Washington City Council closed out 2023 by adopting the 2024 budget and saying good bye to two long serving individuals. The 2024 city spending plan leveled out to $15,093,936. It is a balanced budget and does not raise taxes in 2024. Council accepted the retirement of Police Chief Dan Rush. Rush (pictured left) has served the police department for the last 22 years. He has held every position from patrolman to detective and now chief of police. Rush thanked council and the residents of Washington for the honor to serve them. His last day will be January 1. Also saying good bye was Mayor Scott Putnam. He began his public service career in Washington in 2005 with the Parking Authority before moving on to the Citywide Redevelopment Authority. Putnam (pictured right) served two terms as Mayor beginning in 2015. Putnam wished council and the residents of Washington the best of luck and happy holidays. Putnam was defeated in the May Primary Election by Mayor Elect JoJo Burgess.