Thanks to timber, town paying off two loans

The Cathlamet Town Council breezed through its agenda Monday, agreeing to pay off federal loans and considering applicants to be town attorney, among other agenda items.

The council took out a $388,200 loan from the US Department of Agriculture/Rural Development in 1983 for sewer system construction.

In February, USDA contacted Clerk/Treasurer Kerrie McNally to request the town pay off the loan. A provision in the loan seeks repayment when an agency has sufficient savings or other funds that could be used. The loan has a balance of $80,118.

The town has $260,000 cash on hand, McNally said; much from timber harvest last year; there is another $23,000 in sewer fund reserves.

Also, in 2007, the council took out a $30,000 loan to buy a vacant lot adjacent to the municipal library parking area. Approximately $18,000 remains owing.

Council members voted to authorize McNally to pay off the loans.

With the contract for town attorney expiring at the end of April, the town issued a request for proposals for attorneys interested in the job.

The town received three proposals: 1. from current attorney Heidi Heywood; 2. from Timothy T. Lawry, who is retiring from private practice and a long career with the US Army and moving into the area this year, and 3. from Frank F. Randolph, a member of the Longview firm Walstead, Mertsching, PS.

Council members were pleased to have more than one applicant for the job.

Council Member Sue Cameron suggested Mayor Dale Jacobson negotiate with Randolph, pointing out that the town has had to hire specialized attorneys, and Randolph's firm would probably have that extra expertise.

"Wouldn't it be good to meet these guys?" asked Council Member Jean Burnham.

After more discussion, the council authorized Jacobson to interview the applicants to see what terms he could negotiate.

In other business, council members passed the first reading of amendments to the town's public records ordinance and met in an executive session to discuss purchase of property, taking no action afterwards.