By Dylan Reubenking
dylan@yelmonline.com
Roy leaders would like to offer residents some extra holiday cheer in future but are concerned about the cost.
Roy City Councilors discussed ideas for future holiday events at a City Council study session Aug. 14.
Ideas included a trunk-or-treat event for Halloween, a holiday open house tree-lighting, the return of the Hometown Heroes event, a police night and a scavenger hunt. Councilors, notably Mayor Kimber Ivy, said that they want to offer Roy residents opportunities to engage in fun activities but expressed concern about spending budgeted money for these events.
“It’s looking like our budget is not going to be good this year,” Councilor Yvonne Starks said during the meeting.
Councilors also discussed a potential farmers market in Roy. Treasurer Michael Malek noted that zoning would be a primary factor in bringing such an event to Roy, as well as ensuring that vendors have business licenses within the City of Roy.
During the work session, Ivy announced that the city is actively trying to recruit for a police officer position and to retain its current staff.
“Because the city’s ability to offer competitive salaries for positions is hindered because of our budget level, I encourage you guys to really consider health benefits as a way to mitigate that,” Ivy said during the regular City Council meeting following the work session. Councilors approved a resolution to establish monthly health benefit allowances for city employees for the remainder of 2023.
Other topics for discussion and vote were:
• A mobile food bank is currently operating from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Wednesdays at Calvary Baptist Church on 320th Street.
• The city planner is planning to retire by the end of the year. The City Council approved accepting requests for proposal to replace him.
• Councilors approved a motion to enter an interlocal agreement with the City of Orting for deputy clerk services.
