Coming soon: Pay town utilities by credit card

It will soon be possible for Odessa residents to pay their water/sewer/garbage bill using a debit or credit card. The town has received an offer from Armada Corp., a Kennewick-based company that provides debt collection services, as well as processing of credit/debit cards for payments. Using a card for payment will involve a small fee to the user, four percent of the billed amount, but will not cost the Town of Odessa any money. The payment button will connect directly to the secure website of Armada. The council approved moving forward to set up the system on the existing town website.

Town attorney Mark DeWulf had many questions about the new (and lengthy) Avista Franchise Agreement. After a two-hour phone call between Avista representatives and town hall, Avista’s lawyers must now be consulted once again to iron out differences, Mayor Bill Crossley reported.

March 10 at 6 p.m. in the Old Town Hall is the date set for a town forum to inform the public about the ongoing infrastructure projects to be continued this spring and summer. Steve Nelson of CenturyWest Engineering of Spokane will present an overview of the scope of what has already been done and what remains to be done in terms of roadwork, water main replacement and so forth. Nelson also requested at the Feb. 24 meeting of the council that in order to obtain final approval of funding for the loan portion of the infrastructure project, the Town of Odessa sign a letter agreeing to providing matching funds that will be paid back to the town once the loan is approved. Council approved the request.

Town Marshal Brent Dell reported on the continuing problem of dogs running at large. A dog bite requiring surgery on the victim was reported, followed by additional surgeries later on. Citations have been issued to owners of loose dogs. Dell also said he was informed by the prosecutor’s office that rude, angry or unruly patrons who visit the town clerk’s office will not be prosecuted unless the town posts a Code of Conduct on the premises of the clerk’s office.