Colfax city council meets short Monday

Garth Meyer, Gazette Reporter | Jul 23, 20200

COLFAX – The Colfax city council met by Google Meet computer and phone access Monday night, covering a few items in a brief meeting while taking no action.

Police Chief Bruce Blood mentioned that Colfax's third officer, Joe McCollum, will return to the job July 27 after a deployment with the U.S. Air Force (aiding COVID-19 testing in Yakima). Blood noted that this will make it so the department can put a city officer back on the night shift.

The city contracts with the Whitman County Sheriff's Office to cover certain shifts, while it seeks to hire two new officers.

Other reports followed during Monday's meeting before it was City Finance Director Chris Mathis' turn – to give a report on the city's finances.

Silence ensued.

“Are you muted, Chris?” said Clerk Linda Kramlich.

Silence, as Mathis' mouth moved but no sounds were made.

“This is the best report I've ever heard,” said Councilman Jim Kackman.

The muting issue was eventually solved and Mathis began again.

Colfax Mayor Jim Retzer also noted in the meeting the opening of Legends Barber Shop on Canyon Street in Colfax, in the former spot of “A Modern Plantsman.”