CHENEY – The Finance Committee’s budget report for 2023 prompted councilman Mark Posthuma to comment. “We elected to spend $30,000 on a vaccine subsidy, and only $15,000 on local businesses.” He said. “I think we should be spending more on small businesses. I think this budget communicates that we may not care about those businesses.”
In response, mayor Chris Grover said “There are certainly a number of other projects that have been undertaken in behalf of our residents.” Citing the lamp-post signs and Rejuvenate Cheney projects.
A comment from a resident was also heard. “If small businesses aren’t supported, they won’t stay here.”
Councilwoman Teresa Overhauser responded. “I stand by providing strong support for public works, and stable, reliable resources.” Overhauser cited reliable utilities such as clean water, affordable electricity, and others. “If we can’t provide that, we won’t have an environment for small businesses in the first place.”
“No actionable plans, nothing specific has been brought forward for us to allocate funds toward.” Overhauser said. “It’s not like we do nothing for this city. I do all my shopping here, I buy my gas here.”
The full presentation of the Finance Committee and accompanying documents can be found on the city of Cheney web page.
Lucas is a former Cheney Free Press managing editor. He is a nationally published author who contributes regularly to several publications across the country.
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