Though not yet finalized, the Langley City Council has had plenty of discussion about the city’s 2023 budget.
During a meeting Monday night, council members offered guidance on fine-tuning the budget regarding the hiring of a new staff position, the cost of zoning code adjustments, a place to relieve oneself and traffic-calming measures.
Much of what was discussed stemmed from a memo of recommendations from city staff department heads about budget refinements and council options.
The first recommendation on the list called for a delay in hiring a joint city administrator and clerk position, a new role which was recently proposed by the city’s citizen-led Finance and Personnel Commission.
Although the mayor and some of the council members initially voiced concerns about deferring the hiring process, a member of the finance committee urged them to think about setting the requirements of the role before hiring. They then agreed it was a sound idea to wait until April 1.
To further cut costs, the majority of the council also agreed that the Port of South Whidbey can pick up the tab when it comes to the rezoning changes that have been proposed for the Whidbey Island Fairgrounds, where port officials see an opportunity to build workforce housing. In September, the council made a commitment to the zoning change but did not decide who would cover the $9,000 cost.
Straying from the memo a bit, council members wondered about securing funding for a port-a-potty down in Seawall Park. A pilot project for the temporary restroom, held last year, proved successful, as one council member pointed out. To bring back the port-a-potty would cost about $1,500, but it was determined that it may be allowed under tourism funding, to the relief of the multiple council members who voiced support for this addition.
Other staff-proposed reductions called for the removal of two radar speed limit signs, which could save the city $9,000. However, this was one cut some of the council was not willing to make, citing concerns about speeding in the city.
The council will resume discussion about the budget at its next meeting on Dec. 19.
