PORT TOWNSEND — The city of Port Townsend is one step closer to breaking ground on a series of projects intended to provide economic stimulus to the area.
On Monday, the Port Townsend City Council adopted an ordinance, by a vote of 6-1, that approves the issuance and sale of $7.5 million worth of bonds to pay for improvements to city roads, sidewalks, waterfront improvements and tourism infrastructure.
The 16 projects are part of a plan that City Manager David Timmons introduced in April to spur the economy in the wake of reduced ferry service.
“These are not random projects,” Timmons said then. “They are part of a strategy to reinvest in community infrastructure that continues to support the economic vitality of the community.”
Although all council members said they supported the projects the bonds are expected to finance, Councilwoman Laurie Medlicott, who voted against the ordinance, said she didn’t have ample time to review the numbers on the bonds.
“These projects have my total support,” Medlicott said.
“I think it’s an absolute imperative we do this, but I am stunned this is the first sight of the numbers I have had.
“This is not the right way to do things.”
