City of Chelan Council prepares for 2019 budget

CHELAN – The Chelan City Council met on October 3 and 4 in specials meetings to work on GFC charges, a proposed 2019 legislative agenda, draft financial policies and go over some of the 2019 budget.

During the first workshop, the FCS Group composed of Principal Angie Sanchez, Project Manager Andy Baker and Senior Consultant Brooke Tacia presented the council with a General Facilities Charges(GFC) regarding Chelan Water and Sewer. Based on their research they were able give the council some recommendations to help with water and sewer costs.

The following evening, Finance Director Steve Thornton went over the General Fund and Debt Services Fund.

The General Fund accounts all financial resources and transactions for Administration, Finance, Legal, Police, Planning, Building Department, Library, Mental and Physical Health and Youth Services.

Also included in the fund are transfers for General fund capital projects and revenue sources.

According to Thornton, the preliminary budget for 2019 increase by 1.66 percent equal to $67,377, for 2019 there are no transfers out in the budget.

The total revenues budgeted also increased for 2019 by 11.56 percent to $417,715, part of the reason to it changing is due to sales tax and Planning and Building Department charges.

Many of the projects in the Capital Funds for this year will carry over into next year.

However, there were some new project requests, including a new audio system for City Hall which will include a laser projector and will last for about 20 years.

The Finance Department’s major ask is for a server replacement that goes along with the new software recently installed earlier this year.

Some discussion was raised in regards to the Sanders/Johnson intersection and the fact that there has been a lot of congestion lately. Due to this the city will look into the problem more and will find the best solution to solve it. In talks was the possibility of adding a roundabout.

Along with that intersection, there has been a lot of people reaching out to the city about the traffic being created in front of the high school. Chelan Schools’ Superintendent Barry DePaoli is very concerned about the students safety while crossing the street.

The council spoke about an interim solution to the problem. They will look at installing a flashing beacon to ensure students can cross safely. This will cost around $15,000.

The Parks Department is looking at the possibility of adding two new sand volleyball courts which are highly used by the community and the K Beach Volleyball team.

Chelan Mayor Mike Cooney representing the Chelan Valley Housing Trust, also had an ask that evening. It involves the City’s help “to get off the ground with a $100,000 startup grant to match private fundraising dollars.”

The funds will be spend in order to help subsidize GFC fees, it was also asked for the city to “pledge $20,000 a year over the next five years to cover development sees, permit fees,” and anything else that might come along the way. Cooney received the approval from the council, with nods all around.

The Chelan City Council will meet in special session starting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 11 in preparation for the 2019 Budget.