Controversial 100-foot flagpole in Puyallup won’t be ready in time for July 4
The installation of a $149,710 American flag and flagpole in Puyallup has been delayed after it was initially set to be completed before a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary happening Saturday.
The funding of the 100-foot flagpole was passed four to three by the City Council at a May 5 meeting. Council members Dennis King, Jim Kastama, Renne Gilliam and Deputy Mayor Dean Johnson voted to pass it. Council members Lindsay Smolko, Lauren Adler and Mayor Ned Witting rejected it.
The city initially told The News Tribune it would be installed before the Fourth of July. The flagpole will now be installed later this summer, city spokesperson Eric Johnson told The News Tribune via email Tuesday.
He said the reason for the delay is that fabrication and installation is taking longer than expected.
City staff coordinated with the Washington State Department of Transportation on this project, City Manager Steve Kirkelie said at the May meeting. Funding for the flagpole will come from the city’s Tier 3 funds, which is excess revenue that can be used for one-time capital projects, Eric Johnson previously told The News Tribune. The $149,775 cost includes installation, the flag and pole.
There is an initiative by the city to raise donation funds from the public, businesses and organizations to offset the costs of the project. About $56,929 has been raised so far, according to the city’s website.
The city would still pay for the installation, The News Tribune previously reported. There are different sponsorship levels for donors, starting with “supporter level” for donations up to $249, the website said. All contributions that meet the “supporter level” sponsorship will receive name recognition on the official City of Puyallup America 250 Memorial Flag website. The highest sponsorship opportunity goes to those who donate $25,250 and over.
The installation of the flag is in coordination with the Washington State America 250th nonprofit, which is part of the nationwide effort to honor the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, according to its website.
King introduced the concept of the flag and flag pole during a city council retreat in February.
The flag and flagpole will be located on North Meridian between Fred Meyer and the KING Family Fun Center. King owns the business with his wife, Melinda, according to the center’s website.
King has not responded to The News Tribune’s requests for comment about the project, the delay, and about its proximity to his business.
The price tag for the flagpole was met with opposition during the May 5 council meeting from several residents.
Residents such as Tammi Borushko told the council during public comment that the money used for the flagpole could instead go to city-wide issues such as addressing traffic safety.
“Spending this type of taxpayer money on a project like this is nothing more than performative patriotism,” she said.
Some residents spoke in support of the project, including Pierce County Council member and veteran Paul Herrera.
“I hope we can say yes for the flag, say yes for Puyallup and say yes for America,” Herrera said during the council meeting.
