Town officials cautious about 2024 budget

With long-awaited warm weather hinting of summer arrival, La Conner Mayor Ramon Hayes told Town Council members that tighter fitting fashions will be the coming style at their May 9 Maple Hall session.

“We’re going to have to tighten our belts this fall,” Hayes predicted, referring to next year’s budget, despite robust sales and hotel-motel tax revenues.

“There will be pressure on our budget negotiations,” said Hayes. “Costs are rising, and we see inflation across the board. And labor costs are on the rise.”

Councilmember MaryLee Chamberlain noted higher installation costs for new HVAC units.

“With HVAC in general,” Public Works Director Brian Lease confirmed, “we see cost increases on equipment and due to the complexities of changing regulations.”

Sgt. Beau Montgomery, lead officer of the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office La Conner Detachment, told council he is retiring in June.

Montgomery introduced his successor, Sgt. Brad Holmes, a 25 years veteran in law enforcement, including work in search and rescue and crisis negotiations.

“He has a ton of experience and he’ll do a great job here,” Montgomery said. I’ll help Brad get to know everybody and make sure it’s a smooth transition.”

Holmes, a Mount Vernon High alum, described himself as “a Skagit Valley lifer.” he said his plan is to make the assignment long-term.

Planning Director Michael Davolio said staff and planning commissioners are crafting measures intended to discourage adult businesses from choosing to locate here. “If we don’t regulate them,” he said, “they can locate anywhere in town.”

“We’re trying to do this in a manner that our rules and regulations are consistent with state law,” said Davolio.

“We’re trying to be as proactive as possible,” planning commissioner Marna Hanneman said from the audience.

Chamberlain applauded the effort.

“It looks like you’re taking the restrictions as far as you can go,” she said.

Chamberlain, on the Council’s Communications Committee, noted a “gathering of people” interested in town matters from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. May 20 at the La Conner Swinomish Library.

Councilmember Mary Wohleb, liaison to the Parks Commission, said citizen feedback shows a preference to leave the green space of the former Hedlin’s field on Maple Avenue open.

“It would be nice, though, to have a fence and some trees,” she said.

The space, about a half-acre, has had plans for multi-use recreational options.

Wohleb noted that the Jordan Street-end park on North First Street is being eyed as a kayak launch area, which as a water-oriented use would allow retention of a state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) shoreline lease.

Council unanimously approved student Hallie Walls appointment as a non-voting member of the Arts Commission.