> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://skamania-dispatch.ghost.io/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 💵 Crime Tax Proposal & Emergency Updates - Klickitat BOCC 10/7-10/14 Recap - URL: https://skamania-dispatch.ghost.io/crime-tax-proposal-emergency-updates-klickitat-bocc-10-7-10-14-recap/ - Published: 2025-10-20T23:51:10.000Z - Updated: 2025-10-20T23:51:10.000Z - Author: Dispatch Squatch # 🏛 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](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/586587651?ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io) 📞 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**](mailto: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