By Dispatch Squatch in Skamania County Board of Commissioners — 16 May 2025

📝 Skamania County BOCC Recap – May 13, 2025 & Next Week's Preview

Commissioners approved funding for local emergency services, tackled staffing shortages in public health, and defended U.S. lumber policies in a long discussion on trade. Get the highlights here.

From road repairs and roof leaks to health staffing and timber tariffs, here's what your county commissioners covered this week. A preview of next week's meeting packet and consent agenda follows.

🗣️ Public Comment

One community member urged commissioners not to support proposals from Skamania Pride, citing concerns about respect and inclusivity.

New contracts & grants:
- First responder training and public education (Emergency Management)
- Sharps Disposal Program (Solid Waste)
- Naloxone and overdose response training (HR/Health)
- Nutrition programs for seniors (AAADSW)
- New building at fairgrounds (partial funding)
- Homeless housing funds (Mid-Columbia Housing Authority)
- Access to WA Compass health database (Community Health)
- Renewed partnership with SWACH (regional health)
Notable acknowledgments:
- Receipt of applications for Title III forest-related funding.
- A letter of appreciation to President Trump praising his enforcement of tariffs on Canadian lumber.

🏗️ Department Reports

Public Works & Community Development

Road projects continue, including repairs from slide debris, culvert replacements, and prep for bridge inspections.
Permit and planning review ongoing for subdivisions, septic systems, and scenic area development.
The jail roof project began but hit unexpected structural issues.
Boat launches are overcrowded—65 commercial guide permits issued so far. Staff will propose solutions to ease impacts on residents.
At Home Valley Park, electrical repairs are stalled awaiting Army Corps approval to dig.
Solid waste staff shortages remain an issue.

Community Health

Behavioral Health is facing staffing shortages for crisis response and may contract outside help.
Epoxy floor work is scheduled in June, forcing temporary office closures and telehealth-only operations.
Flyers and press releases are out to promote North Bonneville meal delivery, which has low uptake so far.

Senior Services

Two new ADA minivans were ordered under budget thanks to a sales tax exemption.
Staff transitions are happening; internal promotion is filling a full-time driver slot.
Local and regional transportation planning meetings are underway, including kickoff for the Gorge Safety Action Plan.

Human Resources

Drug & alcohol training set for June 5.
Reviewing chapters of the employee policy manual with legal counsel.
Budget slightly elevated due to a grant-funded project, but on track overall.

🔥 Emergency Burn Ban Discussion

Commissioners discussed—but ultimately deferred—declaring an emergency burn ban. Staff and fire officials noted recent brush fire incidents and increasing risk, but emphasized that bans don’t stop rule-breaking behavior. Education and enforcement were highlighted as more effective tools.

🏘️ Property at 266 Second Street

Commissioners reviewed progress on the county’s potential purchase of this Stevenson property. Pending legal review and updates include minor concerns with siding and elevator upgrades.

🪓 Timber Trade & Tariffs: A Heated Debate

Commissioners spent significant time defending tariffs on Canadian lumber, citing:

Loss of U.S. mill jobs and unfair trade practices.
Impact on local sawmills (WKO, SDS, and Hood River’s Northwood Forest Products).
Concern that Congress benefits from collected duties while local communities suffer.

They emphasized their support for U.S. self-reliance and criticized those they see as defending Canadian interests. A letter to President Trump was approved, praising his enforcement of these trade laws.

Editorial note: a written public comment was submitted noting that the President does not read or respond to such letters and is unlikely to act on them. The commenter recommended more effective channels for trade-related advocacy, such as the U.S. Trade Representative or the Department of Commerce. This letter was not acknowledged by the commissioners during the meeting, or included in the meeting packet.

🏫 School Funding & Timber Revenue

Commissioners argued that more traditional timber sales—rather than stewardship contracts—should fund local schools directly. They’re exploring how to increase local benefits from timber harvests, including proposing Skamania become the “master steward” for local federal forests.

🗓️ Upcoming & Administrative Notes

A joint meeting with the City of Stevenson is set for June 3 to discuss critical areas ordinances.
Staff clarified scheduling for Forest Service update meetings.
Office renovations and reassignments continue across departments.
Kittens were left at a county building—staff cared for them and are working to rehome them.

🗓️ Coming Up: Skamania County BOCC Meeting – May 20, 2025

From a full festival music lineup to regional health insurance and an update from the Gorge Commission, here’s what’s on the table at Tuesday’s commissioner meeting — and how to make your voice heard.

📍 Meeting Details

When: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 — starts at 9:30 AM
Where: Skamania County Courthouse (240 NW Vancouver Ave, Stevenson)
Remote Access: Join Zoom | Meeting ID: 889 0632 1210
Public Comment: Up to 3 minutes at the start of the meeting.
Written Comments: Must be emailed by Monday at noon to be included — send to sackos@co.skamania.wa.us

Opportunities for comment:

No discussion unless a commissioner or member of the public requests to remove an item.

Highlights:

Board of Health: Reappointment of Dr. Scott Yerrick
Blues & Brews Festival: 14 separate music performance contracts — expect a full lineup this year
Health Department Training: New subscription to Relias, LLC for staff education
Army Corps Partnership: Extension of the agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

📂 Separate Agenda Items (Individually approved)

Vouchers & Payroll
266 Second Street Property: Ongoing discussion on the county’s possible acquisition
Noxious Weed Report
Commissioner Updates

🧑‍💼 10:00 AM – Department Head Reports

Get updates directly from county leaders about operations in Public Works, Health, and more.

🏥 10:30 AM – County Employee Health Insurance Workshop

Brooks Russell of Acrisure will lead a discussion on health insurance options for county staff.
This may signal future budget or policy changes.

🏞️ 2:00 PM – Columbia Gorge Commission Update

Executive Director Krystyna Wolniakowski will join commissioners to share updates from the Gorge Commission.
This is a rescheduled item from April and may touch on Gorge-wide planning, enforcement, or land use issues.

📎 As a reminder, all meeting materials can be accessed at the Board of County Commissioners Website.