MATTAWA - The Mattawa City Council expects to pass an operating budget of $5,920,873 for 2015 at its next meeting on Dec. 4.

The council accepted the proposed budget at its meeting on Nov. 20 and asked City Clerk Robin Newcomb to write it in ordinance form.

Newcomb noted there were public hearings regarding the budget on Nov. 6 and Nov. 20.

According to Newcomb, the budget is balanced and does not exceed the lawful limits of taxation allowed by law to be levied on the property within the City of Mattawa.

In other matters at the Nov. 20 meeting, Police Chief John Turley said that, after the holidays, a new sign which will say "when children are present", and orange flags will be added onto the 20-mile per hour signs. He hopes to make drivers more aware of the children walking to school.

Turley announced that MPD Clerk Maybelline Pantaleon is attending the reserve police academy. He noted Officer Williams's last day will be Dec. 15. Williams has accepted a job with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

"There are three applicants so far to fill this position," Turley said.

The council voted to change insurance brokers to Trask Insurance. Trask will provide a variety of services including a risk management plan, outside resources, training and strategy planning.

Wahluke teacher Jenny Harris's students would like to apply for grants for playground equipment, soccer equipment, a pathway or trail, trees and possibly garbage cans for the city. Council agreed for them to move forward with these ideas.

The Council approved a consent agenda that included claims, prepaid claims and payroll vouchers audited and certified by Newcomb.

They have been recorded on a listing which has been made available to the Council and is retained for public inspection at city hall.