The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Wahkiakum County commissioners touched on a couple 2023 budget issues when they met Tuesday; they'll meet with department heads next week to hear requests and get started.

Treasurer Tammy Peterson reviewed financial status. Rising interest rates have benefitted county investments, which pool funds from a variety of local governmental entities.

Based on 2021 interest rates, Peterson said she had budgeted only $15,000 in interest income for 2022. However, rates are rising, and at the end of September, investments had earned $90,196.

Revenue from harvest of county trust timber in 2023 could range from $1.4 to $1.8 million, she said, depending on when buyers log small sales.

Members of the Wahkiakum Animal Advocates Society (WAAGS) asked the board to include an appropriation of $3,500 for the agency in 2023.

Staffed by volunteers, WAAGS this year has responded to 221 community calls for assistance and 19 from the sheriff's office. The group has provided $3,700 in financial assistance for spay/neuter vouchers, medicines, emergency medical assistance, pet food and foster care support.

"We've seen an incredible surge in calls for animal support in our community this past year," said organization president Rebecca Hompe.

Commissioners welcomed the request.

"It's much needed," said Commissioner Dan Cothren. "It's sure nice when you have somebody you can call."

In other business, commissioners approved a $13,772.80 bid for painting the interior of the Hope Center Annex and amended a contract with the Washington State Health Care Authority that provides a $76,798.19 appropriation for recruitment and retention of behavioral health specialists.