MATTAWA - The Mattawa City Council made a decision at its last meeting, on Sept. 20, that will save the city $1.2 million in interest on old water and sewer loans.

According to City Clerk Robin Newcomb, the council voted to accept a refinancing proposal from Columbia Bank, the only bank with a branch in Mattawa.

The original loans, issued by the USDA, had interest rates that ranged from 4.5-5.25 percent and terms up to 40 years. The new arrangement will be for 4 percent interest over 15 years. Newcomb said that created a savings of $1.2 million.

"And our payment will be lower," she said.

In other matters, the city is still in the process of adding a police officer. A candidate who appeared headed toward employment was turned down after polygraph and psychological testing.

Newcomb said a new candidate has made it past that level and appears to be headed toward employment. She said there is a possibility of the city acquiring two auxiliary officers as well.

Mattawa has been down to one officer since the start of summer. The police chief and an officer were suspended for issues the city has yet to explain. They are still in limbo, and a community of 6,000 people remains under-served.

Meanwhile the city council approved the purchase of a new patrol car. It is a 2012 Chevrolet Impala that will cost $31,260 plus taxes. The cost may go up a bit as the city contemplates some additional equipment.

The council passed the final form of an ordinance that will allow the construction of a U.S. Cellular cell tower in Hund Memorial Park. There was a hang-up involving height.

U.S. Cellular is satisfied. Now the city will start to negotiate a lease for the ground.

The council also approved future upgrades to the waste water treatment plant. Those are in the hands of the public works department.