AIRWAY HEIGHTS – Budget talks are under way, and on Oct. 11, the City Council went over the financial report containing number from January through September 2021.
The total anticipated number is $44,792,362, and through three quarters of the year the city has collected $37,549,962 or close to 84% of the expected total.
The city’s current expense by department numbers report is also close to being on par at just over 76% allocated.
Stanley Schubert explained the property tax numbers are only recorded at 57% paid at this time, but that is because the city receives property tax payments twice per year.
The second wave of payments has not come in, yet.
Schubert said he expects that number to balance out before long.
He also said the retail sales tax of $888,970 is from the Top 10 Airway Heights companies and combined make up 44% of the sales tax brought into the city.
In other business, the council:
Discussed where emergency funds from the American Rescue Plan Act will be spent, as the city is set to receive two payments of $1.3 million. Those funds must be spent by the end of 2024. Proposed ideas included new vehicles and equipment for various city departments, renewed infrastructure, and water system repairs and enhancements.
Heard from J.C. Kennedy, who reported three resignations from the Park Advisory Board due to personal reasons. He said there will also be a fourth position opening on the board as one current member will be joining the City Council vacating the park board seat. He also announced nominations for possible appointees to the board.
Voted unanimously to pass several action items on the agenda including approval for a purchase register for T-O Engineers for a total of $15,376.55. Gas and electric franchise agreements with Avista were addressed and approved. Some needed renovations for the water reclamation plant were addressed by Kevin Anderson, and voted on adopting a comprehensive water plan.
Anderson also said the Environmental Services Agreement Amendment with the U.S. Air Force needed to be addressed as it pertains to the city’s lawsuit against the federal government.
Mayor Sonny Weathers said, “We are at a disadvantage due to the pollution that is in our water system.” Anderson said council has until the end of the month to act without missing a beat on the current course.
Matthew O. Stephens can be reached at reporter2@cheneyfreepress.com
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