Company retained to study income

RITZVILLE — Evergreen Rural Water of Washington is now on the short list of data counters for a repeat assignment.

The City Council agree to hire the survey company Dec. 3 to do some sampling and recording.

“In our area, it’s pretty unique in terms of census data,” City Clerk/Treasuer Julie Flyckt said. “It doesn’t show our area as low-income as those of us that live here. So, we have an option to an income survey.”

The city last conducted an income survey in 2018 using the same company.

“They did help to do a direct income survey to residents to respond more than they may have during the census,” Flyckt said. “That helps show the reality for our income ... It (the survey) put us in that low income bracket and made us eligible for a Community Development Block Grant.”

This time, the company would have to survey 272 households.

“They way I read it, they’re going to go door-to-door,” Councilwoman Brooke Scheel said. “If they don’t get 272 they’re going to mail it out.”

“When I worked with this company in 2000, it was one of the first projects I did when I came on, and they were very effective,” Flyckt said. “They are a nonprofit, which is kind of unique, so they always look at ways to be cost effective.”

In other business, the council:

• Approved installing flashing rectangular beacons, likely in the area of Love’s truck stop and restaurant.

• Approved the purchase of a John Deere Gator valued at $18,300 to replace aging city equipment used by the Department of Public Works.

• Discussed the 2025 budget, a personal policy amendment regarding holidays and a bid update for the Tree Board First Avenue Project.