Council approves 2010 budget

Councilwoman Shelley Klasse fills her seat for the last time. PHOTO BY JEREMIAH O Councilwoman Shelley Klasse’s last acts with the council were voting against a cable TV utility tax increase and voting in the 2010 budget in Thursday’s meeting.

Councilman Andy Chapel was excused from the meeting.

Council voted four to two against Ordinance 1258, the cable TV utility tax increase, which was presented for a second reading Thursday in accordance with council’s vote during the Nov. 30 meeting.

Council members Arne Wennerberg, Bill Carlton, Timothy Loney and Shelley Klasse voted against the failed motion.

The rate increase, which was already factored into the proposed 2010 budget, would have gained $30,900 revenue. Its failure increased the budget deficit by the

same amount, for a total of $232,416.

However, council didn’t feel they could justify the increase in the face of recent water, sewer and drainage increases.

Council’s second vote of the night was to approve the proposed 2010 budget, which passed five to one. Wennerberg cast the dissenting vote.

Although council passed the budget, they regretted the deficit.

“It’s with a heavy heart that we’re passing this,” Klasse said.

Carlton was more direct.

“I vote for this budget because it needs to be done,” he said, “but I do it reluctantly because I believe we failed. We are letting the citizens down by not presenting a balanced budget.”

Still, Carlton congratulated Crystil Robinson, the city’s finance director, for her hard work in difficult economic times.

“I wish I could take the credit,” Robinson said, “but it belongs to the department heads. They are taking on a lot of extra responsibility (to make this work).”

Councilman Leonard Kelley agreed that the budget, even with its deficit, required very hard work by those involved. He pointed out that compared to other cities such as Bellingham, which tapped over $7 million in reserves, Stanwood did well.

“It’s harsh to call it a failure,” he said.

He added that, in his opinion, council has done the best they could.

Joyce Papke, city administrator, agreed with Kelley and thanked council for passing the budget.

“I take exception to the idea that you failed,” she said. Rather, “I congratulate you on a successful budget.”

There is the possibility for the city to be able to favorably adjust its budget in early 2010 when they look at options for restructuring the fire services provided in Stanwood.

Klasse’s last charge to council was to “look for opportunities next year” to cut costs and increase revenue.

The next regularly scheduled council meeting, Dec. 24, has been cancelled. The next meeting is now scheduled for Jan. 14, at 7 p.m., in the school district’s administration building, 26920 Pioneer Hwy, Stanwood.

In other city council news:

• Mayor Dianne White presented Klasse with a plaque commemorating her 11 years of dedicated service to Stanwood. This took place before the regular council meeting.

• White thanked local law enforcement for their dedication and service.

“We are lucky to have men willing to take on such terrible risk,” she said. “I am proud to be the mayor of a town with such wonderful people in uniform.”

• Andy Bullington, public works director, took an opportunity to recognize “homegrown talent” in Gina Melander.

“Gina worked very hard to hone her craft,” said Bullington, and congratulated her on passing her Water Treatment Plant Operator level two certification.

Bullington said it’s exciting to have someone from the community working for the community.

“This is how we build relationships,” he said.

• Rebecca Lind, director of community development, informed council that the initial public hearing for the Shoreline Master Program was held Dec. 9. Council and the planning commission will be given a presentation on the program soon.

• Papke announced to council that it’s time to select the committees they want to serve on. Mayor White will make selections based on their preferences.

• White informed council that the city is looking into becoming part of a high-speed train route from Portland to Vancouver, B.C. The train, which will travel at approximately 120 mph, represents a $1.2 billion dollar project funded by the Obama Administration.

Staff Reporter Jeremiah O’Hagan: 629- 8066 ext. 125 or ohagan@scnews.com.