🏛️ Skamania County Commissioners Recap – July 29, 2025
Commissioners approved road funding, public health contracts, and set a date to adopt zoning changes in Underwood. A departmental shuffle puts events under Public Works, while wildfire conditions extend the east-side burn ban.
At this week’s meeting, Commissioners advanced rural infrastructure repairs, set a date for the final Underwood zoning vote, and approved several public health and emergency services contracts. A significant shift in department structure was also finalized, moving Community Events and Recreation under the Public Works umbrella.
📝 Consent Agenda Highlights
- 🗺️ Underwood zoning ordinance scheduled
Commissioners set the formal meeting date of August 12th, 2025 to adopt the new zoning map for previously unmapped parcels in Underwood, a major milestone in a years-long process involving community input, legal challenges, and planning commission review. - 🛣 Federal road and bridge project approvals
Prospectuses were approved for two major transportation projects:- Wind River Road Pavement Preservation – backed by $1.03 million in federal STBG funds, expected to fully cover resurfacing and safety upgrades thanks to the use of toll credits.
- Butler Eddy Bridge Replacement – planning phase supported through the same federal aid program.
- 🌿 Critical Areas Ordinance update
The county renewed its contract with DOWL, a regional planning and engineering firm, to support updates to the ordinance that protects wetlands, steep slopes, and fish habitat. - 🧼 Public health contract extended
A continued partnership with Clark County Public Health will help deliver services around chronic disease prevention, healthy communities, and food safety inspections. - 🏥 Jail healthcare and transport
An interlocal agreement was renewed with Skamania County Public Hospital District to ensure medical care for incarcerated individuals. - 🚨 Traffic enforcement reimbursement
A contract with the WA Military Department and NHTSA (National Highway Safety Administration) was renewed to allow continued participation in statewide traffic safety enforcement campaigns.
🧾 Additional Actions
- 💼 Vouchers and payroll were approved, totaling over $725,000 for the July 1–15 pay period.
- 🧯 Fire ban extended on the east side of the county due to dry conditions, in consultation with Fire Marshal Arnold Bell.
- 🔧 Community Events & Recreation department reassigned
This department will now fall under the direction of Public Works Director David Waymire, a change aimed at improving project coordination, event logistics, and facility maintenance.
🗣️ Department Head Reports
- Public Works: Design work continues on Wind River Road, with fog sealing, brush cutting, and sidewalk repairs underway. The fairgrounds walking path and restrooms are being improved in advance of upcoming events. The Wind River Business Park saw ongoing lease activity and building maintenance.
- Community Health: Director Tamara Cissell reported continued work in behavioral health coordination, youth suicide prevention, and participation in state-level health policy working groups.
- Events & Recreation: The Bluegrass Festival was deemed a success. Crews are now preparing for an adult softball tournament and wrapping up post-festival cleanup.
🔒 Executive Sessions
Three executive sessions were held throughout the day:
- Two regarding personnel performance
- One regarding potential litigation with legal counsel and HR present
No final actions were taken publicly following these sessions.
🗓️ How to Attend Future BOCC Meetings
Skamania County Board of Commissioners holds regular meetings on Tuesdays at 9:30 AM. Meetings are open to the public and include time for public comment.
📍 Attend In Person:
Skamania County Courthouse – Room 18
240 NW Vancouver Ave, Stevenson, WA
💻 Attend via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88906321210
📞 Or dial: 1 (346) 248-7799
🔢 Meeting ID: 889 0632 1210
📨 Submit Public Comment:
Email written comments by Monday at noon to:
📬 commiss@co.skamania.wa.us
Agendas and packets are posted at:
🌐 www.skamaniacounty.org
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