🗞️ Klickitat County BOCC Summary – July 22, 2025
Klickitat County Commissioners approved wildfire planning, public health funding, and courthouse security upgrades at their July 22 meeting, while raising concerns about construction delays and land use backlogs.
At this week’s meeting, Klickitat County Commissioners discussed major funding needs for emergency management, health services, and facilities maintenance. They also weighed in on project delays, court system improvements, and community development tools.
🔥 Emergency Management Upgrades
The board approved a new Wildfire Risk Reduction Plan under a contract with Tetra Tech. The plan will build on past work to evaluate local fire hazards, propose mitigation projects, and help the county qualify for FEMA funding. Commissioners emphasized the importance of community input and asked that the final plan be actionable, not just “another report on the shelf.”
- New wildfire in Washington prompts evacuation orders in Klickitat County
- FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Burdoin Fire in Washington
🩺 Health & Human Services Contracts
Several key health-related contracts were approved, including:
- Family planning funds from the Washington State Department of Health
- An amendment to a grant supporting opioid outreach and harm reduction
- A contract with Greater Columbia Behavioral Health to improve rural behavioral health access
These grants will allow Klickitat County to continue vital public health programs, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
🧑⚖️ Court System & Security Grants
Commissioners signed off on two grant applications:
- A $100,000 federal grant to upgrade courthouse security infrastructure
- A second grant to modernize election systems, administered by the Auditor’s Office
They also heard about delays in courthouse HVAC repairs. The aging AC system continues to pose issues, especially in Goldendale courtrooms, but contractors are now scheduled and parts are on the way.
🏗️ Delays in White Salmon Building Project
A proposed building to house the Assessor, Treasurer, and Auditor’s satellite office in White Salmon is on hold due to permitting and contractor delays. Commissioner Sizemore expressed frustration at the lack of clear communication between involved parties. The board stressed the importance of regular updates and oversight for the project to move forward.
📋 Land Use & Permit Management
The board approved a short-term contract with an outside planner to process a backlog of land use applications. This temporary help will ease pressure on county staff while they work to fill open planning positions.
🚐 Transportation & Aging Services
The county will continue its contract with People for People to provide senior transportation and nutrition services, including rides to medical appointments and home-delivered meals. Commissioners praised the program’s reliability and community value.
🗓️ Next BOCC Meeting
Date: Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: Klickitat County Services Building, 115 W Court St, Room 201, Goldendale, WA
💻 Join via Zoom
📞 Dial-in: 1 (669) 900-6833 – Meeting ID: 586 587 651
📬 Submit written comments: bocc@klickitatcounty.org