At Monday evening’s Washington City Council Meeting, Mayor David Rhoads gave his sixth State of the City Address. The mayor reported that the final phase of the Business 50 rebuild project, which started in 2023, is finished with the exception of a few punch list items that will be completed as weather permits. The four-phase project to rebuild Washington’s main east-west artery replaced nearly century-old utilities, water, and sewer lines from the city’s western city limits to the eastern city limits. The mayor also reported on business growth in the city and outlined the impact the various city departments have on Washington’s residents. The mayor also said the city is in good financial shape. The mayor’s complete message can be heard on WAMW Saturday morning at 8:30 am on Focus on the Community.
In other business, the City Council voted to approve the first of three payments for the new liner for the City Pool. The Council also approved a request to recognize February 28 as Rare Disease Day.
The mayor also told the council that the Utility Department has been told that, due to the growing shortage of pennies, its bank will no longer be able to assure a supply of pennies for change. This presents a problem when customers pay utility bills in cash and the cashiers need to make odd change. The department asked for approval of a policy that would allow the “change” to be paid as a credit on the customer’s next bill. The Council agreed to the suggestion, noting that this will become a growing problem.
Following the City Council meeting, the Board of Public Works and Safety was called into session. The Board discussed the need to paint the water tower next to Washington High School. The water tower was last painted nineteen years ago. The city has one quote for the job for $500,000 and a second for $286,000. City Attorney Jeff Norris said a third quote is needed to meet state requirements. The Board also approved a change of positions in the Fire and Street Departments. The changes in the Fire Department were needed to fill the position left empty when long-time City Firefighter Shawn Gray retired. Connor Brown will become the city’s rookie firefighter, Darren Lagel will move to the position of Battalion Chief, and Cody Yoder will move to Captain.
