MOSES LAKE - Some changes could be part of an amended budget for the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District.

To re-address the issue, a board meeting is set for 7 p.m., March 27, at 932 E Wheeler Rd., Moses Lake.

Board chairman Mick Hansen shared some of his recommendations for an amended budget at the board's last meeting.

His recommendations come after the board approved a reduced budget of $826,250 in January.

The budget's original amount was $1.4 million.

Hansen suggested that $300,000 be set aside for boundary assessment refunds, which is a $200,000 increase.

He said there are areas where they will have to do some shifting around before the year is over.

Weed treatment funds were left alone and nothing was changed that involved clean water in the lake, he said.

The dredging was cut considerably and engineering was reduced, he said.

The bottom line is still the same, Hansen said.

Julie Smith, the district's administrative assistant, said staff hadn't been able to talk with Hansen about line items affecting day-to-day operations.

Smith said she asked to talk with Hansen recently about holding a special session so he knows the district's needs. He reportedly said he didn't want to do so, she said.

She said there is $200 in the budget for dues and subscriptions. Of that, $100 was spent.

Unpaid bills include a $99 water association bill and a $600 bill for a county geographic information systems agreement.

She received an e-mail from the district's insurance company provider regarding the dredge's pollution policy. It cost $1,695 last year.

Smith asked if there was an increase because of a partial sinking. The provider wasn't sure.

"With $100 left no way we can begin to touch these invoices," she said.

Office supplies were totally depleted after the December election and then restocked. The purchases left $282.22 in the budget for the rest of the year, which must cover copy machine fees.

She wasn't sure if she could pay the bill because of copies of research projects and board minutes.

Smith said she was concerned about not having enough money for office water, coffee, toilet paper, cleaning supplies and the copy machine.

"I think we're going to fall short there," she said.

Originally, $12,000 was included in the budget in the supplies and miscellaneous category.

There is only $300 left to pay a nearly $900 garbage bill and $119.52 remaining to cover utilities.

She encouraged Hansen to talk with staff because they can't operate much longer with the existing budget.

Board director Rich Archer asked if they should have a special meeting.

Hansen said one was scheduled, but someone canceled it.

Smith said she wants to see Hansen work with staff to avoid re-addressing every single budget item.