Commissioners' Report

During the Wahkiakum County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18, the commissioners voted unanimously to sign the settlement agreement regarding Hikma Opioid. According to the report, "Washington joined in national litigation against the manufacturers and distributors of prescription opioids." Since the settlement is "for a national total of between $34,720,371 and $57,490,976 to be spread out over years." Over the years this will results in a one-time payment of $678.91. The commissioners then approved Health Care Authority (HCA) Contract K8541 for the Criminal Justice Treatment Act (CJTA) funding. According to the meeting's agenda, CJTA funding "is one of the resources used by Wahkiakum County Health and Human Services (WCHHS) to pay for the care of people involved in the criminal justice system and who have substance use disorder." The financial impact of this agreement is estimated to be $148,384 over two years.

The meeting then shifted to the "vacancy of County Commissioner District #3," which will be effective Jan. 1, 2026. This vacancy will be as a result of the resignation of Commissioner Gene Strong. Commissioner Lee Tischer encouraged all who are interested to submit a resume. The commissioners also discussed they will be taking resumes up until Dec. 16 and they

will advertise the opening in The Wahkiakum County Eagle during its Dec. 4 and Dec. 11 editions. "If the board decides to do interviews, that has to be in an open session," said Tischer. "The appointment can be done in executive session and we'll come out and make our decision." The intention is to appoint a candidate to the vacancy "the first meeting in January." Discussing the potential candidates, Strong noted they have to live in District #3, which consists of Skamokawa and West End. As Strong registered as Independent when he ran for Commissioner, he expressed the desire that the interim commissioner run as Independent as well. The position itself will only last the remainder of Strong's term, which, according to the commissioners, would only be one more year. As if addressing a would-be candidate, Commissioner Dan Cothren said, "There's a lot of committees that Gene is on. You've got some big shoes to fill."

Strong expressed appreciation for his fellow commissioners, relaying to them how much he has enjoyed working with them.

Following the discussion over Strong's vacancy, three consecutive public hearings were on the agenda. The first, regarding a resolution to adopt the 2026 Annual Road Construction Program, includes work on Columbia Street bike/pet path, major culvert repair, small construction, East Valley Road/SR4 approach, Eden Valley drainage, Wilson Creek Bridge, N. Fork Wilson Creek Culvert, E. Fork Deep River Road Connectivity - Phase 1, and Deep River Valley Drainage. According to the agenda, this program "is required by RCW (Revised Code of Washington) 36.81.130 and WAC 136-16." The amount for all of these projects, totaling $8,444.516, was approved unanimously by the commissioners. The second hearing was for a Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which would comprise the years 2026-2031. The program, required by RCW 36.81.121 and WAC 136-15, was "approved and adopted in accordance with WAC 136-14" and voted on unanimously by the commissioners. The third public hearing was for a 14-Year, Long-Range Ferry Capital Improvement Plan. The improvement plan, which is required by RCW 36.54.015 "and with the assistance of the County Engineer," is for 2026-2039 and was approved and adopted in accordance with WAC (Washington Administrative Code) 136-400-030 and WAC 136-400-040.