> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://skamania-dispatch.ghost.io/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 📰 Skamania County Government Roundup – July 1, 2025 - URL: https://skamania-dispatch.ghost.io/skamania-county-government-roundup-july-1-2025/ - Published: 2025-07-04T20:41:38.000Z - Updated: 2025-07-04T20:41:38.000Z - Description: 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. - Author: Dispatch Squatch - Tags: Skamania County, Skamania County Board of Commissioners, Skamania Public Utilities Department ### 🏛️ 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**](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RJ86xV%5FTR0cqe1fP-BcV5mPE%5FaYBEnYa/view?usp=sharing&ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io) supporting timber priorities in the upcoming reconciliation bill—critical as [federal proposals threaten to reroute logging revenues away from counties like Skamania](https://www.opb.org/article/2025/07/01/federal-budget-bill-boost-logging-cut-funds-oregon-timber-counties/?ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io). - **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](https://www.camaspostrecord.com/news/2025/feb/28/representative-says-cutting-off-secure-rural-schools-revenue-would-hurt-skamania-county/?ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io) and [shifting priorities in federal forest budgets](https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-04-25/rural/rural-wa-counties-face-challenges-without-key-federal-funding/a96408-1??ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io). 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](https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/gluesenkamp-perez-helps-secure-2-6-million-to-build-water-treatment-infrastructure-in-skamania-county??ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io). **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](https://d12t4t5x3vyizu.cloudfront.net/gluesenkampperez.house.gov/uploads/2024/05/Underwood-Water-Rehabilitation-Project-LOS.pdf?ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io), 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. --- ### 📅 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](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88906321210?ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io) **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](mailto:sackos@co.skamania.wa.us) **🗓️ Skamania PUD Board of Commissioners** **Date**: Tuesday, July 16, 2025 **Time**: 6:00 p.m. **Zoom**: [Join Online](https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87163027944?ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io) **Dial-in**: 1 (253) 205-0468 — Webinar ID: 871 6302 7944