The city of Airway Heights had its first of three public hearings for the 2015 budget and revenue sources at the Oct. 20 City Council meeting.
Clerk-Treasurer Richard Cook explained that under Washington state law, the city has to hold public hearings if it is considering raising property taxes.
Cook went through the major revenue sources, which include the current expense, water/sewer and street funds. He said the city will make adjustments to the beginning fund balance and the revenue expenditure.
“What you’re going to see at the Nov. 3 council meeting is the recommended city manager’s budget,” Cook said.
According to Cook, the reported assessed valuation for this year is $466 million, which is $10.5 million more than last year.
During public comment, former Airway Heights mayor Matt Pederson asked that the city not extend the property tax levy.
“A lot of money is being spent, but the city has a new revenue source with the Transportation Benefit District,” Pederson said. “I think we should wait to see how that plays out, along with another number of items, before we go back to the citizens and ask for more money.”
The City Council approved an agreement between Airway Heights and the city of Spokane for solid waste services. Under the agreement, Airway Heights residents can self-haul municipal waste to the plant. The agreement is for seven years, but the city can opt out after three years with a six-month notice.
Public Works Director Kelly Williquette said the $10 landfill closure fee does not factor into the gate fees of $70.50.
City Attorney Stanley Schwartz brought up agreement’s favored rate clause. He explained that if Spokane offers a similarly situated city a more favorable rate, they would offer that same rate to Airway Heights. Schwartz said there is a disagreement on whether or not the clause is enforceable under state law. He added that the city attorney’s office would look at the issue and recommend that council approve the agreement under the condition that it receives a final review from him, as well as a signature from City Manager Albert Tripp.
There was an interlocal agreement between Airway Heights and Spokane County for solid waste disposal services on the agenda. Schwartz said the county attorney’s office is rewriting the agreement and recommended that council defer the item until the Nov. 17 meeting.
In other business the City Council passed two resolutions, one proclaiming November Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and the other adopting the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee’s tourism assessment and strategic plan. The council renewed the offender work crew contract with Department of Corrections. They also approved the second reading of Ordinance C-839, which adopts the updated Capital Improvement Plan for Airway Heights, and the completion for the McFarlane Road Sewer Extension project.
During staff reports, Development Services Director Derrick Braaten said the speed feedback signs on Lawson and King streets are being fixed.
Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.
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