> ## 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. # Skamania BOCC & PUD Updates - URL: https://skamania-dispatch.ghost.io/skamania-bocc-pud-updates/ - Published: 2025-06-24T05:07:46.000Z - Updated: 2025-06-24T05:07:46.000Z - Description: This week, Skamania PUD reviewed a rise in bad debt and outages caused by animals and tree failures, while County Commissioners advanced contracts for health and emergency services and scheduled a public hearing on wildfire and search-and-rescue funding for federal lands. - Author: Dispatch Squatch - Tags: Skamania County Board of Commissioners, Skamania Public Utilities Department, Skamania County ### 🏛️ Skamania County Board of Commissioners – June 17, 2025 Commissioners reviewed service contracts, set a hearing for Title III project funding, and held workshops with the Forest Service and Chamber of Commerce. --- #### ✅ Consent Agenda Approved The board approved several items in a single motion, including: - 🗓 **Public Hearing Scheduled:** A hearing was set to gather input on **2025–2026 Title III projects** (related to public safety and emergency response on federal lands). - 🔌 **UPS System Maintenance Contract** with AC Power Tech Inc. - 🚧 **Washougal River Road project amendment** with CRAB. - 🥗 **Additional nutrition funding** for 2025 via the Area Agency on Aging. - 🧠 **Psychiatric services contract** amendment with Paige Crozier, PMHNP. - 🤝 **Renewal with DSHS** for developmental disabilities services. --- #### 💵 Financial Approvals & Staffing Changes Commissioners separately approved: - Regular vouchers, special A/P vouchers, and payroll - 🔄 **Position reclassification**: The "Partnership Specialist" role was updated to an **Education & Outreach Specialist**, likely reflecting a shift in community engagement priorities. - 🏢 Discussion continued on the **266 Second St., Stevenson** property purchase, which had been authorized at the June 10 meeting. --- #### 🏞️ Workshops & Updates - 🏛️ **Skamania Chamber of Commerce** Executive Director Angie Martin provided updates on local business and tourism efforts. - 🌲 **USDA Forest Service Workshop (AM & PM)**: Commissioners and Forest Service officials met in two extended sessions to discuss a range of land management, emergency response, and coordination topics. --- #### 🔥 Proposed Title III Projects (2025–2026) The Board of Commissioners has scheduled a public hearing for **August 19, 2025** to consider funding for several emergency response and wildfire preparedness projects under the federal **Secure Rural Schools Act (Title III)**. Here's a snapshot of what’s proposed: - **👮 Skamania County Sheriff’s Emergency Services** Funding to support deputies, equipment, and overtime for search and rescue, wildfire response, and other emergency services on federal lands. - **🚑 North Country EMS – Mt. St. Helens Response** Coverage during the busy recreation season (July–September), focused on emergency response in high-traffic Mount St. Helens areas. - **🔥 Skamania County Firewise (Underwood Conservation District)** Projects to reduce wildfire hazards and implement the Community Wildfire Protection Plan through fire fuels reduction and outreach. - **🚨 EMS & Rescue Response (Skamania County EMS)** Ongoing support for trail rescues, vehicle accidents, and emergency calls on federal lands—plus funding for a new response vehicle. - **🚒 Fire District #1** Operational funding for emergency response—including wildland firefighting, vehicle incidents, and hazardous materials—on federal lands near the district. - **🚒 Fire District #3** Request for reimbursement and equipment to improve emergency readiness and fire suppression in remote and federally managed areas. 🗓️ **Public Hearing:** Tuesday, August 19, 2025 – 5:30 p.m. 📍 Skamania County Courthouse, Room 18 💻 Public comments may be submitted in writing to the Clerk of the Board. --- ## ⚡ Skamania PUD Board of Commissioners – June 17, 2025 The PUD Board reviewed rising bad debt, an uptick in animal- and tree-related outages, and ongoing infrastructure maintenance—including work at the Huber and Schoolhouse reservoirs. --- #### 🌲 Outages & Vegetation Trouble General Manager Randy Payne presented the May outage report: **32 separate outages** affected **1,522 customers**. While many were planned maintenance, several were due to **tree failures** and **small animals**. A notable outage on May 21 hit over **1,100 customers** on Washougal River Road. --- #### 🛠️ Projects in Progress Project Manager Melanie Sharp gave updates on: - Vegetation management near power lines ([a key outage cause](https://www.skamaniapud.com/electric/vegetation-management/?ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io)) - **Huber Reservoir** tank replacement - **Schoolhouse Reservoir** repainting Crews are focused on replacing aging poles and staying ahead of fire season risks. --- #### 💸 Bad Debt Totals Climb **Bad debt** refers to money that a customer owes to an organization—like a utility—but is unlikely to ever pay. For Skamania PUD, this usually means unpaid utility bills that are written off after multiple failed collection attempts. Finance Manager Meagan Mikkonen reported **$5,749.84** in uncollectible bills written off for June. Year-to-date, the total stands at **$24,397**, already exceeding 2024’s midyear figure. --- #### 🧾 Nearly $1M in Vouchers Approved Commissioners unanimously approved **$965,000+** in expenses, covering: - Electric services - Carson Water - Underwood Water --- #### 📅 Upcoming Dates Commissioners noted these upcoming events: - **WPUDA Conference:** July 16–18 - **Energy Northwest Meeting:** July 23–24 --- #### 🗣️ Other Notes There was **no public comment**, and no new or old business discussed. An executive session was listed on the agenda but not noted in the open session. --- #### 🗓️ Next BOCC Meeting The next regular meeting of the Skamania County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for: **📅 Date:** Tuesday, June 24, 2025 **🕤 Time:** 9:30 a.m. **📍 Location:** Skamania County Courthouse, Room 18, 240 NW Vancouver Ave, Stevenson, WA **💻 Remote Access:** [Join via Zoom](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88906321210?ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io) **📞 Dial-in:** 1 (346) 248-7799 **Meeting ID:** 889 0632 1210 **📬 Submit public comments** by 12:00 p.m. the day before the meeting to: 📧 [sackos@co.skamania.wa.us](mailto:sackos@co.skamania.wa.us) 📬 P.O. Box 760, Stevenson, WA 98648 #### 🗓️ Next PUD Meeting The regularly scheduled meeting will take place on: **📅 Date:** Tuesday, July 1, 2025 **🕘 Time:** 9:00 a.m. **📍 Location:** PUD Headquarters, 1492 Wind River Hwy, Carson, WA **💻 Remote Access:** Visit the “Agendas & Minutes” page on the PUD website for connection details. Regular meetings are held on the **first and third Tuesday of each month**