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- Wapato starts new year with full council
Wapato starts new year with full council
- By Richard Burger
- Published 01/6/2010
- Front Page
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Richard Burger
View all articles by Richard Burger
Despite a string of persistently uninspiring revenue projections in recent years, Wapato officials say they are optimistic about 2010.
City Clerk and treasurer Sue Pearson said there were “a few struggles” balancing the 2010 budget, but important city services have been maintained, with no layoffs planned for this year.
She said the 2010 general fund budget, the money that provides the city’s day-to-day operating expenses, was $150,000 less than had been originally budgeted for 2009.
“It’s a tough time,” Pearson said. “Every penny counts.”
She said the city’s department heads have been diligent in controlling costs, and took some action in mid-2009 to hold down expenses.
One full-time and one half-time position were cut, she said.
However, the full-time position was restored with federal grant money.
“I’m more optimistic this year than last,” Pearson said.
Still, some of the city services that had been provided a few years ago, such as the parks and recreation program, have no budget again this year.
Mayor Jesse Farias said he is still working with the Yakama Nation to help service to the community’s youth.
At the top of those priorities is a Yakama Nation Boys and Girls club.
Farias said Wapato has been working with the Yakama Nation for the last five or six years “to be good neighbors.”
The Nation provided funding for the Wapato municipal swimming pool for two years.
The Wapato City Council is at full strength again, after the appointment of Ruth Cabrera, the grandmother of former councilman Frank Rodriguez..
Farias said Cabrera is in the process of getting up to speed on the information she needs to serve effectively on the council.
“She’s going to be fine,” Farias said.
He said as this year progresses, the police, fire, and public works department heads will make sure the council regularly has timely information about revenues and expenditures so any needed corrective action can be taken.
He also said that during budget deliberations, “we were conservative in revenue estimates.”
A more “holistic approach” is being developed in the city’s budgeting process.
The next regular city council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 18, in the city hall council chambers, beginning at 7 p.m.
City Clerk and treasurer Sue Pearson said there were “a few struggles” balancing the 2010 budget, but important city services have been maintained, with no layoffs planned for this year.
She said the 2010 general fund budget, the money that provides the city’s day-to-day operating expenses, was $150,000 less than had been originally budgeted for 2009.
“It’s a tough time,” Pearson said. “Every penny counts.”
She said the city’s department heads have been diligent in controlling costs, and took some action in mid-2009 to hold down expenses.
One full-time and one half-time position were cut, she said.
However, the full-time position was restored with federal grant money.
“I’m more optimistic this year than last,” Pearson said.
Still, some of the city services that had been provided a few years ago, such as the parks and recreation program, have no budget again this year.
Mayor Jesse Farias said he is still working with the Yakama Nation to help service to the community’s youth.
At the top of those priorities is a Yakama Nation Boys and Girls club.
Farias said Wapato has been working with the Yakama Nation for the last five or six years “to be good neighbors.”
The Nation provided funding for the Wapato municipal swimming pool for two years.
The Wapato City Council is at full strength again, after the appointment of Ruth Cabrera, the grandmother of former councilman Frank Rodriguez..
Farias said Cabrera is in the process of getting up to speed on the information she needs to serve effectively on the council.
“She’s going to be fine,” Farias said.
He said as this year progresses, the police, fire, and public works department heads will make sure the council regularly has timely information about revenues and expenditures so any needed corrective action can be taken.
He also said that during budget deliberations, “we were conservative in revenue estimates.”
A more “holistic approach” is being developed in the city’s budgeting process.
The next regular city council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 18, in the city hall council chambers, beginning at 7 p.m.