Skamania County Board of Commissioners

January was a dense month for Skamania County commissioners. Across three meetings, the board navigated storm recovery, federal land-management challenges, public-safety funding pressures, and early signals about the long road ahead for the Gorge Management Plan 2030 process.

Skamania commissioners kicked off 2026 with routine approvals, leadership assignments, and early warning signs to watch this year, including uncertainty around Dog Mountain shuttle funding, public safety concerns, and long-term planning tied to the Gorge Management Plan 2030 Update.

Skamania commissioners adopted the 2026 county budget (2–1) with a 1% levy increase, approved year-end Supplemental Budget #4, and declared a winter-storm emergency. Earlier in the week they passed a new boat launch ordinance raising fees and limiting out-of-county guide permits.

Commissioners heard strong public objections to the Underwood zoning ordinance (now delayed), reviewed tight year-end revenues, and grappled with rising jail overtime, delayed state funds, and justice-system staffing strain.

Commissioners approved budget amendments and finalized plans to reallocate $4 million in federal funds for county upgrades. They also backed a wildfire mitigation grant, renewed Underwood’s water funding request, and met with state lobbyists to set 2026 priorities.

County commissioners met Oct 7 to discuss winter highway safety, wildfire planning, and updates from WSU Extension, including record youth fair participation. They also approved a geotechnical study near the transfer station and appointed Roni Emerson as Clerk of the Board.