Annual town budget close to final totals

La Conner town’s council is posed to pass the town’s 2022 annual budget at its Dec. 14 meeting. At their Nov. 23 meeting, held on Zoom only, members, the mayor and staff seemed in general agreement on the items they discussed. No resident was present or spoke during the budget public hearing agenda segment.

Discussion centered on social infrastructure, first the need to catch up with equipment for the fire department. The department budget will be raised to about $175,000 from October’s $144,596 initial amount. Fire Chief Aaron Reinstra and member Adam Avery offered specifics. Avery emphasized the need for contracting with Skagit County for a fire inspection program, saying the department cannot cover it. He called it critical, saying it is for “life safety and a proactive program for our safety.”

Mayor Ramon Hayes agreed, calling for an annual line item and Councilmember MaryLee Chamberlain recognized its “tremendous relevance for safety for our town.” Councilmember Bill Stokes received support for his call for ordering needed gear now, to achieve cost savings.

Hayes brought up funds for the La Conner Regional Library, saying it is its own taxing authority, different from the Braves Club after school program which receives an unrestricted donation. Thomas echoed that, calling it improper but saying “we can pay for things, for services,” and that the Braves Club funds subsidize low income students.

Councilmember Mary Wohleb suggested funding the library’s community conference room, internet services or computers “that would benefit the community.” Council members supported the concept but no funding decision was reached.

The letter from the Braves Club staff did not have budget items. Finance Director Maria DeGoede said she would send that letter to the council this week.

Hayes and the council discussed the code enforcement budget, agreeing on $25,000, probably for a Ford transit van. Members like the idea of an electric vehicle, but the cost is likely too high.

The code enforcement duties and job description were discussed. Thomas emphasizing administrative support is needed for planning demands, saying the description was intentionally broad to best utilize the skills of the person hired. Hayes noted that full time positions are critical to keep staff. DeGoede shared that parttime staff are the first laid off when budgets shrink.

The flood fund, physical infrastructure, was the last item discussed. Wohleb stressed the need for modeling and science-based decisions. She said there was a 10.5 foot high tide “at three o’clock Monday” and that First Street floods at 14.5 feet. She asked about evacuation routes. Stokes and Thomas agreed that information needs to be provided to residents, in fall utility bills and with Skagit County’s annual flood awareness week material.

Stokes again brought up the obligation from Crown Castle to have light absorbing technology on their cell tower in Pioneer Park, that the company has never followed through on its agreement. Public Works Director Brian Lease replied, “there is no 3M absorbing technology; they are not going to install it.” Stokes asked Thomas, as administrator and town attorney, “to get involved.”

Council also unanimously passed Resolution 585 adopting specified Maple Hall event policies and procedures The New Year’s Eve dance fundraiser was approved for music till 12:30 a.m. and the stipulation to finish cleaning up by 2 a.m. They similarly approved an agreement with Skagit County for $6,900 for senior center services, funding the town’s coordinator.

Hayes called council into executive session on the issue of potential litigation. They met for about 15 minutes and adjourned without taking action.

The Dec. 14 council meeting will be held over Zoom only. Cold weather, difficult Maple Hall space for acoustics and equipment logistics and limited resources led Thomas to that decision.