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The discussion itself covered a gamut of municipal issues – including law enforcement, business signage and even a long-awaited city sponsored arboretum – but ultimately, the Liberty Lake City Council emerged with an approved budget for 2010 at its meeting Tuesday night.
After special votes on half-a-dozen issues that involved amendments to the original budget or status quo funding for projects like a $100,000 wayfinding sign program, council members passed the outline for municipal spending, also known as Ordinance 181, by a margin of 6-1. Next year’s financial priority list rang in at just over $12.2 million.
The arboretum, tentatively launched after land was donated by the Meadowwood Homeowners Association in 2005, did not receive the votes to support a $55,000 expenditure that would have paid for infrastructure improvements such as excavation, a basic sprinkler system and ensuring that walkways were compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The 3.2 acres to the east of City Hall has sat essentially vacant since a groundbreaking in 2006.
Despite resident support, which included a number of public comments during the meeting critical of the delay, council members like Neal Olander argued that the project was “not the highest priority for the city.”
Mayor Pro Tem David Crump countered that the funding for the arboretum could remain in the budget with any future expenditures based on the city’s financial situation later in 2010. Basic infrastructure upgrades, Crump added, would “allow the citizens to get involved.”
“I see it as a vital area of the community,” he said.
Council Member Patrick Jenkins emphasized that the city should examine funding priorities such as a new patrol car for the police department before committing money to the arboretum.
“If we’re going to spend that kind of money, I’d like to spend it on something more critical,” Jenkins said.
The vote on the police vehicle – a replacement car that is part of a rotation program – garnered support but failed by a count of 5-2 as did a proposal to install a perimeter fence around the new Liberty Lake police station.
The City Council did pass a $15,000 addition to fund a security system at a skate park, an item not included in the original budget. Police Chief Brian Asmus said a similar system installed at Pavillion Park several years ago “has been a deterrent to crime.”
Council members cut over $12,000 for 2010 by reducing the amount allotted for travel expenses – utilized for lobbying trips to Olympia and conferences sponsored by groups like the Association of Washington Cities – from $6,740 to $2,500. Another $2,500 set aside for a council retreat was eliminated while the annual budget for the city newsletter was reduced from $13,000 to $8,000.
Other than the conversation involving the arboretum, the most divided debate concerned a new municipal signage program designed to help local businesses generate traffic in a slow economy. Community Development Director Doug Smith said the city expected a $50,000 return from investors in the first year, although the actual figure “would be based on the number of participants.” Smith added that, at full participation, costs would run “between $400 and $500 for signage” for each commercial site in town.
Meanwhile, opponents of the initiative like Council Member Ryan Romney countered that “it wouldn’t be realistic to expect $50,000 in revenue.” Crump said that while the benefits of the program are uncertain, additional signage “may just be enough to keep places in business.”
Council Member Susan Schuler said she has discussed the program with a number of Liberty Lake business owners who support the idea. The signs would adhere to a consistent aesthetic standard and include locations such as City Hall and local golf courses in addition to retail sites.
Council eventually voted 5-2 to keep the funding for signage as part of the budget.
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By
Craig Howard
