$5 million 2021 budget proposed in Coulee Dam

Coulee Dam’s town council gave a preliminary nod to a proposed budget for 2021 Monday night in a special meeting online despite uncertainties about next year’s revenue forecast.

The council voted to approve a first reading of the ordinance authorizing use of the $5 million budget proposed by Clerk Stefani Bowden. The council has mulled the budget in several special workshops over several weeks.

Mayor Bob Poch said the council could have approved the budget Monday, but he wanted to present it only as a first reading, then pass it at the next council meeting on Wednesday (tonight) at 6 p.m.

Councilmembers Dale Rey and Fred Netzel expressed concern Monday that they could not yet include some sewer treatment revenue because the final figures for the wastewater treatment facility construction are not yet available. It was supposed to be finalized two years ago, Councilmember Keith St. Jeor noted.

The total cost of the plant, plus a lift station to bring in Elmer City’s waste, is a current matter of discussion between the town’s attorney and its engineering firm Varela and Associates, which has been overseeing the project, the mayor said, declining to discuss that further on the attorney’s advice.

The uncertain part for projecting revenue concerns what Elmer City’s share of the bill will be, since that’s been a matter disputed with that town. Some costly design adjustments made to continue to honor a long-term agreement between the two municipalities stemmed from the fact the site had been moved to somewhat higher ground, necessitating a new lift station.

“We’re trying to finalize a budget for 2021 and we don’t know what our revenue’s going to be,” noted Councilmember Dale Rey.

Tonight’s agenda includes consideration of Ordinance 790, approving the 2021 budget.