Serving Franklin County, WA
Serving Franklin County, WA
LIND – City council passed a new tax levy for 2021 at their Nov. 10 meeting, following a public hearing in which no one was in attendance. Councilperson Rose Elkington motioned to submit for the maximum levy, in the amount of $74,727. Councilperson Myra Horton seconded, and the motion carried.
Also discussed in the public hearing was a proposed budget, which Mayor Paula Bell said still needs a lot of work, and she requested council members to assist in making some of the budget decisions.
Council members passed a motion increasing utility rates by $2 for 2021, making the total utility bill $156. The increase includes $1 each for both water and sewer. Elkington suggested discussing rates for Well No. 6 at the next meeting.
City employee wages were also discussed during the public hearing, with Bell presenting a spreadsheet of current salaries. Elkington suggested no raises for 2021. Councilperson Richard Baldwin said public works crew will get $1 raises after completing their pesticide licensing in the spring. Baldwin asked to revisit the wage issue in six months. Bell asked about the wages of Clerk-Treasurer Kylie Buell, and Elkington said she received a clothing stipend a few years ago, and now the town is paying their portion of Buell’s medical insurance. Bell will present a spreadsheet comparison of 1% to 5% increase for Buell at the next meeting, per Councilperson Kathy Vedder’s request.
Bell presented a landlord’s request to settle one of his accounts with a $2,040 balance with a $1,000 payment and calling it paid in full. Council suggested continuing to send the bill and request a payment arrangement be made.
In other business, council
– Paid bills from Oct. 27 through Nov. 9 totaling $238,892.
– Heard from Patrick Sheehy of Century West Engineering the Community Block Development Grant project is nearing completion, and paving on Lutcher Street will begin. Well No. 8 will be the next project to complete, and the variance frequency drive is delayed until January. Signed contract documents for the Vulcan Waterline Project have been sent to to USDA, and Sheehy will be scheduling a pre-construction meeting for this week.
Katie Teachout is the editor of the Ritzville Adams County Journal. She has more than a decade experience covering Eastern Washington, including the Upper Kittitas Valley, the Methow Valley and Okanogan and Ferry counties.
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