Council renews CPA contract and narrowly approves small water-rate increase

At its Feb. 19 meeting, the Cosmopolis City Council authorized a contract renewal for CPA Tera Dunford to provide accounting and financial services and approved a small increase in water rates and a new late fee.

Contract renewal: The council authorized continuing the city’s contract with CPA Tera Dunford, who presented (through staff discussion) a proposed cap of 100 hours for 2025 at a not-to-exceed amount discussed in the meeting. Supporters said Dunford helped resolve audit-related issues and improve monthly reconciliations; some councilmembers asked staff to manage use conservatively to avoid exceeding budgeted hours. The authorization passed by voice/roll call (motion carried).

Water-rate resolution: The council considered Resolution 2025 (water-rate adjustment and late fee policy). The measure would add approximately one-half cent per cubic foot to the city water rate (official language in the resolution specifies the per-cubic-foot increase) and institute a $10 late fee for overdue bills. Staff estimated a typical household could see roughly $10–$15 in additional charges annually depending on usage. Council discussion referenced past undercharging and the need to fund required water staffing and regulatory obligations.

Roll-call vote on the water-rate resolution: Councilmember Skinner — yes; Councilmember W — yes; Councilmember Spargo — no; Councilmember Colette — yes (hesitantly); Councilmember Darcy — no. The resolution passed 3–2. Council directed staff to continue public outreach and to include water/sewer contract developments in future meetings and billing communications.

Next steps: The council scheduled further public information and town-hall-style outreach about water and sewer negotiations; staff will continue to manage CPA engagement on finance and the negotiation team for sewer talks.