Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Water study may take place in 2021
COLFAX – The 2021 city budget is being developed with possible free pool admission and a study for next year.
The Colfax City Council met Oct. 5 through a digital meeting for a 2021 budget workshop presented by Public Works Director Matt Hammer.
The discussion included pool admission prices, sewer and water pipe leaks and more.
Hammer noted the parks board was talking about keeping the pool admission at no charge for next year due to the 2020 season being impacted by the virus with a limited opening.
“I’m not a big fan of free,” said councilman Mark Mackleit. “What about doing a donation?”
Councilman Tom Huntwork concurred.
“So, instead of building reserves, we’re spending it, which is where we started,” Huntwork said.
Hammer explained that it would be to give to the community a break during the “COVID times” of job layoffs.
The free admission this year cost the city $12,000 in reserves. Hammer reiterated that the parks board is just talking about the “free” option for next year.
Mackleit asked how much was in reserves for parks and was told $230,000.
“We’re not exactly heading toward poverty,” said Hammer.
Another topic during the workshop was Hammer mentioning an item for water and sewer.
He is seeking an estimated $60,000 study of inflow and infiltration (I&I), which would be the first in Colfax since 1992. It is the amount of rainwater that seeps into sewer pipes, making the wastewater plant take in and process more water than it should. It decreases treatment efficiency.
“Our flows are exceeding our permitted discharge during wet weather,” Hammer added.
The city council meets again Oct. 19 for another budget workshop, and is discussing police and fire department funds. Once complete, the full city budget proposal will be posted for 30 days for public input. The city has until Dec. 31 to adopt a 2021 budget.
“Overall, it was fairly good,” said Mayor Jim Retzer of the Oct. 5 session. “Coming in with good numbers, the council was pleased with (Hammer) projecting ahead to save money.”
The mayor wasn’t sure of how to meet the challenge of 2020 revenue on the 2021 budget.
“I can’t say that positively for sure,” said Retzer. “That’s the job of the department heads to watch their budget and keep within their means.”
The mayor estimated city revenue is down $7,000, mainly from less local gas tax due to fewer cars coming through the area.
“I think we are in pretty good shape, pending everything stays the same,” Retzer said. “We still got a few months to go. Say, if the governor shuts things down again we’re kind of flat-lined on the revenue.”
Retzer commented on the virus and its impact.
“I’m proud of our community as far as doing everything they can to slow down the spread of COVID,” he said. “I appreciate everyone basically adhering to the guidelines of wearing a mask. It’s to protect the most vulnerable in our community. Not necessarily a preventive measure for the person wearing the mask.”
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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