Utility fees raised, developer fees approved

The La Conner Town Council was productive at its last meeting of the year Dec. 13. It approved the Town’s 2023 budget and passed ordinances raising fees after hearing from residents and getting staff reports.

No residents spoke at the public hearing ahead of unanimous approval of the budget. The budget estimates $5.6 million in revenues with expenses of $6.97 million, projecting a $1.4 million deficit. See story, page 1.

The business-side approvals included an amendment finalizing the 2022 budget, joining increases passed earlier. The six fund categories codified went from the arts through composting, $152,602, streets, $24,462, and the general fund, $19,680, for a total of $197,644.

An ordinance to raise funds by imposing a “proportionate share of the cost of fire protection and park facilities needed to serve … new growth and development” was passed. A resolution approving a table of fees will be brought to Council next year.

Fees for low-income housing are set at 50% and Council may reduce fees more. Low-income is defined at 80% or less of Skagit County's median family income.

The ordinance amends Title 13 of the Town's Uniform Development Code.

Council passed an ordinance increasing sewer and water monthly rates and service charges, amending parts of chapter 12 of the municipal code.

A resolution was passed for annual updates covering five pages of land use and public works services fees.

Town planner Michael Davolio’s contract was renewed at a rate of $90 per hour for a maximum of $75,000 annually for two years, or 16 hours weekly. Davolio told Council this would be his last term and that new assistant planner Ajah Eills “can step in” in 2025.

Council approved $10,000 for the La Conner School District’s after-school Braves Club, providing participation for 10 low-income children.

A contract for cleaning with Andrea's House Cleaning Services for bi-weekly cleaning of Town Hall and the La Conner Sheriff’s Detachment office for $350 monthly on an ongoing basis was approved.

Council canceled its Dec. 27 session and elected Councilmember Rick Dole mayor pro tem for the next six months.

Four residents spoke at the meeting’s start. Mayor Ramon Hayes and Councilmember Marylee Chamberlain were absent.