Rainier City Council recap

Rainier City Council met on Monday, Feb. 2, for its monthly meeting. Mayor Cole opened with a statement of support for the people of Iran and issued a formal proclamation declaring Feb. 2 through Feb. 8 as Seattle Seahawk Week in honor of the team playing in the Super Bowl. He encouraged all residents to wear Seahawks colors.

The representative of the Rainier City Library board was in attendance. There are open positions on the board, and they unanimously voted in their last meeting to appoint Sarah Borders. The city council passed a motion to finalize the appointment. Kathy Wilson presented the June 30, 2025 auditor’s report. Wilson presented a variety of financial line items of note, including whether the city is presenting their financial statements in accordance with the modified cash basis; balance sheets and looking at restricted and unrestricted funds; review of spendings during the year, including loans, outstanding debt and new debt; and developing new safeguards in reporting and the audit process.

The council passed a motion to add a resolution regarding changing financial institutions to handle payroll and other city matters. There were discussions about increasing fees to match rising costs due to inflation, as it pertains to water and sewer costs and loan repayment. There was also discussion of a potential increase in boat launch fees from the current rate of five dollars. It was proposed to commence a revenue committee with a recommendation on fees, outstanding loan payments and other financial responsibilities, and present within two months at a public meeting. The topic is slated to be on next month’s city council meeting agenda.