[{"_1":2,"_107":-5,"_108":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,96],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6056520,"mediaKeyId","3310038-8d7681724ddf51927f579aa0b55a12fc","parentId",3310038,"title","Council approves first reading of spring 2025 budget amendment; adds Yelm bridge project to capital list","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",6791000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310038-8d7681724ddf51927f579aa0b55a12fc&start=6791&end=6791","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310038-8d7681724ddf51927f579aa0b55a12fc/thumbnail_6791000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6056520/Centralia/Lewis-County/Washington/Council-approves-first-reading-of-spring-2025-budget-amendment-adds-Yelm-bridge-project-to-capital-list","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056520-30ddba1723dd980c5d5c8c54c7126bd6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186255&Signature=nnb5f1o56I83EI8f0uNCCvHLMTLf6DfA6MMeDMoH8LrEm3VCdLX5S5T06fCXgalzuJ2p7oXpW0ZN8~ddp-VBKN1aYW8R74sLyvEC0tr7lliFDxrRyFfvwe8lsD7ZAXSFLO6mChw-TAnB1LjynwtD0ok1f0EVkNptDBCZpPiKU4~~2~6QV~mHv5jwdd8AeHLG4oEqTQZUeAhtibAEhBBD2WtKqErgLdYlx~zHmiri2o-WeDs6FeMV59znmjci-UhJeTsLYpUEmUvhtL06QuwyKTOG5ixrTsZf~3~C2L2yrhReFKS7OOfF8xKcfBnL3nVw40LsMGlFwTG8G5ol66OtQw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Centralia City, WA","date","2025-04-23T00:00:00Z","article","The City Council approved on first reading Ordinance 02/1964 on April 22 to amend the 2025–26 biennial budget and to include a set of capital and grant adjustments.

Finance staff reported the amendment increases overall appropriations by a little over $3 million. The amendment recognizes revenues related to grant closeouts and newly acquired grants (including Department of Natural Resources and RCO grants tied to parks and tree planting), adds previously approved council actions, reflects collective bargaining cost adjustments and rolls forward unspent 2024 appropriation authority into 2025. On the expenditure side, the general fund increase presented was about $808,147; the depot fund was adjusted upward by $5,925 to align expenditures with newly recognized revenues.

Staff explained the budget process timing: this is the spring amendment, followed by a summer amendment in July and the statutorily required mid‑biennium review in November, which also coincides with the 2026 property tax levy work. The amendment package presented to the council included a separate capital‑project listing for the City Light department so the council could formally add the Yelm Hydroelectric canal bridge project to the capital facilities plan and to the capital project list; staff said that addition is necessary before the city can legally appropriate the project funds.

Council approved the ordinance on first reading by voice vote; a second reading and final adoption will follow the standard public-notice schedule. The council gave direction to staff to proceed with arranging the capital list amendment for final adoption and to continue to report budget and permitting progress back to the council.

What changed in this amendment (highlights provided by staff): approximately $3 million in additional appropriation authority overall; about $808,147 of the increase in the general fund to cover DNR and RCO projects and collective bargaining adjustments; the depot fund increase of $5,925 to match revenue; and the insertion of the Yelm bridge project into the City Light capital project list so the project can be funded when Council approves final appropriation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting\t04/23/2025","oneSentenceSummary","On first reading the City Council approved Ordinance 02/1964 amending the 2025–26 biennial budget to recognize roughly $3 million in new appropriations, roll forward unspent 2024 authority and include specific grant closeouts; the ordinance also adds the Yelm canal-bridge upgrades to the capital facilities list for formal appropriation.","taxTitle","Centralia, Lewis County, Washington","taxId",54764,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6056524,"Council directs staff to upgrade five Yelm Hydroelectric canal bridges; approves funding plan",1625,5251000,6876000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310038-8d7681724ddf51927f579aa0b55a12fc&start=5251&end=6876","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310038-8d7681724ddf51927f579aa0b55a12fc/thumbnail_5251000.jpg","/articles/6056524/Centralia/Lewis-County/Washington/Council-directs-staff-to-upgrade-five-Yelm-Hydroelectric-canal-bridges-approves-funding-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056524-6464106e341a81ca2e942e662d9db6f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186255&Signature=LKms1ERg9hVBz6aY6Yyg9ArDstq5vcCR7wkRZDJHcbEWwOAmGf8Qm4QBPPsPlV3kuN-fawWcS7MnAQK6iCOFH34OeBufilJG9bwYR6Ppgodc3UNDm1k6xfteBadskmK0Co3gQUkDuLrT~d8dpx8XS9VLQttO0a6XTj9avL3m8eVFE5JQxXI95-cVi4x0cxs6TwirucIAqw92ipfw9xYhVGrTfUDJrIDfzoYprZnQOZZi53nY7lQPkRREFwi-HdvaS-5QvS3TkyvNqO4Cm3r7goHmcJ1RrM0qhwMEWQEkLrZocBtbJ6ctl4p6g9iy~jaUS4ZxyImwdwczVw-DUV1D9g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council on April 22 directed staff to proceed with improvements to five bridges on the Yelm Hydroelectric canal so they can safely carry heavier vehicles, including fire apparatus.

Staff and presenters explained the history: 15 bridges built in 1929–30 provide farm access across the 9.1-mile canal and several remaining spans were rated by Sargent Engineers at about 13–15 tons — insufficient for modern fire trucks and large service vehicles. The city reconstructed the Lindsay Spooner Bridge to remove load restrictions; Sargent Engineers has designed a similar foundation-and-deck upgrade for the remaining five bridges.

Terry Page and other presenters described the proposed approach: install concrete foundations in the canal bottom, add steel supports and replace decking so the bridges can be unrestricted. The estimated cost to upgrade the five bridges was presented as approximately $1,000,000. City staff said Centralia City Light has reserves and authority to reallocate funds to cover the project without increasing customer rates. Staff noted Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approvals and permitting govern canal operations and could affect the schedule.

Representatives from Southeast Thurston County Fire Authority (including Mark King and Fire Marshal Matt Russell) attended; staff said the bridges’ weight limits currently restrict some response options and that upgraded crossings would provide critical access for larger apparatus. Public comments from nearby property owners stressed safety and agricultural access concerns. Anne Worman, representing the Bridge Group of property owners, urged council to approve the full-concurrent approach to minimize total canal drains and restoration time. Cathy Miller described recent vehicle-access limits that affected equipment and well repairs at her property. A resident who identified himself as Mike Wolfokol said earlier permitting hopes had been delayed and urged faster action.

Councilors voiced support for immediate action. Councilor Wesley said using City Light funds would avoid rate increases and Councilor Chapman asked that the work not be postponed, citing rising costs if deferred. Mayor Smith Johnston and other members emphasized the desire to expedite permitting and construction while acknowledging FERC’s schedule could require work in 2026.

Motion and vote: Council moved and seconded a motion to direct staff to proceed with improving all five bridges, add the project to the capital facilities plan and pursue permitting and construction; the motion passed 7–0.

Next steps: staff will complete final design and permitting with Sargent Engineers, coordinate with FERC for any necessary approvals, and pursue construction — staff estimated construction could begin in 2026 depending on permitting timelines. Staff will also continue coordinating with the fire authority on interim response strategies during the next fire season.

The council and staff emphasized the dual aims of restoring full access for residents and ensuring firefighting capability while following environmental and FERC requirements.","Council voted 7–0 to direct staff to implement a plan to upgrade five aging canal bridges to allow unrestricted vehicle access (including fire apparatus); staff estimated the project cost at about $1 million and said City Light reserves would cover the work with no rate increase.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":42,"_43":89,"_45":89,"_46":90,"_48":91,"_50":92,"_52":93,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":94,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":95,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6056527,"Centralia Middle School students ask council for smoke- and vape-free parks, staff to study signage and options",3452000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310038-8d7681724ddf51927f579aa0b55a12fc&start=3452&end=3452","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310038-8d7681724ddf51927f579aa0b55a12fc/thumbnail_3452000.jpg","/articles/6056527/Centralia/Lewis-County/Washington/Centralia-Middle-School-students-ask-council-for-smoke-and-vape-free-parks-staff-to-study-signage-and-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056527-99f9060cf81ddbdff18e66931f360ed9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186255&Signature=V7Z-C7QU9pXhf6ja20qZSL6Q13K22WmF0GMQQhrWlF44my04h6K2ZUvfXWOXnEZpjlVVqBjNcCRZMY3dzOyzfeJF7y2hiWt-XvJiduX4eneQxtClHry6BWqTjZvylt4aQWqn8S7aVNTaV3T079rE~HPyFhR272CQZgsAjxNooeN4Gta4vRoS7H2hH3h3HLkKHtyvz9qefZoojuTyshhAVD8RBkw6~FQeyaf4di~8CraWib5sML9JaJ67~tcIqmAN8WbC2pAQfOrNlnA~TzzbEGnSiU6fwLkmfbxPSazCMtExTOQKe1YumXrnyNZWuk1VA2mK0DM8sU69wd4DSK~ltw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the Centralia Middle School Prevention Club urged the City Council on April 22 to reduce tobacco and vaping exposure and cigarette waste in city parks and asked the council to consider a local ordinance, proclamation or signage.

Glenda Albers Price introduced four eighth-grade students who described observations of cigarette butts and vaping waste near playground equipment and cited worries about infants and toddlers who put items in their mouths. The students showed photos taken in parks and referenced local examples of smoke- and vape-free park policies in other jurisdictions.

The students presented three possible actions: adopt an ordinance prohibiting smoking within 100 feet of playgrounds; issue a city proclamation supporting smoke‑free parks; or install bilingual signs (English/Spanish) encouraging smoke‑free behavior. They said the idea grew from school discussions and reported broad peer and staff support for the project at Centralia Middle School.

Council members and staff repeatedly praised the students’ presentation. Councilors said signage and a public statement could shift norms and reduce litter even if enforcement resources were limited. Several councilors observed that enforcement capacity is constrained by current police staffing and that an educational or signage-first approach could provide a measurable reduction in waste and secondhand exposure without immediate enforcement.

Amy Butler, deputy city manager and parks director, told the club she would take contact information, review implementation considerations with parks staff, and bring a staff perspective back to council. Butler and the mayor noted the city could examine a parks-based approach and return recommendations, and invited the students to remain part of any follow-up discussion.

Students cited local examples they researched: signage used by Elma and Tenino parks, and smoke‑free park policies in Bonney Lake, Lakewood and Pierce County. The council did not adopt an ordinance at the meeting; rather, staff accepted the request to research legal, signage and operational implications and to contact the presenters for follow-up.

What’s next: Parks staff will review examples, cost and placement of signage, any legal considerations for ordinance language, and potential coordination with public-health partners. The student group offered to assist with sign designs and to provide an initial supply of signs if the city moves forward with a pilot installation.

The council encouraged the students to continue civic engagement and thanked the club and their educators for preparing the packet and presentation.","Eighth-grade members of the Centralia Middle School Prevention Club presented concerns about tobacco and vaping waste near play areas and asked the council to consider a 100-foot smoke‑free playground buffer, a proclamation or park signs; Parks Director Amy Butler agreed to follow up with staff.",{"_33":97,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":98,"_41":99,"_43":42,"_45":100,"_46":101,"_48":102,"_50":103,"_52":104,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":105,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":106,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6056528,"Centralia police chief presents staffing models, urges council to set level for comprehensive plan",94,94000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310038-8d7681724ddf51927f579aa0b55a12fc&start=0&end=94","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310038-8d7681724ddf51927f579aa0b55a12fc/thumbnail_0.jpg","/articles/6056528/Centralia/Lewis-County/Washington/Centralia-police-chief-presents-staffing-models-urges-council-to-set-level-for-comprehensive-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056528-b51d6fc77a65a683344f144aa5a05993/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186255&Signature=jVNWxGeOzlkwFa5jZiDwb7ay0lHeT076t5uv0KtKADpQBqvUO~fnzLovANeNtQHNqaZj7X0mxpd20ukgWupgNjlm8DJ~edBj2o~jDUYo3~IN5Q5ZNuCWelcBZ8vtJ1csEN1lnpP4hCJeEGDTROP~4M7JQGGHEjpyvbcuoH88WZf4gWf84ADbIpIhpfUdOjgrUqr24mcyA8dlagqylOKYkSlB2xZxIuoZKBxIZaShBmlpATMWjF0-wWbun~e44nwqXxl7f6cLqzwCHW9MFzFLeKD9CvLOt41v3exqVmBYH6-pOoLVcZEQucRxEACDV0IMDDXedFqFqSIo9Ekpc8IwlQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Centralia Police Department leadership told the City Council on April 22 that current patrol resources leave the department in a largely reactive posture and recommended the council set a staffing level for the upcoming comprehensive plan.

Chief (Centralia Police Department) told the council the department is authorized for 29 commissioned officers, currently counts 27 on the roster and has 24 \"usable\" officers after accounting for two in the academy and one in pre-academy status. The department's target is 20 officers assigned to patrol but only 16 are available now, the chief said, and officers often spend patrol time completing reports and mandatory training rather than on proactive patrols.

The chief framed staffing choices around three models: staffing to crime levels (not recommended), fixed minimums (long-standing but not evidence-based) and workload-based models (recommended by the International City/County Management Association). He said Centralia averages about 39 calls for service per day and that an officer workload study suggests officers should spend no more than 60 percent of a shift responding to calls for service to preserve time for proactive work such as traffic enforcement and community policing.

The presentation included local comparisons and caveats. Centralia’s reported offenses per thousand residents was presented at about 82 — above the state average cited by staff — and the chief emphasized that the city’s position on the I-5 corridor brings retail and transient activity that raises some call volumes compared with inland communities. He also noted Centralia’s clearance rate for reportable crimes tracked by state systems at about 48 percent.

To illustrate growth impacts, the chief provided per-unit call estimates used in development review: roughly 0.92 calls per unit per year for high-density housing and about 0.36 calls per unit per year for low-density housing. Using projected annexations and two large residential projects, staff estimated roughly 1,100 additional residents could add about 227 calls per year — a change that, over time, could require additional staffing to maintain service levels.

The chief proposed three policy choices for the council to consider for the comprehensive plan: 1) keep the current staffing level (1.5 officers per 1,000 residents); 2) adopt 1.67 officers per 1,000 residents (the 2018 comprehensive-plan level and near national guidance from professional associations); or 3) return fully to the 2018 adopted level (also 1.67 per 1,000), a change the chief said would require about 14.4 additional officers under current population assumptions. He also described a potential partial alternative: a pilot program using special services officers (career staff without arrest commissions) to perform non‑arrest tasks such as accident reporting or transports; he estimated a starting total compensation of roughly $141,000 for a commissioned officer versus about $112,000 for a special services position and noted additional equipment and vehicle costs per commissioned officer.

Council members asked technical and policy questions about how the ratios are calculated (per commissioned officer only), whether noncommissioned staff are included (they are not), how annexation would change the officer-per-thousand metric (it would lower the ratio on paper until staffing is adjusted) and what the state and national benchmarks indicate. The chief said Washington’s agencies have higher training standards that affect staffing and cited recent state legislation intended to address statewide staffing levels.

Council did not take a final vote at the workshop. Mayor Smith Johnston and several councilors said the staffing-level decision belongs in the council’s broader priority-setting and budget process; the council scheduled further consideration during an upcoming priority/goal-setting workshop and asked staff to provide the presentation materials and follow-up information to council members for review. Deputy City Manager/Planning staff and the city manager are expected to integrate council guidance into the draft comprehensive plan and the manager’s budget requests.

The chief repeated that the department prioritizes calls for immediate safety needs and that proposed changes would aim to expand proactive work without reducing response to emergencies. He invited council members to contact staff with follow-up questions and to discuss the implications for the 2026 budget process.

Implementation details and costs remain to be refined. The chief noted hiring timelines: a candidate takes several months to hire and then roughly a year of field training before operating independently; vehicle and uniform costs add several thousand dollars per officer and vehicle procurement can delay readiness. The council expressed interest in staff-provided follow-up on workload modeling, annexation impacts and budget implications before making a final policy decision.","At a April 22 workshop, the Centralia Police chief reviewed patrol staffing, workload-based models and options including special services officers; council members asked staff to carry the topic into the comprehensive-plan and priority-setting process.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves first reading of spring 2025 budget amendment; adds Yelm bridge project to capital list

Council directs staff to upgrade five Yelm Hydroelectric canal bridges; approves funding plan

Centralia Middle School students ask council for smoke- and vape-free parks, staff to study signage and options

Centralia police chief presents staffing models, urges council to set level for comprehensive plan