📰 Skamania County Government Roundup – July 1, 2025
From federal timber funding to wildfire safety and water infrastructure upgrades, your local officials had a full docket this week. Here's what happened at the July 1 meetings of the Board of County Commissioners and Skamania PUD.
🏛️ Skamania County Board of Commissioners
Public Comment: “Freedom Isn’t Free”
Mary, the sole public commenter, opened with a reflection on Independence Day and a plea for inclusive freedom. She condemned recent treatment of immigrants and called the ongoing fireworks sales in Skamania “obscene” given the recent human-caused fires. Her statement called for a seasonal fireworks ban, echoing steps taken in neighboring Hood River County and other wildfire-prone areas.
Consent Agenda Highlights
Commissioners approved eight action items, including:
- Appointing Wesley Wootten to represent Stevenson and North Bonneville on the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) board.
- Ratifying a letter to Congress supporting timber priorities in the upcoming reconciliation bill—critical as federal proposals threaten to reroute logging revenues away from counties like Skamania.
- Supporting an opioid response grant to expand student mental health services through ESD 112.
- Renewing contracts for crisis mental health services and traffic control for the Washougal MX event.
- Purchasing public safety equipment, including radio repeater battery packs.
Budget & Financials
The board approved vouchers totaling $545,465.76, including $28,403.98 in current expenses.
Meeting Updates: Timber Revenue & Budget Headwinds
Commissioners expressed concern over the future of Comfort Lands compensation and timber-related funding. These concerns align with national debates on Secure Rural Schools and shifting priorities in federal forest budgets. With future state and federal budgets uncertain, the Board discussed moving timber revenues into reserves to soften potential shortfalls.
Supreme Court Decision Raises Cost Alarm
A recent Washington Supreme Court ruling will mandate lower public defender caseloads, possibly increasing costs for rural counties. Skamania could face $100,000 in new annual court expenses within five years. The Washington State Association of Counties is considering pushing for a special legislative session to address the funding gap.
Executive Session
Commissioners entered executive session to review employee performance. No action was taken.
⚡ Skamania PUD Board of Commissioners
Underwood Reservoir Project Moves Forward
The Board awarded a major contract for the Underwood PZ3 Reservoir Replacement to Ajax Northwest after disqualifying a lower bidder for non-compliance. The project, part of a long-term effort to improve water pressure and system reliability, builds on ongoing efforts funded by federal support—including a $2.6 million investment for Carson’s Water Treatment Plant secured in 2024.
Finance & Operations
The PUD approved:
- $398,152.94 in electric system payments
- $32,263.65 for Carson Water
- $10,206.48 for Underwood Water
Staff shared that the annual state audit begins August 4, and project work is progressing on the Carson Water System. These upgrades are also crucial for wildfire preparedness in Underwood, where water access has been strained in past fire events.
Legislative Updates & Policy Advocacy
Commissioners reviewed a letter from the Public Power Council about proposed changes to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s Fish & Wildlife Program. These policies influence local hydropower resources, wildlife protection, and infrastructure planning.
đź“… Upcoming Meetings
🗓️ Skamania County Board of Commissioners
Date: Tuesday, July 9, 2025
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: Courthouse Room 18, 240 NW Vancouver Ave, Stevenson
Zoom: Join Online
Dial-in: 1 (346) 248-7799 — Meeting ID: 889 0632 1210
Public Comments: Email by noon the day before to sackos@co.skamania.wa.us
🗓️ Skamania PUD Board of Commissioners
Date: Tuesday, July 16, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Zoom: Join Online
Dial-in: 1 (253) 205-0468 — Webinar ID: 871 6302 7944