CASHMERE — The Cashmere City Council has scheduled a February 10 meeting to consider implementing a sales tax increase through its Transportation Benefit District to fund various infrastructure projects throughout the city.
The proposed initial increase of one-tenth of one percent would generate an estimated $110,000 in annual revenue for roadway, sidewalk, and other transportation-related projects. City documents indicate the measure comes in response to rising costs that have forced reductions in services and street projects. Under state law, the district could implement up to three-tenths of one percent increase, though that would require voter approval.
In other business, the council approved four separate agreements with RH2 Engineering Inc. during its January 27 meeting. A controversial $9,166 additional engineering fee for the SCADA project passed in a 3-1 vote, with Council member Jayne Stephenson opposing. During discussions, Council member Shela Pistoresi expressed concerns about change orders, stating she "wanted to make sure that RH2 knows that change orders were being scrutinized." Director of Operations Steve Croci defended the increase, noting that "RH2 was likely eating a significant amount of the costs for the extra work that was required."
The council unanimously approved three other RH2 Engineering agreements: a $108,000 capital improvement project to repair the Cottage Avenue sewer mainline, where a 2022 video survey revealed "multiple cracks, breaks and holes"; a $131,582 contract for water system and roadway improvements at Norman and N. Douglas Streets; and a $104,510 agreement for sidewalk improvements on Olive and Maple Streets.
Regarding the Norman and N. Douglas Streets project, Croci warned the council that "the project will be very expensive and that it was likely an amendment would be needed." He noted that the Olive and Maple Streets sidewalk project would be primarily grant-funded, with the city responsible for only 12.5% of the total cost.
The infrastructure projects align with multiple city planning documents, including the City's Comprehensive Plan, the Sewer and Wastewater Plan, and the Transportation Improvement Plan.
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