Three Ocean Shores City Council members cast their final votes for and against the 2018 city budget last week while also making their final formal comments at the end of their council terms of office.
Jackie Farra voted against the spending plan, while John Lynn and Gordon Broadbent joined the majority in approving the budget 5-2. Holly Plackett was the other no vote.
After the budget approval process, which preserved a $1.5 million surplus while making some significant changes to the mayor’s proposed plan, the three departing council members each expressed sentiments about serving in office.
Lynn gave a tearful tribute to the dedication of his wife Sally, and thanked “some special people in our community.” Those included the registered voters of the city and city employees in general.
“It has been challenging to say the least,” Lynn said. “Our city has moved from near bankruptcy to one in which we are able to make good decisions for the future.”
He singled out the mayor and council members “who have looked to the future and worked hard as a team to see that the future continues to improve for all our citizens.”
“We have had three council members who will not be back with us next year, and each one in their own way has done just a superlative job,” said Mayor Crystal Dingler in presenting certificates of service to all three departing members. “I am very, very proud of all of these people, and to thanks them for all of the time and effort that they have put in on behalf of myself, the staff and the citizens of Ocean Shores.”
Farra and Lynn served eight years, while Broadbent completed a four-year term after previously serving as an appointed member.
“They have put heart and soul and really cared about this job,” Dingler said.
Broadbent noted he has seen a dedicated group of citizens turn out regularly for city council meetings. “Thank you very much, it’s been a joy,” he said.
“I want to thank everyone and all the citizens who participate,” Farra said. “It’s been a pleasure working with most of you, and you will probably see my mug out there a little bit. I hope that the next team can work together kindly and show respect for each other regardless of your opinion or your knowledge.”
Each remaining council member also addressed the departing trio, and Plackett said she wrote each one a parting message.
“A lot of history is walking out of this room tonight,” she said, encouraging Farra, Lynn and Broadbent to continue to offer advice and suggestions to the next council. “Your history is very important.”
Newly elected council member Lisa Griebel thanked the three “for all of your guidance and help.”
And Jon Martin echoed the sentiments: “When you get elected, you think you know everything, and then you realize there is a lot of work to do anything. You’ve got to convince three other people to do whatever you want.”
“It is a team and you will be missed,” Martin said.
