ROYAL CITY — One of the complaints golfers have used as a reason not to play the Royal Golf Club is the absence of alcoholic beverages.

The Royal City Council learned at its meeting of March 1 that that reason will be eliminated soon. The Royal Golf Association has received a liquor license from the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.

This license allows for the sale of beer and wine at the Golf Course. According to RGA President Pat Dorsing, beer and wine sales will start on or around April 1.

In other news of a fiscal nature, Finance Director Greg Pike told the Council that the City is looking into offering bill pay services that would allow residents to pay for utilities electronically

Public Works Director John Lasen told the council that he and Del Boyce will meet regarding the testing of the well hole at city well No. 1 to determine if the well can accommodate the sand filter attachment.

Lasen said the street sweeper is almost operational. One of his men may attend class in Spokane to learn specific techniques for maintenance and repair of this street sweeper.

Lasen reported that 101.5 million gallons of water were pumped from city wells during 2015. Approximately 98 million gallons were accounted for, with the difference attributed to leakage and unauthorized usage.

City Planner Darryl Piercy reported that new building permits have been issued for the Rock Creek Development.

An abatement assessment of the apartments at 310 Acacia will be scheduled in the near future, Piercy said. Qualified contractors are being interviewed.

The Council was informed that the proposed state budget removes funding for the Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC), which is a valuable tool for all municipalities.

“It’s a great tool for me,” Pike said. “I use it a lot.”

Council members were encouraged to reach out to their legislative representatives to support efforts in restoring funding for the MRSC.

The Council approved a consent agenda that included the Council Meeting Minutes from Feb. 16, a payroll in the amount of $42,921.06 and claims in the amount of $19,753.99.