Ritzville Council holds public hearings for fee schedule, preliminary budget

During their Nov. 21 meeting, the Ritzville City Council held public hearings for the 2018 fee schedule and preliminary budget.

One of the changes proposed for the 2018 fee schedule is a 3 percent increase for large solid waste containers on properties. Mayor Gary Cook said the increase on the waste containers will cover the cost of dumping fees from Adams County.

The fee schedule also includes a proposed increase for bulk water fees. The first 1,000 gallons of water will cost $75 and every 1,000 gallons thereafter will be $10. Clerk-Treasurer Kris Robbins added the bulk water fees should not effect residents’ utility bills.

During the preliminary budget hearing, Cook listed several funds that will have an increase in expenses. The expenses for the general fund will increase 7 percent, including a 1 percent increase to employee payroll for cost of living adjustment and benefits.

Cook noted administrative costs will increase by about 2 percent while the police department costs will rise 6 percent.

When council member Mark Weigand asked about the increase in expenses for the police department, Cook said 1 percent of the increase is to cover wages and 5 percent is for the department’s operating costs.

The fire department’s expenses will increase over 22 percent from last year’s budget. Cook said this was mostly due to the wage increase for the fire chief, assistant chief and captain.

Cook said because the chief, assistant chief and captain are receiving a pay increase, they will no longer be paid an hourly wage.

The golf course’s expenses will increase 11 percent, which Cook said was mostly due to the wage increase for the course’s manager from $4,100 to $4,500 a month. Weigand noted the golf course manager had requested the wage increase during last year’s budget but did not receive it.

Council member Mike Schrag voiced concerns over the increase in costs to operate the golf course, as well as the loss in revenue over the last several years. He suggested the city and council create different ways to help finance it, and council member Dennis Chamberlain agreed.

Both council members said they do not want the city to close golf course, rather they just want to find a better funding mechanism for it.

Cook said the City Park’s expenses will increase 13 percent, while the cemetery’s costs will rise 10 percent.

Weigand said he would like the city to set aside funds in case of an emergency. Cook said he and Police Chief Dave McCormick have attended meetings and will start developing an emergency management plan for the city in the future.

In action items, the council approved Ordinance 2110, pertaining to the Ad Valorem Taxes upon property in 2018.

The ordinance states the council has determined it will be necessary to increase the current property taxes by 100.1 percent from 2017 and will be included in the 2018 budget for the general operations of the city.

The council also approved the certificate of substantial completion from Pumptech Inc. for the Well No. 9 Pump and Installation Project.

Prior to council’s approval, Robbins presented a letter from Project Engineer Ben Varela, who confirmed the work as substantially complete as defined in the contract.

During the Nov. 7 meeting, Robbins informed council the engineers had completed the punch list items for the well project.

Council also approved a municipal services agreement from Adams County Development Council (ACDC) for the city. The agreement is the same as last year’s amount, $913, which is based on the city’s population of 1,660 at 55 cents per capita.

In other business, Cook read an email from council member Corey Umland.

In the email, Umland announced his resignation from council, citing health and personal reasons.