Orofino Chamber of Commerce
Laam discusses city issues
Orofino City Administrator Rick Laam discussed a variety of city issues at the Chamber of Commerce meeting Feb. 6.
Laam opened his remarks with “Idaho Government 101”, noting that Idaho recognizes two forms of city government: Council/Manager and Mayor/ Council. There are 201 cities in Idaho. Of those, only three have the Council/Manager form. Orofino is Mayor/Council. Twenty-two cities in the state have a city administrator.
The budget for Orofino during fiscal 2007-2008 is $3.9 million. Property taxes provide 19.7% of that figure. Eighty percent of those funds go to the police department, 17% to the fire department and 3% to the general fund. Orofino deliberately keeps a healthy fund balance. Laam noted that, because of the funds reserved, the city did not borrow any money during the floods of 1996.
A major challenge facing the city is hiring and retention of quality employees, particularly in law enforcement. Too often, employees move on to higher paying jobs after the city has footed the bill for training. Advertising for law enforcement personnel has been a constant for the past three years. Laam lauded the excellent work Police Chief Wilson and his force are doing.
Laam says he has revised his personal philosophy regarding hiring. “Give me someone with a good attitude and we’ll train them. Give me someone who’s honest, who really wants to make a career and we’ll train him.” He enjoys the interview process, despite the challenges.
The city of Orofino cleans roughly one and a half tons of FOGS—fats, oils and greases, out of the screens at the water treatment plant each week. FOGS are taken to the landfill after removal from the system. The process is very expensive.
The city is currently prosecuting one individual under the Nuisance Ordinance. The case will be in court this month. The city will pursue further nuisance complaints as they arise.
Lumberjack Days
Executive Director Heather Burnham clarified the dates for Lumberjack Days. Because Labor Day falls on Sept. 1 this year, the fair dates are Sept. 11-14.
Public Affairs
Dennis Harper reported that weekly conference calls with elected officials are proving effective in keeping the chamber “ahead of the eight ball instead of behind it.” A $35 million budget shortfall has caused most program proposals to be withdrawn. So far no legislation regarding ATVs has been introduced. UTV definitions are being clarified.
Other issues the state is considering are dog fighting and the possibility of issuing more liquor licenses.
Auction
The annual auction is in the planning stages, and is scheduled for May 2. The theme is “Surf’s Up.”
Welcome
The chamber welcomed two new businesses this month, Starlight Electric and Salon Savvy. They also welcomed Family Eye Care and Kimberling Insurance to their new buildings.
The Orofino Chamber of Commerce meets the first and third Wed. of each month, from noon – 1 p.m. at the Ponderosa Restaurant Banquet Room. Laam will continue his presentation at the Feb. 20 meeting.