Commissioners save Public Works position

The Wahkiakum County Commissioners held their weekly meeting Tuesday, Aug. 5. During public comment, County Engineer Paul Lacey expressed his concern about Bridge 4-120 (over Skamokawa Creek) on SR 4. Currently, the Washington Department of Transportation has no plans to perform maintenance and painting on the bridge. Lacey is concerned because the bridge, built in 1939, is showing signs of flaking paint. Lacey said, “I believe the paint contains lead, which flakes into the creek and eventually flows into the Columbia River.” Lacey then requested approval to send correspondence to the state legislature and asked for a letter of support from the commissioners to encourage the state to address the paint on the bridge. Kay Walters reminded everyone that the county fair is two weeks away. The fair will run Thursday, Aug. 21 through Saturday, Aug. 23. Walters also noted pre-sale tickets are a dollar off. Cathlamet Public Library Board Member Dan Turner gave updates on the library.

A community member inquired about the stipulations for landowners' requirements and their responsibility to maintain noxious weeds, as well as whether there could be more enforcement to encourage property owners to spray/pull these noxious weeds and bring them under control. Another public comment encouraged community members to come out and support the local youth who will be selling livestock at the county fair. A Puget Island resident expressed concern over the potential for tsunami waves breaching dikes on Puget Island following the recent earthquake in Russia and asked about Emergency Management.

Regarding Assessor Bill Coons, the meeting’s agenda read, “In the face of budget cuts and staff reductions, Bill Coons is voluntarily resigning from his position, effective Sept. 5, 2025.” In response to the announcement, Coons said, “I hope the county can get through this fiscal situation…I’m just doing my part to try and help.” In the absence of an assessor, Prosecuting Attorney/Coroner Dan Bigelow may make decisions and enlist the assistance of fellow elected officials. The position of assessor will be on the November ballot, and the newly elected assessor will take office on Jan. 1, 2026.

The Commissioners voted to remove the Public Works Technician position from the list of positions being laid off, effectively preserving this position.

The scholarship application for the Assessor’s Department employee James Turner requires a letter of support from the commissioners. This scholarship will allow Turner to complete accreditation for his position. The grant agreement between Wahkiakum County and the Washington Department of Ecology was accepted to assist in funding Wahkiakum County’s ongoing recycling program. Sheriff John Mason presented the annual 911 contract for Washington State for a reimbursable contract up to $576,144 for Fiscal Year 2026. The commissioners unanimously approved.

HHS (Health and Human Services) presented the commissioners with a few agenda items, including the memorandum of understanding with AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees), which would reduce the Environmental Health Specialist position slightly to 0.8 full-time equivalent. The commissioners approved the agreement. HHS also presented a contract amendment submitted by Great Rivers Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization, with a federal Block Grant Allocation being reduced from $2,416 per month to $1,250 per month. The amendment was approved. The grant is used to cover the costs for individuals who do not have Apple Health coverage. Lastly, the commissioners approved and signed a settlement agreement, which would give the county $34,264 over the next 15 years.

Wahkaikum County Commissioners voted to support Commissioner Randy Johnson of Clallam County for the Board of Natural Resources. They also approved and signed a letter to Washington State representatives requesting that the ferry funding be restored to at least $63,583 per month.