Royal City may add electronic bill pay

ROYAL CITY — Finance Director Greg Pike told the Royal City Council at its April 5 meeting that the city is moving toward electronic pay at its utilities bill pay station.

Currently, the City accepts only checks or cash. Most cities around the state offer their residents the ability to pay their utility bills with some form of electronic payment, Pike said.

There would be a one-time fee of $2,500 to upgrade the current accounting software to accommodate this service, Pike added.

Pike also reported that the Washington state legislature has restored MRSC funding in its latest budget. MRSC is a valuable resource for cities, towns and other municipalities.

Pike said there was concern that the phone system would need to be replaced, but the phone static issues were determined to be an outside phone line issue, which has since been resolved.

Pike said BIAS software has asked Royal City to host a regional workshop intended to assist cities, towns and fire districts with the preparation of their annual reports, which are due at the end of May.

The workshops will be held on April 13 and 14 in the Council chambers. Finance Pike will be attending the workshop held on April 13.

Public Works Director John Lasen updated the Council on the Daisy Street water main replacement project. Materials have been ordered and were expected to arrive quickly. Equipment rental will cost approximately $5,500-$6,000 for a one-month rental period.

Lasen reported on the damage caused when a vehicle crashed into the west side of the library. It is not a load bearing wall. A scope of work has been received from the engineer and a contractor will be hired to perform the repair.

In public comment, Carol Irwin made a request that the City install a handrail on the stairs leading to the north entrance of the community center at the Royal Golf Course. Irwin said she sustained serious injuries as a result of a fall off the steps. Heavy winds caused the door to slam into her, she said.

The Council approved a consent agenda that included the Council meeting minutes from March 15. It also included a payroll in the amount of $45,152.11 and claims in the amount of $19,640.26.