An Oak Harbor subcommittee charged with reviewing ideas for spending federal stimulus money came up with a $2 million list of expenses, from iPads for council members to new city employees.
They Said It
Councilmember Tara Hizon, a member of the subcommittee, said the list is for “very short term, immediate need” among city departments. “These things are not as sexy as cash bonuses, I understand,” she said, “but the idea is if we could hopefully touch on each department and get them moving with the tools they need to be successful and streamline things and be safe.”
Councilmember Joel Servatius said he hoped to go through the list more closely and he hoped it wouldn’t turn into “a giant wish list.” He questioned, for example, hiring an economic development director, pointing out that both the city administrator and finance director were hired, in part, for that role. He spoke in favor of spending money to repair or replace sewer lines to prevent the intrusion of stormwater, a major problem that puts stress on the city’s sewage treatment plant.
Councilmember Jim Woessner said he hoped that using the funding could “open up” other places in the budget for community improvements, such as a promenade to Windjammer Park. “I want to make sure we have things to touch and feel,” he said.
On the Ballot on November 2 – Oak Harbor City Council:
- Position 4 – Dan Evans vs Stephanie “Fe” Mischo – Incumbent Erica Wasinger not running
- Position 5 – Incumbent Joel Servatius vs Shane Hoffmire
- Position 6 – Incumbent Jim Woessner running unopposed
- Position 7 – Andy Plumlee vs Bryan Stucky – Incumbent Millie Goebel not running
