Pateros Council approves 2018 operating budget of $6,055,650

PATEROS – The City Council held two public hearings and acted on four resolutions and three ordinances, including the 2018 budget, during its regular monthly meeting on Monday, Nov. 20. In a special session earlier in the month council members also approved a Fair Housing Resolution in compliance with new guidelines to close out a Community Development Block Grant the city received.
Public hearings addressed the city’s 2018 Fee Schedule and the 2018 EMS, Property Tax and Operating Budget ordinances.
Council approved the new fee schedule that authorizes a 2.5 percent increase in city water and sewer rates in line with the Consumer Price Index rate. Garbage charges will be adjusted in May 2018.
The fee schedule included RV and tent camping rates for Ives Landing Park, where Douglas County PUD crews are working on dock replacements and access upgrades. Overnight parking in Memorial Park and overnight camping at Ives Landing are each $15 per night. RV parking fees in Ives Landing are $35 nightly or $210 per week. The two-plus day event fee for Memorial Park is $150 per night.
Council members approved Ordinance 754, the EMS tax levy calling for a one-percent increase over last year and Ordinance 755, the Property Tax Levy authorizing a one-percent increase from 2017. Also approved was Ordinance 756, the 2018 City Operating Budget in the amount of $6,055,650.
Council members adopted Resolution 2017-46, an Interlocal Agreement with the Okanogan Council of Governments and Resolution 2017-47 for purchase of a utility easement from the Pateros School District.
Mayor Carlene Anders requested the appropriation of $2,500 so the city can host the 2018 NCW Community Success Summit that will be held on the second Wednesday of November 2018 at Pateros High School.