Kettle Falls City Council Reviews Budget Requests, Park Pathway Plans

The Kettle Falls City Council welcomed a new police officer, reviewed preliminary 2027 budget requests, and discussed plans for a new multi-use pathway at Happy Dell Park during its Sept. 15 meeting. Kettle Falls Police Chief Brandon Hoover reported several arrests since the previous meeting, including cases involving warrants, resisting arrest, DUI, assault, and burglary. He also introduced Joseph McGuire, who was sworn in as a new Kettle Falls police officer during the meeting. McGuire said he moved to Stevens County a little more than two years ago and purchased a home in Kettle Falls last November. He has previously worked in state and public-sector positions and said he was looking forward to beginning a new career in law enforcement.

McGuire will initially work alongside existing officers while waiting for an opening at the police academy. His academy training is scheduled for January, although Hoover said the department is hoping an earlier opening becomes available. Public Works Director Dave Willey provided an overview of preliminary budget requests for the city’s water, sewer, and street departments. Among the proposed water projects are repairs and replacements for aging valves, painting the city’s two million gallon reservoir tank, purchasing additional radio-read water meters, and continuing installation of those meters throughout the city. The reservoir painting project is estimated at approximately $250,000.

City officials are pursuing grant funding to help cover the cost since the tank is beginning to show signs of rust. Willey also requested approximately $200,000 to continue replacing older water meters. Roughly 100 radio-read meters have been installed so far, but installation can take longer depending on the condition of existing equipment. The city is also facing a number of aging vehicles and equipment. Willey noted that many of the department’s vehicles are more than a decade old, with the newest vehicles dating to 2019.

One older Chevrolet recently experienced a major steering-column failure while being driven, highlighting the need for continued vehicle replacement and maintenance. Willey also included approximately $15,000 for tree trimming and removal. Several trees around town and at city parks were identified as needing work, including trees near the Happy Dell Park stage. The council also discussed a proposed 10-foot-wide multi-use pathway at Happy Dell Park. Community Engineering and Consulting has prepared an application for grant funding for the project, which would create a path around the park, through the trees, and around the ball fields, before connecting with an existing concrete pathway near the stage.

The estimated pathway length is approximately 1,300 feet. The project is intended to improve accessibility, including providing an ADA-accessible route to the stage. Currently, people using wheelchairs or other mobility devices may have to cross grass to reach portions of the park. The pathway’s design generated discussion because state requirements for a multi-use path call for a wider surface than a traditional sidewalk. Council members questioned whether a narrower path could reduce the project’s cost, but the city’s engineer explained that grant requirements define the project as a multiuse path. The city is seeking letters of support from community organizations and residents to strengthen the grant application.

The application deadline is Sept. 30. Officials also discussed potentially submitting a separate application for four school warning signs, estimated at approximately $16,000. The school district has agreed to pay half the cost, according to the council. The city is also continuing work to close out its sidewalk project, with final paperwork and payment still pending. During the meeting, the council adopted Ordinance No. 1851, amending Kettle Falls Municipal Code 8.04.050 to establish a new garbage and sanitation rate schedule. The ordinance passed unanimously, with the new rates expected to take effect for customers in October.

The council also began reviewing preliminary budget requests from city departments. A library budget presentation was postponed due to absent representatives. Council members said they would like to review that budget before the next regular meeting or during an upcoming budget workshop. Additional budget workshops are expected as the city continues preparing its 2027 budget. The next Kettle Falls City Council meeting is scheduled for Oct. 6 at 7 p.m.