Thompson Falls Council sets stage for leadership transition

The Thompson Falls City Council set in motion a change of command last week with the swearing-in of mayor-elect Gussie O’Connor, administered by Council President Roul Ribeiro.

After the brief ceremony attended by O’Connor’s family, council members turned their attention to a full agenda for their final meeting of the year. 

O’Connor officially begins her term on Jan. 1, 2026.

When asked about her goals as the incoming mayor, O’Connor said she hopes to “mend a lot of bridges between City Hall and the community.” 

She added, “There are a lot of things the community would like to see done. The water and sewer needs to be finished. The streets are another number one on people’s minds. I’m always open to suggestions for what people would like to have. I hope to do an excellent job with professionalism and integrity.”

Council members addressed two water-leak issues, approving credits for both. They also voted to cancel the remaining committee meetings for the year, citing the upcoming personnel changes within city government.

The council unanimously adopted the comprehensive plan — also known as the growth policy — which outlines long-term goals for zoning, land use, infrastructure, economic development and overall community vision.

Several project payments were approved, including $616,609.93 for phases 3 and 4 of the wastewater project and $17,032.46 for phases 1 and 2 of the new water-system project.

During her report, Mayor Rusti Leivestad highlighted numerous meetings she attended throughout the month, including sessions with the Main Street organization and pre-construction meetings for the new water-system project. She noted that only six members of the public attended the recent hearing on the growth policy.

Leivestad also announced that Ward 3 council member Hayley Allen-Blakney submitted her resignation, effective Dec.r 31. The city will begin advertising the vacancy in January, with the intent of appointing someone to serve the remaining two years of the term.

When asked about Leivestads major accomplishments she said, “The infrastructure, being able to carry it forward and learning about it. We have eliminated two lift stations in phase 3 & 4 by putting in a gravity main. Before I was mayor, I didn’t know the difference between a force main and a gravity main. It was a win for the city to be able to save a million dollars and be able to apply it to other parts of the project."

"I feel really good about that,” she continued.

Leivestad is not leaving city government. Her recent election win for the Ward 3 Council seat will let her continue serving the residents of Thompson Falls. Leivestad has a background in finance and will have a seat on the budget committee. 

“I plan to be very supportive with the new Mayor Gussie O’Connor,” Leivestad said.

Leivestad became Mayor of Thomspon Falls after taking over the mayor position in November 2023 when Jerry Lacy’s resigned in October 2023.

    Outgoing Thompson Falls Mayor Rusti Leivestad give her final mayor's report at last week's Council meeting. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)