Town Council approves 2025 budget, but public remains mum

It was more ho-hum than ho-ho-ho as the La Conner Town Council approved a $7 million 2025 municipal budget during its final meeting of the year.

No public comment was offered at a budget hearing, part of the nearly hour-long Dec. 10 agenda at Maple Hall.

“People come to the meetings here to talk about things and sometimes it can be fairly trivial,” Town Councilor Ivan Carlson noted wryly, “so I’m surprised that no one is here to speak to the proposed budget.”

Mayor Marna Hanneman had a ready explanation.

“Either we’re doing a great job,” Hanneman quipped, “or there’s a riot outside.”

If 2024 was any indication, this budget, while tight, should hold up barring unforeseen ­circumstances.

“It looks like we’ll meet our (2024) budget and then some,” Hanneman said. “We’re a whole lot better off than a lot of cities and towns.”

The council approved the draft Community Emergency Management Plan. The document was crafted this year by the town’s emergency management ­commission.

The mayor called it a working document and praised the commission’s “amazing job.”

It includes a risk assessment for potential emergencies and natural disasters. It also spells out research-proven procedures for emergency responses.

Public Works Director Brian Lease shared the good news of $290,000 in state grant funding to finish planned pedestrian safety and drainage upgrades earmarked for Maple Avenue and Road Street.

“This will complete the work that was begun last year,” he said.

The council canceled its Dec. 24 meeting, as it does annually of the second December meeting. The local Christmas spirit is exemplified, all agreed, by the lighted tree at Gilkey Square.

Chamber of Commerce Director Mark Hulst, in his report to council, praised town staff for installing and decorating the tree and agreed to explore whether the community tree lighting ceremony – which always draws large crowds – might be scheduled a couple weeks earlier.

Hanneman said the town arts commission has three vacancies in 2025. A fifth emergency management commissioner is also needed.

Councilmember MaryLee Chamberlain will serve as appointed mayor pro-tem the first half of 2025.

Planning Director Michael Davolio revisited a lingering issue – the status of the three-story condo/apartment complex proposed for 306 Center Street. The project has been delayed due to concerns related to the dimensions of its planned elevator system.

“A representative of the applicant said he believes they’ve found a work-around on the elevator issue,” Davolio said, “and they’ll be submitting a new plan by year’s end.”

A special meeting might be called before New Year’s regarding the ongoing efforts to acquire a fire boat.