By Dispatch Squatch in Klickitat County — 29 Jul 2025

🗞️ July 2025 Klickitat County City Government Roundup

July city updates from Goldendale, Bingen & White Salmon: fireworks debates, new housing ordinances, budget planning, and community celebrations.

City Council Updates from Goldendale, Bingen, and White Salmon

📅 July 7 & July 21 Meetings

Community Days Celebration: Council praised the success of Community Days, with large attendance at the courthouse lawn and strong community engagement. Issues with trash pickup were quickly resolved.
Fireworks Debate Reignited: Concerns were raised about illegal fireworks use following nearby wildfires. Councilmembers voiced frustration that even limited-permitted days are not being respected. Some called for exploring a full ban.
Goldendale Pride: The annual Pride celebration was scheduled for July 13 at the courthouse parking lot, with an expected 300–350 attendees.
Budget Planning Kicks Off: A new budgeting timeline was introduced, emphasizing early input from department heads and better integration of community priorities.
Permit Activity: 62 permits issued so far this year, generating $23,800 in revenue. Code enforcement and development remain active issues.

📅 July 2, July 16 Meetings

Immigrant Community Resolution: The council unanimously passed a resolution affirming White Salmon’s support for immigrant, Latino, and undocumented community members, citing constitutional protections and dignity for all.
Spanish Language Bonus: A new citywide $200/month Spanish Language Proficiency Bonus was approved to improve access to city services for Spanish-speaking residents.
Wildfire & Emergency Committee Formed: A 15-member advisory committee was established to lead public education, plan for evacuation routes, and coordinate with state and local agencies.
New City Clerk: Erika Castro-Guzman was promoted to City Clerk with a $80,871 salary. Her contract includes expectations for outreach and managing records access.
Surplus Property Resolution: City council approved the disposal or donation of aging vehicles and equipment.
Labor Relations Training: Council received a presentation from the Public Employees Relations Commission in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

📅 July 9 & July 23 Meetings

Unit Lot Subdivision Ordinance: Commissioners reviewed a draft ordinance to allow fee-simple townhome ownership (rather than condos), as required by state law. After community input, action was postponed to revise language about density, environmental review, and legal structure.
Clarification Provided: The ordinance won’t change existing zoning or allow “stacked” unit sales—only adjacent side-by-side townhomes.

📅 July 2 Meeting

Infrastructure Grants: The city is pursuing grants for culvert replacement and stormwater improvements. Sewer repair near Daubenspeck Park may be funded by ARPA dollars.
ADA & Park Upgrades: Council discussed ADA improvements and applied for a Trees for Kids grant to plant new trees in local parks.
Housing & Childcare Needs: The Mid-Columbia Economic Development District presented regional strategies for addressing housing shortages and the lack of childcare infrastructure.
Upcoming Festival Planning: Bingen Huckleberry Festival logistics were reviewed. Council confirmed police coverage and discussed vendor layout.
Noise & Animal Ordinances: Council began workshopping changes to both ordinances, responding to complaints about festival noise and loose dogs.

✉️ Want to attend or speak at a city meeting?
Each city allows public comment—check their websites for upcoming agendas and Zoom links.