BY SONYA SCAUFLAIRE / SELKIRK SUN

The Town of Metaline informed the public at their regularly scheduled town council meeting on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, that the Town has been operating without insurance since December, 2024. It currently does not have insurance.

The insurance company had dropped the Town due to non-payment of $22,000, according to what was reported at the meeting. In order to request to restore the insurance coverage, the Town must demonstrate that it carries at least some sort of general liability insurance before the insurance company’s governing board will consider reinstating the Town at their September meeting.

With the help of Ione Town Clerk John Cannon, who had worked in the insurance field for many years, the Town applied for insurance for the interim on July 8th. That application is currently under review by their underwriting department. “This is a necessity for the Town and it is under a rush,” Council Member Jade MacArthur assured the public.

The previous town clerk, Kelly Flanagan, was arrested on June 30th for the felony charge of misappropriation, etc, by treasurer under RCW 42.20.090. Flanagan had been placed on administrative leave on June 10th and the Town reported the suspected misappropriation to the Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office the same day. MacArthur was appointed by the council as Acting Town Clerk for the duration.

In a general appeal, the Town is requesting all payments to the Town be made by check and to avoid cash payments. The Council and Mayor are committed to changing internal procedures for handling monies, making payments, and moving funds. Property owners can expect to receive their utility bills within the next few days. The deposits were reported as $10,877 with approved expenses of $10,280.