Ruston on the brink of financial crisis in two years. Here’s what to know

The small Pierce County city of Ruston is on the brink of a financial crisis, with its mayor warning it could exhaust its funding reserves within two years. City leaders are weighing a controversial $500 million luxury condo project as the most viable fix — but it would come at the cost of residents’ cherished Puget Sound views.

Here are key takeaways:

• The financial picture: Ruston’s expenses continue to outpace revenue, with 77% of general fund spending tied to public safety. The city has lost $500,000 in parking tax revenue from free parking at Point Ruston, and Mayor Bruce Hopkins said the deficit could threaten services like police and internal staffing.

• The proposed fix: The TerraCotta Group is the only developer that has shown interest in the site. The project would require the city council to approve changes to height restrictions in commercial/mixed-use zones, meaning many residents would lose their views.

• Toxic soil complicates development: Hazardous soil containing lead and arsenic — remnants of the Asarco smelter that operated until the mid-1980s — is buried under the parcels. If developed, the contaminated soil would need to be “uncapped” and relocated.

• Residents are upset: Many oppose the condo proposal. Resident Mary Anne Bell said people invested in their properties based on promises their views would be protected, calling the proposed height increase a breach of trust.

• A court date looms: On April 24, a Pierce County Superior Court judge was to decide if several Point Ruston lots can proceed for sale.

• Annexation into Tacoma isn’t on the table: Despite reader speculation, both cities confirmed there are no formal discussions about annexation. Experts say the process would be legally complicated, and Ruston residents “overwhelmingly” don’t want it.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.