Harrington City Council fills in for budget planning

HARRINGTON--Mayor Pro Tem Stephen Hardy called the City Council meeting to order in the Memorial Hall on Oct. 13. Those in attendance were Peter Davenport, David Buddrius, Justin Slack, Levi Schenk, Clerk Jere Lee and visitors Jess Silhan, Joe Armand and Denisa Holling. Davenport requested that the transfer of $700,000 from an investment fund for the cemetery be added to the agenda.

Despite the budget planning committee failing to meet, Council discussed generalities regarding the budget. A lack of equipment and the need to provide shelter for the "antique fire truck” was mentioned.

Hardy said, "Interest seems to have dropped off the face of the planet" regarding the sale of the fire truck.

Luck has been looking into the purchase of a second public works truck. Comments were made that the City does not have sufficient snow removal equipment. A suggestion was made to investigate purchasing used government equipment.

A long discussion ensued about what actual equipment the city owns, since former public works supervisor McGowan had provided his personal equipment for city work when the city did not have the necessary tools.

Council members decided they needed an inventory list of what the city has and does not have. A potential weekly workshop was suggested in order to have the budget committee ready for the new year.

Hardy announced Davenport's request for the agenda addition of discussing the investment fund for the cemetery.

“As I recall, I was the only councilman to oppose pooling our investment with the state,” Davenport said.

Davenport was concerned about protecting the money in case of a panic.

"I was hoping Mike would be here to answer some questions," he added.

"Cronrath has all the parties in place to be able to do a wire transfer of the $700,000 and should be able to complete (it), I believe he said, in the next three weeks,” Hardy said. “Cronrath wanted to transfer the money in a slightly different way but for the sake of expediency and to try to meet the council's desire to see that happen in a more immediate fashion, that that was the best he could do.”

Hardy related that Mayor Nathan Luck didn’t feel the Mid-County Senior’s agreement was significantly different from the agreement with Okanogan, so Luck gave his approval.

Council discussed issues that had been in the agreement with Okanogan, specifically equipment that Okanogan had brought in. Council had no information regarding Okanogan removing things they owned nor any knowledge of what Mid-County Seniors would be bringing in. A motion to table the agreement until the next meeting was approved.

Other topics discussed and then tabled included the lot-line adjustments for 305 and 307 West Sherlock, the street project on Adams (which is delayed until spring) and the long overdue conclusion of the revised city handbook, which is awaiting an attorney’s response.