Warden approves 2007 budget

Garden fees waived

WARDEN — The Warden City Council approved their 2007 budget Tuesday, discussed Coulee Park improvements and waived garden fees.

The 2007 budget is $4.3 million, City Administrator Mike Thompson said. The largest budget item is the water and sewer fund. The fund is $2.3 million and is smaller than the 2006 fund of $3.1 million. The fund was larger last year due to well drilling, Thompson said.

The current expense fund is approximately $846,000, he said. Included in the fund is the Warden Police Department, Parks and Recreation Department and the library, Thompson said.

Doug Skone requested help from the council on behalf of the Warden Lions Club. The club envisions a new restroom and concession stand area for Coulee Park, Mayor Roland Capetillo said. They asked the council to provide funding for building supplies while the club would volunteer to construct the project.

The council did not vote on the issue because they need to confirm with the city attorney it is an acceptable action.

The goal is to have the project completed by late spring or early summer in time for Little League Baseball, he said.

The council discussed the community garden.

People did not seem interested in gardening in the past, Capetillo said.

The garden is located near Warden Elementary. Plots are available for people to garden for a $1 fee.

The council decided to dismiss the fee to spark interest among citizens, he said.

The next Warden City Council meeting is Dec. 12 at 7 p.m.