Council sets 2009 budget

The Cathlamet Town Council set its 2009 budget, held readings on five ordinances, and handled a variety of business at its monthly meeting on Monday.

The budget totals $3.8 million in all funds.

The council took a variety of actions to avoid a tax increase to cover the difference between projected revenues and expenses. These included transferring money out of the waste water reserve and keeping employee salaries and wages the same in 2009 as in 2008. The council also reduced expenditures where possible and deferred some planned projects and expenses.

The council decided at an October 28 workshop to modify Ordinance 407 to authorize a $2 rate increase for the Water/Sewer Fund rather than the Sewer Cumulative Reserve. They also agreed to amend Ordinance 493 to authorize the $5 increase effective January 1, 2009, be appropriated to the Water/Sewer Fund rather than the Sewer Reserve.

Without the moves, said Clerk Treasurer Sylvia Costich, the budget would be $35,000 short.

In other business:

--The council passed for first reading a draft ordinance providing conditions for keeping certain poultry in town. No males are allowed, and the birds must be kept penned up. Final action on the ordinance will come in December.

--The council voted 3-1 to approve a proposed ordinance setting rules by which a council member could be removed for missing three consecutive meetings.

Councilmember John Hannah opposed the ordinance, saying it appeared to target him. The three consecutive meetings includes regular and special meetings, and he and others often have work related duties that arise.

"Using three regular and special meetings gives the council a lot of power," he said.

The ordinance provides the council may excuse an abscence for family death or illness, a declared emergency, inclement weather, vacations, attendance at meetings or conferences related to town business, urgent necessity, or other situation which the council deems reasonable.

At the beginning of the meeting, the council excused the absence of Councilmember Wally Wright who was visiting a new born grandchild.

--Planning commissioners Andy Lea and Jim Reed reported the planning commission had reviewed drafts of proposed revisions to the town's zoning ordinances, but more work and direction are necessary. Council members said they would send comments to the planners so that they could present a proposed revision at the council's December 15 meeting.

--The council passed a resolution accepting final transfer of the Cathlamet Fire Hall from Jerry and Linda DeBriae, and Mayor Dick Swart presented pool Manager Lynette Ledgerwood a commendation for operation of the pool this past summer.

--Consulting engineers from Gray and Osborne Engineering reported an analysis of the town's water rights. It will be difficult to find new rights for water in the middle or upper Elochoman Valley, they said. The town could develop or use as an asset existing rights on Abe and Cougar creeks east of town. Overall, they said, the town has adequate rights to serve projected needs through 2027.

--Citing a desire not to increase expenses, council members said they would table a proposal from citizens to dog licensing and animal control duties in 2009.