Colfax mayor: People must work together

Speaking before chamber members at the luncheon on Tuesday afternoon, Colfax Mayor Todd Vanek said citizens in the community must work together.

“When a car comes through Colfax, we want them to stop, have a cup of coffee and do some shopping,” he said. “We need volunteer support.”

Vanek said since he’s been in office, “people have been coming out of the woodwork to ask, ‘What can I do to help?’”

Vanek mentioned the Downtown Revitalization Committee, a group of volunteers trying to revitalize the downtown.

“We’ve always been a service community,” Vanek said.

“We’re recognized as a bedroom community,” he said, adding that Colfax has limited property for residential growth. He said four new homes are being built, two of them in the Hauser addition.

The city is holding its own as far as revenue goes, Vanek said, noting that in November, the second largest sales tax revenue was posted with no special cause.

Every city department cut its budget by 5 percent, Vanek said. The city lost a firefighter who will probably not be replaced, and also lost a police officer, who will be replaced in the next couple of years, he said. The fire department also is working on having a unified chief which could save the city money as well, Vanek said.

City officials also are working on a plan to prevent future flooding on Clay Street. The Whitman County Conservation District, Avista, city officials and Jennings Elementary School fifth graders will work together to plant trees above the street at the end of March or the first part of April.

Vanek said the city is trying to be more open to allow new businesses in town. He said officials are working with businesses who want to move into older buildings.

“Some of the older buildings cost a lot to bring them up to code,” Vanek said. As each case comes up, city inspectors work out a plan with prospective business owners to bring buildings up to code over time instead of all at once.

He also mentioned the different festivals scheduled throughout the year, including bringing back the Concrete River Festival.

Vanek said it all comes down to having volunteer support.

“It’s not just me, it’s not just you, it’s us,” Vanek said. “We have to work together.”