School levy funds facing legislature challenge
Lou Marzeles
News Editor
The levy for the Goldendale School District is up for vote soon, and superintendent Mark Heid sees unusual challenges for the district this year. He spoke Monday at a Chamber of Commerce business lunch meeting.
A primary factor threatening sufficient funds for the district, Heid pointed out, is the state legislature's stated intention to end levy equalization. That's when the state appropriates funds to equalize the funding of school districts throughout the state; this is done by comparing property-rich districts with strong tax bases with property-poor districts that don't have as much tax funding. In the past, the state has given money to property-poor districts to put their levies on a level roughly equivalent to property-rich districts. Heid mentioned a district that passed a levy of about $1.2 million and received some $1.8 million from the state in levy equalization funding.
"This year the state is looking to trim its budget," Heid said, "and one of the few areas left for it to do is with levy equalization money. It's almost certain they're going to cut that out of the state budget."
This year the Goldendale School District received $231,698 in levy equalization money. That kind of help won't be here next year, Heid predicts.
Exacerbating the district's financial challenges too is the unavailability of federal funds that are ostensibly sitting and waiting for school district use. The district just can't get its hands on it.
There's close to $260,000 in federal economic stimulus funds for us," Heid said, "but only about $60,000 of that is accessible." The funds are tied to line-item use, he explained, meaning that money marked for a specific purpose can be used only and exclusively for that purpose. "So there's money sitting out there, but if we don't have a use for a specific line item, we can't use the money appropriated for that item."
As an example, Heid described the district's attempt to utilize stimulus package funds itemized for special education needs. "We proposed using money for that line item to build a special playground area," Heid said. The playground would be for developmentally challenged students and located near the existing playground. "But they said we couldn't use the money for such a purpose, because we couldn't be sure that other students wouldn't be able to get onto that playground." If any other students were able to use the facility, it was reasoned, then the utilization of funds for this specific purpose could not be authorized. "It can get frustrating," Heid said.
Heid also addressed a point raised at last Friday's Java Talk community discussion group, about whether or not levy funds marked for school sports were excessive. "Not at all," Heid said. "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for school sports. Sports don't build character; sports show character." A person playing sports, he indicated, has the opportunity to discover his or her own nature more fully, through seeing how one responds to the conditions of sports competition.
The school levy is likely to approved by the board at meeting on Monday, Dec. 14, Heid said, though he also said it could be approved as early as the Dec. 7 meeting. Upon board approval, the proposed levy then goes to a public vote in February next year.
City holds final public budget reading, contention arises over reserve police officer program
Andrew Christiansen
Reporter
The Goldendale city council held its final public hearing and first reading of the 2010 budget on Monday with no comment from the public, but there were minor fire works over the law enforcement services budget. Mayor Arletta Parton and councilman Mike Montanye had excused absences from the meeting.
The budget includes funds to be used either for a police reserve program or the addition of an officer. The police department was instructed to attempt to recruit enough qualified people to justify training of reserve officers, despite the department's stated skepticism about finding enough people. If the reserve program were to fly, the money budgeted for an extra officer would instead be used for the reserve program. If it didn't, the money would be used to hire an officer next summer.
Councilman Tom Cuff expressed his belief that the police would give less than full effort toward the reserve program. "I think they will throw a wet blanket on the reserve program," said Cuff, to which Police Chief Rick Johnson responded by challenging the implication.
"You are saying I will lie to the council," said the Chief. "I am very offended by that. That went way over the line." Councilman Steve Johnston agreed and said "let's move on." But Cuff had more to say, lamenting the million dollar budget and stating "they [the police department] have been bound and determined to get their 10th man." Councilman Clint Baze countered "they do a hell of a job and we need to support them any way we can." With positions stated, Johnston quickly moved to approve first reading of the budget as is, and all voted yes.
In other budget business, the council discussed transfer of funds to cover 2009 items that were above original estimates. The shortfall includes $100,000 for the East Central Neighborhood Improvement Project and $35,000 for Parks and Recreation Fund for maintenance and improvement of the city parks. Other items are a $30,000 economic development loan to Woody Lovelace; $5,000 for the tourism fund to cover promotion for next year's bluegrass festival; $31,000 for the LID guarantee fund; and $10,000 to public works. Those amendments to the 2009 budget will on the next meeting agenda for second reading.
The council also heard a report by Kelly Shea on his plans for promotion of the industrial park. Shea requested a two-year extension on his current two-year contract, which expires at midnight, Dec. 31, 2009. Shea said his efforts were focused on wind energy support types of businesses and the small, incubator type of businesses. Councilman Cuff said he was not in favor of a two-year contract, noting nothing has come into the park over the past two years of the contract, and with the possibility of the city building an incubator facility, he was reluctant to hire someone who would receive fees for businesses that might naturally be attracted by the facility. Shea replied that "the time I am spending isn't worth my time [for a one-year contract] with the economy as it is today." The council voted to approve the two-year contract as proposed, with Cuff voting against it.
Goldendale has also received an agreement from the city of Bingen to extend the animal control contract for another two years. The council agreed to the contract which includes payment by Bingen of $15,000 per year. As similar contract is expected from the county.
There were no public comments.
Council member Mabel Eaton expressed her appreciation for the work of Chief Johnson. "It's a hard job that doesn't get many thanks," said Eaton.
The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Dec. 21.
'Country Christmas' is Candy Cane Lane parade theme
The Brighter Goldendale Christmas Committee has selected "A Country Christmas" for its 2009 Candy Cane Lane Christmas parade theme on Dec. 12.
The parade will start from the Goldendale Primary School at 5 p.m. and move along Simcoe and down South Columbus to Main Street and disband at Grant Street. Arrival downtown is estimated to be about 5:20 p.m. Parade entry forms are available at the General Store, The Sentinel office, McCredy's, Allen Building, Center, and the Chamber of Commerce. Other activities will include the annual selection of the best lighted homes and businesses using the theme. Santa will be at the Masonic Lodge along with hot chocolate from the Rebekahs, cookies provided by the Klickitat Valley Health Services, and soup sponsored by the Eastern Star. Each child will receive a book from the Kiwanis.
Judging of businesses and homes will be on Thursday, Dec. 10, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Awards are not given out until after the parade and will be presented at the Masonic Lodge.
This year the Brighter Goldendale Christmas Committee is working with the Downtown Committee and the Tour of Businesses (formerly Tour of Homes) to provide a total Christmas experience. Additional activities include carolers, wagon rides downtown, and bonfires.
The Brighter Goldendale Christmas Committee is seeking donations of colored lights and ornaments for the Christmas tree on the Courthouse lawn and white lights for the trees surrounding the courthouse lawn and the trees down Main Street. All donations can be left at the Vance Law Office. |
