Yelm’s new water reclamation facility to begin full-time operation; open house planned

City staff told the Yelm City Council on July 22 that the city's new water reclamation facility will begin full-time operation at 4 a.m. the following day, and that the public works director plans to hold a public open house to answer questions about the facility and related annexation concerns.

The announcement was part of a broader staff report that included public-safety and administrative updates. The presenting staff member, Todd (title not specified in the transcript), said Director Colt is arranging the open house to provide information and respond to resident questions and concerns tied to annexations.

The council was also informed of other operational items in the staff report: three new police vehicles with new graphics have arrived; the police department will hold a sergeant promotion exam in the coming month to fill a vacancy; four new ‘‘Flock’’ cameras have been installed, bringing the city total to eight; and a grant application for court-language interpretation reimbursement was submitted and two handheld interpretation devices were received from the state.

Staff said the finance department will run budget 101 sessions in August and September and that the city plans to research an integrated financial and permitting software system with potential implementation as early as 2027 depending on cost and procurement. The communications department expects the revised city website to be live by Sept. 1.

No formal votes were taken on the facility during the meeting; staff announced operational timing and follow-up public outreach.