🏞️ Skamania County Commissioners Meeting Recap
Commissioners extend an East County burn ban, hear urgent funding requests for rescue and fire response, and weigh controversial changes to environmental regulations.
June 3, 2025
The Skamania County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday to cover a wide range of urgent topics, from wildfire season preparations to potential new environmental regulations affecting property owners.
🗣️ Public Comment
A resident voiced strong support for the upcoming Pride parade and condemned anonymous online posts spreading false information and potential threats. She urged the community to respect one another and stop hiding behind anonymous cruelty.
✅ What Was Approved
- 🔹 Consent Agenda:
- Minutes from May 28
- Contract renewal with Skamania County Pioneer for newspaper services
- Property alert notification service (Helion Software)
- Law enforcement mutual aid agreement with surrounding counties
- 💵 Financials:
- Vouchers totaling $46,830.66
- Payroll totaling $725,411.64
🏫 One Prevention Alliance Support Letter
Commissioners approved a letter to support One Prevention Alliance's request for funding a Student Assistance Professional in the school district. The county is exploring options to help cover a $24,000 funding gap, including possible use of opioid settlement funds.
🏚️ Update: 266 Second Street Property
Still in progress. Closing is expected around June 16, but no new developments were reported.
🔥 East County Burn Ban Extended
Due to worsening fire risk and high winds, the commissioners voted to extend the East County small debris burn ban through June 30. This covers Underwood, Willard, and Cook. Officials warned that the west side could follow if conditions change.
🚨 Emergency Services Request Title III Funds
Local emergency and fire response agencies made their case for federal Title III funding, citing huge spikes in calls:
- Skamania County Sheriff's Office:
- Reported a 550% increase in search & rescue operations in early 2025.
- Requested $51,000 to continue operations.
- North Country EMS:
- Requested $87,250 for summer and year-round EMT response.
- Coverage includes holidays and rural areas from Northwoods to Home Valley.
- Fire District 3:
- Requested $1,500 to upgrade outdated wildfire gear and radios.
- Underwood Conservation District:
- Requested $1,000 for community fire resilience efforts and planning.
- East County Fire (Carson/Stabler/Cook/Willard):
- Described growing demand for trail rescues and long operations.
- Seeking reimbursement for rising costs and gear.
⚠️ Funding is not guaranteed—Congress has not yet reauthorized the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program. If not approved, there may be no funds to distribute.
🧯 Commissioners Discuss SRS Crisis
With no certainty that SRS will be reauthorized this year, the board may host a future workshop to explore alternative funding sources, especially for fire and EMS services in federally managed areas.
🏛️ Critical Areas Ordinance Workshop (Joint with City of Stevenson)
Consultants introduced proposed updates to environmental rules affecting land use in the county and City of Stevenson:
- Proposed stream buffer zones could expand to 150–200 feet, based on 200-year-old tree height metrics.
- Commissioners and the public raised concerns about property rights, transparency, and economic impacts.
- Officials are considering whether to follow state “best available science” or pursue a documented departure process allowed under law.
💬 Expect more discussion and public input before any decisions are made.
🛠️ Department Reports: What’s Happening in County Government
Public Works & Community Development
- Butler Eddy Bridge remains closed after emergency action
- Slide monitoring and bridge inspections underway
- Road repairs, building permits, septic inspections ongoing
- Fire Marshal issued East County burn ban
Community Health
- Regional emergency preparedness planning continues
- Developmental Disabilities board seeking members
- Remodel and accessibility upgrades ongoing at county buildings
🗓️ Coming Up Next: June 10 BOCC Meeting Preview
The next meeting of the Skamania County Board of Commissioners will take place on Tuesday, June 10 at 9:30 AM. Here’s what’s on the agenda:
🧾 Consent Agenda
- Approval of the minutes from the June 3 meeting.
📌 Key Discussion & Action Items
- Voucher approvals
- Final selection and contract for an EERP Program Manager
- Ongoing updates about the 266 Second Street property
🗣️ Public comment is scheduled early in the meeting.
📢 Department Heads will provide updates at 10:00 AM.
📈 At 10:30 AM, the board will hear from Kevin Waters, Executive Director of the Economic Development Council, with updates on local economic initiatives.
📂 Meeting Materials & Next Steps
📄 Full Agenda & Documents:
View the full meeting agenda, reports, and presentations here:
👉 BOCC Meeting Packet – June 3, 2025
🗓️ Next BOCC Meeting:
The next regular Board of County Commissioners meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 9:30 AM.
Join in person at the Skamania County Courthouse or online via Zoom:
🔗 Join Zoom Meeting
Stay informed, stay engaged — and thank you for being part of Skamania County’s future.