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After a major overhaul of Argonne Road this year, the Millwood City Council knew that the 2010 budget wasn’t likely to include an abundance of funding for road repairs.
While most of the financing for the street improvements came through a $1.3 million grant from the Spokane Regional Transportation Council – plus additional support from the state Transportation Improvement Board – the city did provide over $31,500 in supplemental funds to cover upgrades to pedestrian paths as part of the project.
As staff and council look ahead to next year’s fiscal agenda, over $430,000 has been set aside for road projects, although Millwood Mayor Dan Mork said the schedule for capital improvements should be relatively light compared to 2009.
“I don’t foresee a lot of work but you never know what roads are going to do,” he said.
Mork did say that there are plans to continue the theme of municipal refurbishing with help from the Millwood Better for Business group. Ideas include adding gateway signs, period lighting and additional placards throughout city limits that would feature the new city logo.
Mork has been in discussions with Avista regarding the nostalgic lighting fixtures that would be installed in the downtown area. He added that there is hope of procuring grant funds or at least matching dollars through programs like Smart Streets or Main Street USA. The city has already spent nearly $4,000 to install wiring for the project.
Representatives from Better for Business provided input on various aspects of the Argonne improvement project and continue to generate support for concepts that will revitalize commerce throughout Millwood. Mork said the group – which sponsored a celebration in August to recognize the completion of Argonne – has brought a wealth of ideas to community table.
“They have really added a lot to what we’re doing here,” he said.
Council Member Glenn Bailey did raise a concern at Monday’s meeting that some sidewalk repair would be needed in the coming year, particularly to address disruptions that have been caused by burgeoning tree roots. Mork added that funds to cover such improvements, along with a renovation of the intersection at Argonne and Euclid, could be moved from the street fund with a simple budget amendment.
As the 2010 budget stands, there are no funds earmarked specifically for pedestrian development.
“If there are areas that should be upgraded, we should have money there,” said Council Member Kevin Freeman.
Due to a decrease in property valuation, the city expects to collect around $12,000 less in property tax revenue next year. The mayor did add that a recent construction project at the Inland Empire Paper mill will likely add to the municipal tax base, although the exact figures are still to be determined.
Mork said he remained encouraged by the budget outlook, noting that the city “should have ending balances of around 10 to 15 percent in every category.”
Council will finalize details of the 2010 budget at its next gathering on Dec. 7.
A public hearing on the document will be part of the meeting.
In other council news:
- John Driscoll, executive director of Project Access, provided an overview of the program that has provided nearly $20 million in free medical care to uninsured residents of Spokane County since originating in 2003. For every $1 invested in the program, Driscoll said, close to $9 is generated for medical services. Millwood is one of eight area cities, in addition to Spokane County, that dedicate funds to the cause.
- The Millwood Better for Business group will hold its next meeting on Thursday, Nov. 12 in the West Valley High School library beginning at 6:30 p.m.
- The fourth annual Millwood Christmas Tree Lighting celebration will be held on Friday, Dec. 4 in front of the Inland Empire Paper Mill at 3320 N. Argonne. A tour of the paper mill will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. with the tree lighting to follow at 6.
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By
Craig Howard
