Recent letters to the editor from a Covington resident have contained some incomplete information and perhaps left readers with the misimpression that Covington city officials don’t use the public’s money wisely. I appreciate this opportunity to share some factual information and set the record straight:

• The Covington Aquatic Center recovers its marginal costs through user fees — the amount by which pool expenditures exceed revenues is made up of citywide overhead costs, loan repayments, and “mothball” costs that would have to be paid even if the pool were closed.

• Parks and recreation expenditures are higher than street expenditures only because the pool is considered a parks expenditure.

• The parks and recreation director handles park acquisitions and improvements on a day-to-day basis.  These functions would be hindered, not enhanced, without a parks director. Over the last five years, the director has secured almost $3.4 million in grant funds for park projects, which is many times his annual salary. It’s true we’ve hired a temporary parks planner to help with peak workload right now.

• The city doesn’t have two staff members working solely on human resources issues. The Personnel Division’s two staff members are responsible for other functions, as well.

The City Council appointed a Budget Priorities Advisory Committee last year to review the city’s budget and make recommendations.  Committee members came from all over Covington and all walks of life, including very different political viewpoints.  They started the process with the expectation they would find waste and slash it, but they ended the process nine months later with a report that said the city is “lean and mean” and “a very well-run city with an excellent corporate culture.”

Your City Council and city management are committed to operating an efficient and effective city government.  If you have questions or comments about the city’s budget or operations, please don’t assume — ask us!  Our phone numbers and email addresses are online at www.covingtonwa.gov under the “Contact Us” tab.  Happy New Year!

Derek Matheson

Covington City Manager