💵 Crime Tax Proposal & Emergency Updates - Klickitat BOCC 10/7-10/14 Recap
🏛 Klickitat County BOCC - October 7 & 14, 2025 Meetings Summary
📅 October 7, 2025 - Criminal Justice Sales Tax Hearing & Department Updates
⚖️ Public Hearing: Criminal Justice Sales Tax
Treasurer Greg Gallagher presented a proposal to implement a 0.1% sales and use tax dedicated to criminal justice funding, authorized under RCW 82.14.340.
- The tax would generate approximately $250,000 annually, shared with the county’s three cities based on population.
- Klickitat would still maintain one of the lowest sales tax rates in Washington.
- The funds would support general fund expenses for courts, corrections, and law enforcement.
🗣 Public Testimony
The hearing drew a mix of perspectives:
- Supporters: Sheriff Bob Songer, Goldendale Mayor David Jones, Goldendale Police Chief Mike Smith, and Bingen Mayor Katherine Kiewit cited rising costs of law enforcement and court operations.
- Opponents: Residents Don Bryan, Jack Runyon, and Greg Wagner opposed the increase, arguing for tighter departmental oversight before new taxes.
- Neutral: Russ Hanson took no formal position but urged clearer accountability mechanisms for how funds are distributed.
Commissioners deferred final action to October 14, acknowledging “the need for new revenue” but expressing unease about the precedent of earmarking sales taxes for recurring costs.
🧱 Department Reports
Public Works:
- Discussed ongoing road safety signage upgrades (CRP 381) and planned Snowden Road overlay project advertising.
- Approved new Maintenance Technician hires in Bickleton and White Salmon.
Building Department:
- Reviewed SmartGov online permitting rollout and coordination with fire districts on Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) maps.
- Outlined fee updates planned for 2026 to align with ICC standards.
Economic Development / Natural Resources:
- Reported on Horsethief Lake vegetation management, Mill Site redevelopment, and Affordable Housing Advisory Board work.
- Commissioners approved a letter of support to Snohomish County backing Republic Services’ landfill bid at Roosevelt Regional Landfill.
📅 October 14, 2025 – Emergency Management & Continued Tax Hearing
🚨 Department of Emergency Management Report
Director Jeff King presented a comprehensive update on emergency systems, wildfire recovery, and infrastructure resilience.
- 911 Dispatch & Radio Systems:
- Ongoing repairs and interference mitigation at Stacker Butte and Kaser Ridge radio sites.
- Generator replacements completed at Bickleton and Kaser, with additional parts delayed due to aging equipment.
- Cybersecurity and GIS system upgrades underway, with “Protocol 41 - Callers in Crisis” training launched for dispatchers to improve mental-health triage and coordination with 988 hotlines.
- Wildfire & Public Education:
- Over 150 ENS (Emergency Notification System) decals distributed to local first responders.
- 225 residents completed wildfire insurance surveys; 25 households responded to a Burdoin Fire damage survey, most reported at least partial insurance coverage.
- County encouraging formation of a Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG) for future disasters.
- Grant Funding & Cuts:
- State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) funding cut by ~20% and limited to “enduring needs” projects.
- FEMA reimbursements for 2024 winter storm recovery finalized, with $286,760 awarded across projects in Goldendale, Bingen, and county departments.
💵 Continued Hearing: Criminal Justice Sales Tax
The Board reconvened its public hearing.
- Gallagher reiterated the county’s need to stabilize the general fund amid rising insurance and labor costs, noting that criminal justice expenses already exceed 50% of the county’s operating budget.
- Commissioners again postponed final adoption, citing ongoing budget deliberations and public concern about tax fatigue.
👵 Senior Services
Director Sharon Carter shared a positive update on transit and nutrition programs:
- Expansion of the home-delivered meals program and the new Lyle Connector Route linking Goldendale and The Dalles.
- Funding secured through Area Agency on Aging grants, though Medicaid reimbursements remain uncertain.
🧑💼 Human Resources & Fiscal Planning
HR Director Robb Van Cleave and Manager KC Sheridan warned of 20–30% insurance premium increases for 2026 and wage pressures across departments.
Commissioners acknowledged the tension between maintaining competitive pay and staying within levy limits, describing 2026 as “a fiscal pivot year.”
🗓 Next Steps & Participation
💻 Join Future Meetings on Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/586587651
📞 Dial-in: 1 (669) 900-6833 | Meeting ID: 586 587 651
🕒 Upcoming Sessions:
- Tuesday, October 21 - Budget hearings continue with Roads, Sheriff’s Office & Juvenile Services.
- Tuesday, October 28 - Final budget workshop and potential vote on the Criminal Justice Sales Tax.
- Tuesday, November 4 - Regular meeting and consent agenda approvals.
📬 Submit Written Comments:
Email bocc@klickitatcounty.org by noon the day before any meeting to have your comments acknowledged in session.
📍 In-Person Location:
Klickitat County Services Building – Room 201
115 W. Court Street, Goldendale, WA