Wahkiakum County Commissioners' report

During public comment at the Tuesday, Aug. 21 Wahkiakum County Commissioners meeting, Kay Walters of the fair board announced that tickets for the fair can be pre-purchased for $7 or $8 at the gate. Also commenting, Westend resident Robert Torppa brought to the commissioners’ attention a situation on Loop Road where the river has eroded a slide area near his home. “I have over 20 years of experience in road maintenance and road construction in the Grays River drainage,” said Torppa. “The river will wash the rock out from underneath the blocks, and the block wall will fail… the road will set down 10 to 15 feet. I know money is tight… but I wanted to draw to your attention that if it [the block wall] does fail, it will be a major construction project then… It could be a fairly easy fix right now, if you have the right equipment.” County Engineer Paul Lacey will work with Torppa to investigate the problem.

The contract with the Washington State Health Care Authority and HHS is up for renewal. It provides funds, usually around $145,000, to HHS for substance use disorder prevention, and the county does not bear any costs. Chief Deputy/Investment Officer Marissa Longtain presented a finance report to the commissioners, noting that the staff reduction is saving the county $56,000 per month.

Several members of various historical groups attended to learn about the commissioners’ decision regarding the Johnson House. Commissioner Dan Cothren started the discussion by making a motion to demolish the Johnson House. “It just costs the county too much money,” said Cothren. Currently, the Johnson House costs the county $5,000 annually. Megan Blackburn Friend, a member of the historical group, suggested that the group was interested in leasing the house, which could generate revenue for the county. There was significant back-and-forth among many parties in the room; some supported the heritage group, while others remained skeptical. “Does this non-profit have the funds to provide what they’re offering here,” asked Marshall Stowe, referring to the heritage group’s proposal for the heritage center. Stowe added, “We could demolish it and use that property for something else.” Lee Tischer noted, “I spoke to Dan Bigleow [Prosecuting Attorney], and we can draw this lease contract up however we want.” Cothren suggested that the heritage group might be overreaching, saying, “I’ve been in business, and if you spread out too far, you’ll cut yourself off.” Cothren also pointed out that, given their financial situation, they have other priorities besides this project. Cothren asked, “How are we going to be funding the pool? How are we going to be funding the museum? How are we going to be funding the library?” After further discussion, Commissioner Lee Tischer amended Cothren’s previous motion to give the group 30 days to develop a plan to save the Johnson House. If the group cannot present a feasible plan within 30 days, the commissioners will revisit the idea of demolishing the Johnson House.