City health and well being

It’s annual budget time at the City of Ritzville. This happens every year, and is always a challenge.

Like everyone who must create budgets, it creates a plan for the next year, and just as importantly let’s us see how we did in 2016.

We had some inevitable surprises for this year. We helped the golf course with a new (used) gator for maintenance, public works got a new trailer and all the equipment thankfully operated with only minor repairs.

Our new well is still not operational, but we have a reasonable expectation for optimism that it will be up and running before another irrigation season starts in the spring.

I have immense respect and admiration for all the department heads: Larry Swift, Dave McCormick, Dan Duff, Bill Banner and Kris Robbins. They have run their respective departments with efficiency and in every case, low cost with impressive results.

Revenue for the City stays fairly constant, and with less than three months left in 2016, those folks have somehow managed to keep expenses low. You should be very proud that your public officials are spending your money carefully.

The guidance and involvement from the City Council is exceptional also. Each council member makes sure they understand the issues, constantly reviews information, and is able to make good sound decisions.

As elected officials they are working hard to keep your trust that money you provide is spent carefully and appropriately.

All the employees and elected folks are making this City running efficiently with a minimum of “bumps”. I’m privileged to be a part of this team.