It took a few last-minute alterations, but the Mill Creek City Council managed to get unanimous approval of the city’s two-year budget during its Tuesday, Dec. 14 meeting.
Mayor Terry Ryan and Council member Donna Michelson both made accepted motions shortly before the final vote that amended the budget to suit their liking.
Both motions, like the final budget vote, passed by 5-0 margins. Council members John Hudgins and John “Jack” Start did not attend Tuesday’s meeting.
Michelson motioned to alter the amount of money the city would give to the Northshore Senior Program, which operates the Greater Mill Creek Senior Program. The city had proposed a $15,000 donation, while the senior program asked for $20,000. Michelson’s motion amended the amount to $17,500.
“I consider this a show of support for a very valuable program,” Michelson said.
All the money for the senior program is coming from the city’s Community Support Fund.
Ryan, meanwhile, moved to amend a $6,811 deficit be paid for out of the Community Support Fund. City staff had proposed using some of the city’s reserves to fund the gap, which was reduced from $8,000 because of a miscalculation in police department holiday pay.
Ryan made the motion because he had been outspoken against using any of the city’s reserves to fund the regular budget. He had said in previous meetings that he would vote against the budget if any reserve funds were used.
The two motions leave the Community Support Fund with approximately $19,500, according to city finance director Joanne Gregory.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
