MATTAWA - Houses in Mattawa will see their utility bills increase an average of $3.57 per month after the city council passed ordinance No. 14-557 at its meeting of Nov. 6.

The ordinance raises the tax on water, sewer and garbage bills from 10 percent to 15 percent. The council had asked for the writing of the ordinance at its previous meeting.

Public Works Director Gary Crowder told the council that public works vehicles and the park have been winterized. The police cars will be done in the near future, he said.

Crowder added that the public works department will do the electrical work at its new shop. The council had recently rejected private contractor bids as being too high.

The environmental classes of teacher Jennifer Harris gave presentations on the park and roundabout. The students would like to improve these areas with projects like planting trees, installing a "Welcome To Mattawa" sign and/or several other suggestions.

City Clerk Robin Newcomb said the students will have to deal with the Department of Transportation regarding the roundabout.

The council tabled a resolution on leave policy which would eliminate sick leave payoff and vacation buybacks for employees.

The council passed a consent agenda that included approval of claims, prepaid claims and payroll vouchers that were audited and certified by the City Clerk. It included those expense reimbursement claims that have been recorded on a listing which has been made available to the Council for approval and is retained for public inspection at city hall.

As of Nov. 6, the Council approved for payment 2014 payroll EFT and payroll checks in the amount of $68,813.36 and 2014 claims EFT and claims checks #13984 to #14018 in the amount of $20,775.08.