Tom Rogers, Mill Creek’s Community Development Director, gave an update on the progress of the East Gateway Urban Village at the December 11th City Council meeting.

Economic development of underutilized areas of Mill Creek has been the City’s focus since the adoption of Mill Creek’s Strategic Plan on April 10, 2012.

The Mill Creek City Council approved Mill Creek’s 2013-2014 budget at the December 4th City Council meeting. Included in this budget are the necessary funds to implement Mill Creek’s new K-9 unit.

During the October 9th City Council meeting Mill Creek Police Chief Bob Crannell said that although adding a police dog to his department has come up over the past few years it hasn’t been justified until now. Chief Crannell said that the need for a K-9 unit has increased to 62 calls in the last 14 months.

In the last month, Mill Creek residents and the Mill Creek City Council passed two separate measures to reduce the City’s projected 2013-2014 budget deficit by increasing tax revenue.

By passing Mill Creek Resolution 1 by 67% “approved” votes in November 6th’s General Election, Mill Creek residents increased the sales tax in the City by 0.1%. This should provide $260,000 in increased sales tax revenue for the City over the next two years. This tax revenue can only be spent on police and/or fire protection services.

For the fifth consecutive year the Mill Creek Women's Club November program featured a live and silent auction to benefit YWCA “Pathways for Women.”

Members of the club and local merchants generously donated well over 100 items for the live and silent auction. A kindle, artwork, jewelry, wine and home décor were just a few of the items donated. Club member, Sue Kincaid offered a condo in Maui for 5 nights, there was a 2 hour house cleaning by Molly Maid, a YWCA Gift Certificate for a family membership for a year , a beautiful hand made quilt by Club President Susan Mayer and home made soups and desserts for every month of the year. Club member Mary Kay Voss once again did an excellent and entertaining job as emcee for the event.