Council OKs budget near $41 million

A nearly $41 million annual budget for the 2008 fiscal year sailed through the Post Falls City Council Tuesday.

Mayor Clay Larkin said the budgeting process gets a little easier every year. He commended city administrators for involving citizens in the budgeting process by hosting public workshops.

In related action, council members unanimously approved 4.5 percent increases in both water and sewer rates.

Shelley Enderud, city finance director, said an average homeowner will be paying about $1.65 more a month for water in winter and about $2.45 more over the summer months if they water their lawns.

Residential sewer rates will be going up to $25.58 a month.

In addition, developers will be expected to pay 2.25 percent more, respectively, in water and sewer capitalization fees.

And Evergreen Cemetery will be charging more for many of its services to offset rising operational costs.

Meanwhile, Larkin said construction on the new city hall building is moving smoothly.

“They poured the first floor today,” Larkin said. “What a beautiful addition this will be to the city.”

Council members will reconvene Oct. 2. The Sept. 18 meeting is canceled to permit city employees to attend an annual conference in Boise, Larkin said.