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City bills HDPA roughly $11,100 after $17,000 in parks overtime to water downtown baskets
Summary
Public Works said Parks incurred about $17,000 in overtime this season to water downtown hanging baskets; after accounting for the city's historic $6,000 contribution, the bill to the Historic Downtown Poulsbo Association (HDPA) is roughly $11,098 and staff prepared a budget amendment to recognize the receivable.
Public Works reported that crews worked overtime addressing watering and maintenance for downtown hanging baskets and pots this year after the contracted hanger missed schedule windows; staff said the overtime cost totaled about $17,000 and the city typically contributes $6,000 toward that yearly service.
"We ended up with about $17,000 worth of overtime to water the flowers downtown," Public Works staff said, explaining seasonal scheduling and contractor availability problems. The Parks and Recreation director confirmed much of that cost was overtime and not budgeted; staff said the city has sent a bill to the Historic Downtown Poulsbo Association (HDPA) for roughly $11,098 to recover the excess.
Council discussed the HDPA's dues structure and funding constraints, noting the association's assessment rate has not changed for decades and that lodging-tax (LTAC) funds are limited by state law and generally cannot be used for beautification. Several council members urged a future agenda item to meet with HDPA leaders to explore sustainable solutions for downtown maintenance and the cost of public-works support for seasonal downtown decorations and lighting.
Staff said the budget amendment before council will recognize the receivable from HDPA and the associated Parks overtime expense; council agreed to return the issue for approval on the consent agenda next week after further review.
