Council takes steps on 2019 budgets

The Cathlamet Town Council took first steps toward adopTing 2019 budgets at a special meeting Monday afternoon.

Budget preparation has been delayed by illness ot Clerk/Treasurer Kerrie McNally. Recently hired interim Clerk/Treasurer Sylvia Costich presented an updated version created since a workshop the previous week. She asked the mayor, council and public works director to email any further changes so a final budget would be ready for action at the council’s Dec. 17 meeting.

Costich said the present figures showed a potential surplus of $212,000 in revenue over expenses.

Mayor Dale Jacobson said there are no salary or wage increases anticipated for the budget. Costich and Council Member Sue Cameron recommended increasing the funds in the line for extra help to cover expenses during McNally’s illness.

Public Works Director Duncan Cruickshank followed with a request for a wage increase for town staff to keep up with inflation, at the least.

Major capital expenditures for 2019 include replacing equipment at the municipal swimming pool and proceeding with an extension of a water main on Columbia Street.

“I’d like to see funding for parks,” Jacobson added.

The council unanimously approved an ordinance setting the 2019 budget at $5.7 million for the first reading. Final adoption will occur at the Dec. 17 meeting.