City of West Richland

CITY OF WEST RICHLAND | RESOLUTION NO. 44-24 | A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF WEST RICHLAND, WASHINGTON, SUPPORTING THE RELOCATION OF BENTON RURAL ELECTRIC’S MAIN COMPLEX TO THE CITY OF WEST RICHLAND

WHEREAS, Benton Rural Electric (Benton REA) is a close community partner with the City of West Richland and has worked collaboratively with the City of West Richland to identify a location in the city to relocate their main complex; and

WHEREAS, beginning in 2021, the City and Benton REA worked together to develop Cooperative Way to gain access to property procured by Benton REA to build their main complex; and

WHEREAS, the complex location was chosen because 73% of Benton REA members are closer to the West Richland complex, 64% of Benton REA accounts are closer to the West Richland complex, and 64% of Benton REA field work is closer to the West Richland complex; and

WHEREAS, locating the main Benton REA complex in West Richland will lower fuel costs, decrease wear and tear on vehicles, and allow for faster response times for Benton REA, which is a benefit to West Richland citizens and the city; and

WHEREAS, the City of West Richland anticipates an increase in sales tax revenue paid to the city with the main complex relocation; and

WHEREAS, the relocation of the Benton REA main complex to West Richland meets several of the City’s Strategic Focus Areas and the City of West Richland supports and encourages businesses and facilities in West Richland.

NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of West Richland, Washington does hereby resolve as follows:

Section 1. The City of West Richland believes the relocation of Benton REA’s main complex will be mutually beneficial to both West Richland residents and Benton REA customers, and fully supports Benton REA’s relocation of its main complex to West Richland.

PASSED by the City Council of the City of West Richland, Washington, this 16 day of July 2024.