City of Pomeroy passes 2023 budget

POMEROY–The Pomeroy City Council passed its 2023 budget, a new employee pay schedule, and discussed permitting for a recreational vehicle at their meeting on December 6.

The council passed the budget for 2023 after a public hearing. A comment received at the hearing asked if the 2023 budget for street work included water and sewer lines. City Clerk/Treasurer Diane Taylor explained that because they have not been approved by the State of Washington for funding, they are not included in next year's budget. Another comment requested the addition of Columbia Street between 18th and 20th streets to the transportation plan.

The new pay schedule provides more room for growth through increased steps and cost-of-living adjustments.

City Superintendent Mike Lockard brought the matter of an expiring special permit for recreational parking before the council. He granted the permit to a family who lost their home in a fire, and wanted to be sure the council was in agreement with granting a three-month extension. The council agreed, citing the difficulty of finding housing and the weather. The permit will be extended for three months and re-assessed.

In further business, the city received funds from the Shepherd Foundation Grant in the amount of $561,166.31, which was the full amount of funds requested.