By Dispatch Squatch in Skamania County — 13 Jul 2025

🏛️ Skamania County Commissioner's Update – July 8, 2025

Catch up on the latest decisions from the Skamania County Commissioners, including important staffing updates in public safety, community discussions on wildfire safety measures, and ongoing projects addressing overcrowding at boat launches and critical infrastructure improvements.

Welcome to the latest update from your Skamania County Board of Commissioners (BOCC). Here’s what happened at the most recent meeting, along with key updates from your county departments.

📋 Highlights from the Meeting

💰 Salary Adjustments

The Board approved Resolution 2025-12, updating salary guidelines for elected officials (excluding the commissioners) to maintain competitive compensation.
A proposal to increase commissioners' salaries (Resolution 2025-13) was not approved, with commissioners citing timing and financial concerns. Commissioner Farris specifically mentioned concern over the optics and recent county financial decisions as reasons for voting "no."

👮‍♂️ Public Safety and Staffing Improvements

The Board approved converting one vacant Corrections Officer position into two 911 Telecommunicator roles. The Sheriff’s Office explained this change would significantly improve dispatch coverage, enhance jail safety, and reduce overtime.
New job descriptions for "Patrol Corporal" and "Communications/Corrections Corporal" within the Sheriff's Office were approved and will become effective in 2026. Under-sheriff discussed these roles would help manage staff coverage, improve supervision, and lower overtime costs.

Approved a contract supporting student assistance in Stevenson-Carson schools, funded through Opioid settlement money.
Agreements finalized with General Code (for county code management) and Columbia Land Trust (for weed control on Pierce Island).
Authorized Public Works to surplus certain county vehicles.

🏞️ Community Concerns and Public Input

Community anxiety about wildfire risks prompted discussion on tightening seasonal burning regulations. Commissioner Leckie shared resident concerns from Carson and Underwood, highlighting the need to revisit burn seasons to reduce wildfire threats.
Significant issues with overcrowding at boat launches and recreation areas were discussed. Commissioners emphasized safety risks and the need for stricter controls and improved enforcement.

📢 Department Updates and Project Highlights

🚧 Public Works & Community Development

Major projects underway, including Butler Eddy Bridge replacement planning, road repairs, and landslide stabilization.
Public Works Director David Waymire raised urgent safety issues regarding the Home Valley boat launch, noting overcrowding and unsafe parking conditions, and indicated upcoming actions to improve enforcement and public safety.
An emergency recreational fire ban has been put in place for the east side of the county due to rising fire risk data.

🏠 Planning & Environmental Health

During the July 8 meeting, multiple residents voiced opposition to certain proposed zoning changes near Underwood that would shift timber-designated lands into R10 residential zoning. These residents expressed concerns that the changes would restrict traditional timber harvesting activities and undermine existing conservation easements. Some landowners urged the Board to preserve the current forest resource (FR) zoning to protect their ability to log and manage their land for timber production.

Quotes and key sentiments included:

A resident pointed out that their land “has been actively managed for timber for decades,” and reclassifying it could “jeopardize our conservation goals and long-term planning.”
Another noted that shifting to residential zoning “sends the wrong message about land stewardship and opens the door to inappropriate development.”

The Board acknowledged the concerns and indicated they would continue to revisit and adjust the recommendations based on input from affected property owners. Staff emphasized that some of the initial proposals had already been revised in response to similar feedback earlier in the process

Continued progress reported on inspections, scenic area permits, and subdivision reviews.

🛠️ Building & Grounds Maintenance

The jail roof project has been completed successfully.
Work is underway to repair a sewer line beneath the courthouse parking lot, leading to temporary parking disruptions.

🚌 Transportation & Senior Services

Upcoming community events announced, including a Senior Financial Wellness Fair.
Efforts continue to enhance county transit stops and senior transportation programs.

⚖️ Probation Services

Reported an increase in DUI cases during the summer months and noted adjustments in staff scheduling to improve efficiency and manage caseload effectively.

📅 What's Next?

The Board scheduled further discussions on:

Encumbered land funds for community projects.
The 2026 county budget.
Potential amendments to boat launch permitting rules due to overcrowding and safety concerns.

Stay informed and involved! Your voice matters in shaping the future of Skamania County.

7/8/25 Meeting Materials: https://www.skamaniacounty.org/home/showpublisheddocument/16591

Next BOCC Meeting: July 15, 2025, at 9:30 AM at the Skamania County Courthouse and via Zoom.