Council approves $6.99 million expenditure report after public questions about vendor payments and transparency

The City Council approved the expenditure report covering Dec. 7, 2024 through Jan. 10, 2025, totaling $6,994,169.29, following public comment and a council member’s request for greater clarity on recurring or contract payments.

Resident James Taylor used the public-comment period to question several line items displayed in the expenditure packet, asking whether payments (for example to Peninsula Railing Association, McKinley Paper and other vendors) were recurring and whether the council could show monthly versus annual payment detail. Councilmember Lindsey pulled the expenditure item from consent to request staff report on how to improve readability and to note whether items were budgeted. Interim and department staff said the current report format is constrained by the city’s existing enterprise system and that a forthcoming migration to a new Tyler Technologies enterprise system will allow more detailed, user-friendly reporting. Staff also clarified a few questioned line items on the record: a McKinley Paper payment related to a Bonneville Power Administration conservation program item previously discussed on Dec. 3; a Makers invoice related to the city’s comprehensive plan update; and that LTAC grants paid through the city may appear on the list.

After discussion, Councilmember Lindsey moved to approve the expenditure report; the motion passed unanimously. Staff committed to improving transparency and bringing sample formats from the new financial system once implemented.