By Dispatch Squatch — 09 May 2025

🏛️ Skamania County BOCC 5/5 & 5/6 Update & Next Week's Preview

Catch up on recent Skamania County Commission decisions — including a new Planning Commission appointment — and get a heads up on controversial and community-impacting items on the May 13 agenda, from public health to political endorsements.

Dates: May 5–6, 2025
Location: Skamania County Courthouse, Stevenson, WA

✅ What Happened This Week:

🔹 May 5 – Special Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners interviewed Sarah Perry for a seat on the Planning Commission.
Perry highlighted her civic engagement, experience attending local meetings, and commitment to thoughtful, community-driven land use decisions. After a closed executive session, no immediate action was taken.

🔹 May 6 – Regular Meeting

Appointments: Sarah Perry was unanimously appointed to Position 1-B on the Planning Commission.
Approvals: Commissioners approved vouchers ($381K) and payroll ($758K).
Forest Service Discussion: The Board met with Forest Service officials to discuss timber-related issues affecting Skamania County.

👀 Heads Up: May 13 Meeting Preview

Skamania County Commissioners meet again Tuesday, May 13 at 9:30 AM, and several consent agenda items may warrant public attention or comment. Here’s what’s on the table:

✉️ A letter to former President Trump praising Canadian lumber tariffs — despite unclear benefits for Skamania’s local economy.
🌲 Applications for Title III funding, used for wildfire prevention, EMS, and forest-related services.
💊 Requests to expand access to naloxone and provide opioid overdose response training.
🏗️ Partial funding for a new building at the county fairgrounds.
🩺 Contract amendments with the WA Dept. of Health (specifics not detailed in the agenda).
📊 MOU authorizing Skamania County Community Health to share data via the Washington Compass Online Database.
🍲 Nutrition, homelessness services, and emergency responder training contracts.

📍Separate Agenda Items:

A property decision involving 266 Second Street, Stevenson (unclear whether it’s a sale or acquisition).
🔥 Discussion of an Emergency Burn Ban at 10:30 AM.

📣 How to Participate or Comment

🧑‍⚖️ In Person:
Skamania County Courthouse
240 NW Vancouver Ave, Stevenson, WA

💻 Join via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88906321210

📬 Submit Written Comments by Noon Monday:
📧 commiss@co.skamania.wa.us - Subject Line: Written Public Comment - [meeting date & topic]

📄 Read the Meeting Packet:
https://www.skamaniacounty.org/home/showpublisheddocument/16331/638823152461070000