Wahkiakum County hands down layoffs to every department

Wahkiakum County is facing a severe financial crisis, and county officials are taking urgent steps to address the situation. With increasing payroll costs, stagnant timber revenues, and shrinking loan resources, the county has reached a breaking point. Recently, department heads and commissioners held tough discussions and made difficult decisions to reduce costs while maintaining essential services. The reality of the county’s financial situation and the impacts of the actions being taken are felt across every department.

Since 2020, payroll costs have increased by nearly $1.2 million while timber revenues have remained stable, resulting in a $1 million annual budget deficit. To manage this, the county has relied on interfund loans, with the Current Expense (CE) Fund now carrying a $1.3 million loan and just enough funds left for August payroll. Lending sources are nearly depleted, with key funds also holding significant loan balances.

The county received $1.8 million in Encumbered Lands funding, with $820,000 allocated immediately to cover payroll through September. The remainder is reserved for 2026, when timber revenues are expected to decline and insurance costs are expected to rise. From August to December, projected revenues are $3.59 million, but with remaining payroll and operational costs, a nearly $1 million shortfall is expected in the CE Fund.

The group discussed rising expenses, particularly liability insurance and health benefits, along with concerns about IT, ER&R Fund, and Road Funds, as well as state funding cuts for ferry operations. Commissioner Dan Cothren stated that layoffs are now unavoidable, with a proposal to cut one position per office to save up to $1 million. Union rules require at least 30 days’ notice for layoffs.

The commissioners asked each department to review its budget for ways to cut costs and to eliminate one position. “It’s the payroll, it all comes down to having enough money for payroll,” said Cothren. The various departments met with the commissioners individually throughout the day on Tuesday, July 22, to present their proposed reductions and discuss whether they could eliminate a position or if reducing hours would be sufficient. Some offices pushed back on reducing staff hours. County Clerk Jess Reddon implored, “We are already way below staff and cannot afford to lose a staff member… if we go below two full-time staff, then I can’t run the Divorce by Mail service.” Divorce by Mail is a service provided by the county clerk’s office and brings in an estimated revenue of $200,000 to the county. “Everyone had to make cuts, Jess,” said County Auditor Nikki Berseng. The Sheriff’s Office has two departments under it, and Sheriff John Mason requested that the recently hired corrections individual be allowed to complete their training so they can find employment elsewhere, “At least let that investment go towards another agency so they can serve honorably in a different community,” said Mason.

On Friday, July 25, the commissioners approved proposed budget reductions for each department, including layoffs and hours cutbacks, to take effect on Aug. 31. Any union employees affected will receive at least 30 days’ written notice. The Extension Office Grants Coordinator is reduced to 90 hours per month. The Clerk’s Office Deputy Clerk III/Collections Officer is reduced to 89.5 hours per month. The District Court Part-Time Deputy Clerk has been eliminated. The Deputy Treasurer II in the Treasurer’s Office is reduced to 89.5 hours per month. The Public Works Engineering Technician has been eliminated. The Prosecuting Attorney Administrative Assistant is reduced to 90 hours per month. The Deputy Auditor II in the Auditor’s Office is eliminated. One Probationary Sheriff/Jail Corrections Officer 1 position is eliminated. One Probationary Sheriff Deputy I position will be eliminated effective Nov. 30, 2025. The IT Director in the IT Department has been eliminated. “I thank everyone for their hard work and department heads for getting through these talks,” said Commissioner Lee Tischer.