The Centralia City Council appointed Jeremy Henderson as new City Treasurer, replacing retiring Bill Agee, who worked for the city for 38 years under nine different mayors. Henderson has been the city’s finance director and will continue to hold that position as he assumes the duties of treasurer. Agee was officially given a service award recognizing his retirement.
The council authorized a power purchase agreement with Keystone Power Holdings for the installation of a community solar energy system at the wastewater treatment plant. The solar system will be implemented at no upfront cost to the city and is estimated to save the city 2.9 million dollars over 30 years on electricity costs compared to current utility rates.
The city approved up to $300,000 in funds for road project construction for Orchard Drive East. The road improvements are planned from South Perrine to the end of the cul-de-sac and will include concrete pavement, curb and gutter and storm sewer and patching of the street. Bids for the project are being requested with a bid opening planned for November 20.
A bid was accepted for the purchase of property at 435 South Hickory for $2,500, while a bid of $1,250 to purchase 1335 South Hickory was rejected for being below the minimum bid. The property with the rejected bid will be put out for bid as surplus property again in the future.
In public comment at the start of the meeting, Centralia Chamber of Commerce executive director Marcus Holland talked about the issue of homelessness in Centralia, saying it has negatively affected local businesses and residents. Holland expressed a desire to help the city find solutions and brought attention to the Call 211 program through United Way, which helps connect individuals to essential resources. Holland encouraged residents to respond with compassion and support local organizations such as churches, food pantries, and shelters, to provide relief to those in need.
