the community while honoring those who have served and the country as a whole.
The council voted to move forward with the project while directing staff to seek private funding alongside public dollars.
The flagpole along Meridian Avenue is expected to be installed in about six weeks, in time for the country’s 250th birthday celebration.
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