• Editor’s note: With the type of stories hotlinked below, what makes Yelm leaders cancel a council session in a crisis due to saving money (Councilor’s meeting pay)?
• Can’t they see the economic tsunami coming their way?
• If 30% of Americans did not pay rent this month, then the city council should be meeting to discuss the impact of their citizens not paying their water/sewer bills, not paying property taxes, and businesses deferring their B&O taxes.
• Yelm citizens are conserving their cash to buy food, fuel.
• The Yelm city council should be bracing for an economic “reckoning,” not cancelling important meetings designed to serve the public’s interests!

From Council member Molly Carmody’s Facebook post:

“Hi folks! In order to save the City a little money, we’re cancelling tonight’s Council meeting and moving the sole agenda item to the April 28 meeting.”

• Editor’s note: If the council is serious and REALLY desires to save money, then they should have met and voted to eliminate the Communications Specialist position, which is not needed in a crisis. Mayor Harding eliminated 6 positions during the 2009 economic downturn to conserve cash! Today, councilors need to plan how the city is going to function with a major deterioration in budget resources. Following are news stories that should get the council’s attention:

Nearly a third of Americans didn’t pay rent this month, new data shows

Cities and states brace for economic ‘reckoning,’ eyeing major cuts and fearing federal coronavirus aid isn’t enough

JPMorgan revealed it thinks a lot of people won’t pay their credit card bills

From the city of Yelm government Facebook post:

“Yelm earned the 2020 WellCity distinction from the Association of Washington Cities! The City of Yelm is among 113 other employers to earn WellCity status this year and it recognizes a dedication to building a workplace culture where employee health is valued and supported. City staff will receive a 2% discount on medical premiums in 2021 and will reduce the cost to taxpayers. Not only will you be saving money but you will also benefit from more productive and engaged City employees,” quoting the city of Yelm government Facebook post.

• Editor’s note: Within a month, many city employees could be on reduced hours and/or have to be furloughed due to a city cash crisis!