New Council Moves to Oil Kennewick’s Streets
In its first official act, the newly elected city council mandates the improvement of Second Street, sparking a split vote over the fiscal burden on property owners.
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After being officially sworn in, Kennewick’s new city council Tuesday evening lost no time in passing a resolution of intention to improve Second Street from Washington to Pacific Street. The resolution mandates the street be improved by grading, graveling, and oiling. The entire cost of the improvement is to be assessed against the abutting property owners. Councilman Sercombe, a hold-over member, protested vigorously, demanding a roll call vote, which resulted in the other six councilmen voting for the measure. Mayor Richardson also discussed a proposal to perform the work by 'force account' to provide jobs to local people during the winter, though the city attorney warned that state law requires public bids for projects over $500.
“Councilman Sercombe, one of the three hold-over members of the council protested vigorously against the resolution and recorded both his voice and vote in opposition to the proposition.”
Local infrastructure funding remains one of the most volatile topics in Kennewick City Council meetings today. This report captures the perennial conflict between local employment ambitions and the hard reality of state statutes and property tax assessments.
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