At the July 15 Port Angeles City Council meeting, the purchase of a new Kubota tractor was approved following public concern.
As a resident, teacher and father of four, I believe this conversation reflects a deeper need, not just about equipment, but about transparent, values-based budgeting.
While some questioned the need for the tractor, city staff clarified that it had been used daily for six months of the year, had logged 1,600 hours over 20 years, and that its replacement had been budgeted through the capital facilities plan.
It supports year-round park maintenance and snow removal, and existing attachments will continue to be used.
These are reasonable justifications, but they weren’t clearly communicated until the night of the vote.
That delay fueled public skepticism.
We need a better process.
When the city proposes spending tens of thousands of dollars on equipment, it should share data like hours of use, expected lifespan and alternatives considered. That would help residents engage with the facts, not just the price tag.
Our community deserves public spending that is not only responsible but also transparent, explainable and prioritized.
I appreciate the parks team’s work and the pride we take in our public spaces. But we can and should do better when it comes to building trust through clearer communication.
Jon Hamilton
Port Angeles