Members of the Winlock City Council met Monday, Jan. 26, and discussed a number of issues, starting with new Winlock Mayor Victoria Marincin announcing a “two-week financial stabilization period” in order to allow city staff to prepare for an upcoming inspection by the Office of the Washington State Auditor.
“This is not a budget amendment, and does not change city spending,” Marincin said. “It is a short, administrative pause intended to support audit preparation, particularly with respect to internal processes. This applies only to discretionary spending and does not delay any legally required or council approved obligations.”
Marincin, councilors and city staff were scheduled to meet with state auditors later during the week to learn what specific audit would be carried out.
Additionally, during her mayor’s report, Marincin stated she is drafting an ordinance she expects to bring forward in the coming months which will let the city treasurer access specialized municipal accounting “to assist the treasurer with increasingly complex regulatory requirements.” She informed the council to allow them time to consider possible budget sources.
Among the agenda items during the council’s Monday meeting was selection of the mayor pro tem for 2026. Councilor Jeramy Allman was nominated and approved by a vote of 4-1.
The council also accepted the donation of a computer to the city from Marincin, to use “mayoral purposes,” according to Winlock City Attorney Jim Buzzard.
“Down the road will be an ordinance that comes before the council to make de minimis gifts be able to be accepted by the mayor without having to come before the council,” Buzzard said. “We’re talking probably like a value of $3,000 or less, not real estate, not intellectual property.”
On another note, Marincin announced the Friends of Winlock were working with local businesses to hold a Valentine’s Day decorative window display competition on Saturday, Feb. 14.
“I encourage our local businesses to participate. I invite residents to come downtown and enjoy the displays and support our local shops,” Marincin added. “I hear there are trophies and prizes.”
During the meeting, the council also approved annual zoning and bonding housekeeping ordinances.
