Colville City Council Reviews Airport Expansion, Budget, and Downtown Projects

The Colville City Council reviewed airport expansion plans, several downtown initiatives, and the city’s 2027-28 biennial budget during their Aug. 25 meeting. The council also approved a $55,000 water and sewer feasibility study, funding for a Farm Jam kickoff concert, and police and fire assistance for the annual Sept. 11 Memorial Run. The council spent considerable time discussing the city airport during its review of the upcoming budget.

Officials proposed increasing the airport’s professional-services budget by $30,000 to provide funding for potential property ac- quisition related to future airport expansion. The council confirmed they could act quickly if property becomes available, adding that Federal Aviation Administration funding can reimburse eligible expenses, but the city may have to cover costs up front. The expansion effort remains in its early stages, with the city focusing on properties within the runway protection zone.

The council stressed that the city is not seeking to pressure property owners into selling. Council members also discussed how residents should be notified about the project while respecting property owners who have indicated they do not want to be contacted. Rosemary Shaw presented Colville Together’s quarterly report, highlighting approximately 159 volunteer hours and several downtown projects.

The organization helped Main Street Floral with a new roof through a building-improvement grant, worked with junior high students on a mural at Heritage Court, and launched an “adopt a corner” program for downtown landscaping. Shaw said Colville Together also recently moved its offices into the Crossroads Event Center building and plans to manage the facility as an event space with a gallery component that features local artists. She added that a volunteer will help manage the facility through January, with the goal of making the center financially self-sustaining in 2027.

The council then unanimously approved a $55,000 task or- der with Welch Comer and Associates for a feasibility study examining water and sewer service in the East Cedar Loop area. Council members began detailed reviews of department requests for the city’s 2027-28 biennial budget. The discus- sion covered expenses for administration, the airport, building and planning, and other departments.

Council members questioned increases in areas including airport professional services, repairs and maintenance, and small-tool expenses. Airport officials said some requested funds would help address roof repairs and other work before winter, while additional professional-services funding would allow the city to respond if property acquisition opportunities arise.

The council also discussed how departments track expenses spread across multiple budget lines and indicated that additional explanations may be requested as the budget process continues. Public Works officials addressed concerns about the rough surface following some chip-sealing projects, explaining that newer materials should provide a cleaner result but can take roughly two years to fully settle.

The parks department reported repairs to irrigation and water-pressure problems, along with ongoing landscaping and maintenance work. Council members said the parks were looking good. The library reported more than 600 participants in its summer reading program and said regular programming for young children will resume following the summer program.

The council approved the American Legion’s request for police and fire assistance for the Sept. 11 Memorial Run, which is scheduled for Sept. 12. Officials also reported that the state auditor’s office is preparing to begin the city’s 2025 audit, potentially within the next two weeks. The next Colville City Council meeting is scheduled for Sept. 8 at 6 p.m.