Farewell to the Ritzville Journal

This is my last issue as editor of the Ritzville Adams County Journal, as I have accepted another job here in town.

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for letting me share your stories over the past year and a half.

Moving here from Okanogan County just two weeks before the state shut down due to COVID, it was a bit of a challenge to get to know the community; but I soon became quite fond of my new home in Ritzville.

I even enjoy the sound of the trains. Returning from occasional trips out of town visiting my kids, the sound of the trains brings a smile to my face, followed by the thought, “I'm home.” Friends say, “Wait until you've been here 10 years.” I reply, “It's the sound of the economy rolling. When we don't hear the trains anymore, then we need to worry.”

Another sound I don't want to hear silenced is the laughter and splashing of kids at the city pool. The Ritzville Water Park is run by Adams County Park and Recreation District No. 4, and like other area pools, is supported by a property tax levy that is on the August 3 ballot.

You may have received a flyer in your mailbox from Friends of the Water Park this past week detailing the need for the $150,000 maintenance and operation levy for Park and Recreation District No. 4. Passage of the levy will help fund day-to-day operations of the water park, including staffing, utilities, supplies, equipment and daily maintenance. The levy is the primary source of funding for the water park, and is estimated to cost just 38 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation of your property for a one-year period.

In 2020, the local levy for collection in 2021 to run the pool did not pass. The pool was closed due to the COVID shutdown of the state, but the water park incurs monthly utility expenses regardless of whether it is open or not. Maintenance is year-round, with pumps continuing to circulate the water during the off-season months, ensuring it does not freeze up in the winter.

According to the Friends of the Pool, if the levy fails, there won't be money left after this season to fully operate the water park next summer, and the park would be closed for the 2022 season.

If the levy passes, Park and Recreation District No. 4 will be on track to collect funds to run the pool in 2022. Lifeguards will still have jobs teaching them valuable work skills, parents will have a safe and enjoyable place to take or send their kids, adults will still have a calm atmosphere to exercise and socialize during adult-only swim, and kids will still be able have fun with their friends as well as learn how to swim.

Please remember to vote, and turn in your ballot by August 3.

See you at the pool!

Katie Teachout