Proposition 1 and PUD

To The Eagle,

In last week’s Eagle, Kathy Briggs raised good questions about the two Town measures on the November 4 ballot. Here’s what is outlined in public information from the Town of Cathlamet and Wahkiakum PUD.

On the levy:

If Proposition 1 passes, the Town’s property tax rate would increase to $2.00 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2026. That new rate becomes the base for future years, and under state law (RCW 84.55) it can rise only about one percent per year unless voters approve another lid lift. The Town cannot raise it freely each year.

On the utility transfer:

The Town turned over operation of its water and sewer systems to Wahkiakum PUD this summer because the systems had become too expensive to maintain. Even with higher rates, the Town could not generate enough revenue to keep them running or qualify for major grants.

The ballot question does not add new costs. It simply authorizes the PUD to own and operate the sewer system, as it already does for the water system. If it passes, the PUD can access roughly $15 to $25 million in state and federal funding to repair and modernize the systems. If it fails, the PUD would continue operating under its current agreement but would lose access to those grants and might need to raise rates to fund upgrades. I hope this helps folks make informed decisions!

Megan Blackburn Friend,

Wahkiakum County resident