The Chelan City council will meet in “special Session” tonight to begin discussion on the 2012 budget. Chelan City Administrator Jim Reinbold said the retreat will help new council members become familiar with the budget process and introduce some new terminology to the council.

Apparently that terminology is going to include “spending reserves” something this council has never done and action the city has historically avoided. Reinbold says he doesn’t see anyway around it.

Part of the challenge for next years budget is the proposed law enforcement contract with Chelan County. County commissioners abruptly cancelled the existing law enforcement contract with Chelan that ran through 2013. That left city officials with few options, accept the 40% increase in costs or decrease coverage.

Mayor Bob Goedde appears ready to spend the city’s reserves next year but says after that… the option won’t be there.

Bring your concerns, comments and questions with you tonight to the public meeting scheduled for 6 pm @ City Hall on Johnson Avenue.