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Colfax council authorizes up to $10,000 for July 3 fireworks, appoints city clerk and approves transit and budget items
Summary
Council approved a direct payment to a fireworks vendor of up to $10,000 to expand the July 3 display, appointed Gabrielle ("Gabby") as city clerk, and approved the city's LTF/STA claims and an updated budget calendar and workshop schedule.
The Colfax City Council authorized a direct payment of up to $10,000 to a fireworks vendor to support the July 3 celebration after hearing that the event organizer is roughly $10,000 short of the planned expanded display. Caroline Glenn Preston, who identified herself as the July 3 organizer, said the event drew an estimated 3,000 additional visitors last year and that organizers were seeking partnership support to ensure a larger 2026 show.
Councilmember motioned to authorize a vendor payment of up to $10,000, to be associated with the Colfax Railroad Days DBA/FBN numbers for bookkeeping; the motion passed after discussion about budget availability and nonprofit structure. One councilmember raised fiscal caution, saying they were “not especially comfortable with giving $10,000 at this time” because the city’s remaining discretionary balance was limited; supporters said direct vendor payment would allow earlier planning and improve the show.
The council also appointed Gabrielle (who said she goes by “Gabby”) to the city clerk position after staff recommendation and brief introduction; the appointment passed unanimously and staff said she will start Monday morning.
On consent items, Katrina Olson, administrative services officer, presented the annual claim for local transportation funds (LTF) and state transit assistance (STA). The city’s total LTF allocation for the year was reported as $225,269 (which includes an $81,000 prior‑year fund swap); excluding that swap, the LTF allocation is $144,518 (about 3.3% higher than the prior year). STA funds allocated are $15,136 (a drop of ~14.5%); the city reported a transit carryover of $63,661 reserved for depot capital improvements. Council approved filing the claims and executing required agreements.
Council also approved an updated fiscal‑year 2026–27 budget calendar and set a budget workshop for Wednesday, May 20, with staff directed to post the agenda and supporting exhibits prior to the meeting.
