Cosmopolis City Council met Wednesday evening. It was gleefully expressed that the city took in more money than it spent, and the announcement was met warmly by the rest of the council. Discussion for proposed Ordinance No. 1296 was postponed until the wording could be clarified. The heart of the ordinance is to introduce a utility tax of $5 on water and sewer customers. The funds received by the tax would be used to purchase needed equipment for the city departments. Mayor Frank Chestnut said he ran the idea past several citizens, and while everyone he discussed it with was not too thrilled at the idea of another tax, they all admitted the need for new equipment in several areas.
Public Works Director Darrin Raines shared that he received a request from a citizen of Cosmopolis who attends high school in Aberdeen and who wishes to begin a fundraiser. The fundraiser would involve painting bobcat paws on pavement in front of local homes and business for a reasonable donation. The paw prints are intended to show school pride and support. Raines put the idea to the council, who after a brief discussion appeared glad to allow the fundraiser.
The trend of happy news continued as Mayor Chestnut announced that the Mill Creek Dam project was approved and is moving forward. While pleased and hopeful, he acknowledged that the project would likely not be completed by the town's 125th anniversary next summer. Even though Cosmopolis will not have a finished dam project to celebrate just yet, plans are beginning to form for the anniversary celebration.
The next Cosmopolis City Council meting is scheduled for October 7 and is starting their twice-monthly sessions through December. Meetings are the first and third Wednesday during the final three months of the calendar year at 7 pm at the Cosmopolis City Hall.