Dec 3, 2012 2 min read

Washington city council is expected to pass its 2013 budget Thursday that calls for no tax increase.

But, at council’s agenda meeting Monday, Mayor Brenda Davis proposed yet another cost-cutting measure, one that wouldn’t necessary put a dent in the city’s approximate $12 million spending plan but could make parking more accessible and cheaper for those people who utilize the city’s senior citizen center on Maiden Street.

According to Davis, some seniors asked her if there was anything that could be done to free up more spaces in the public parking lot next to the center or lower the meter rates to perhaps an hour of parking for a quarter at least from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. when lunch is served at the center.

Tom Kearns, city parking director, explained there already are several spots dedicated for center staff and the dedication of any more or the lowering of rates would cost the city money in parking revenue.

Davis, however, was prepared with a way to offset the lost revenue by eliminating water coolers in city hall and all city facilities. Instead, city staff and visitors could get drinks from the already existing water fountains.

“Water coolers are serving only a limited amount of individuals” in the city, said Davis. “A substantial amount of money is going out every month for that privilege.”

The mayor said the money saved by getting rid of the coolers should be enough to absorb the parking costs for the seniors.

According to Davis, the city spends nearly $1,800 a year for the coolers, the water and cups. The monthly cost for rental of a single cooler is $24.

And while there may be an initial cost of getting some of the water fountains back into working condition, she said they would ultimately pay for themselves over a period of time.

Council made no decision on the matter, but agreed to give further consideration to help out the city’s many senior citizens who utilize the center.