Olson passes the mayor's gavel to Sevald

During his final session of Town Council, former Mayor David Olson had a pretty full slate. Signing the PUD interlocal agreements for both the water and sewer transfer and general cooperation, Olson also deferred to Council to vote on and approve the adoption of the 2026 budget and salary scale and the finalization of the Wahkiakum PUD franchise agreement.

At various points of the meeting, former Councilmember Laurel Waller, participating in her final meeting as well, asked Olson if he intended to sign the PUD agreements during the meeting. Olson responded that he had looked over the agreements thoroughly with Town Attorney Fred Johnson and that he would sign them. Before giving his final remarks to Council and those in attendance, Olson asked everyone to recognize Waller for her years of service on the Town Council. Following a round of applause, Olson delivered his farewell address as mayor of Cathlamet.

"As I return to civilian life, I want to say it's the honor of my life to serve in this position," said Olson. "I wouldn't have imagined, in my wildest dreams, I would occupy this position...Difficult and painful as it's been, it's also been a huge honor and very incredibly satisfying to do the work. My thanks to each and every council member, current and past, for your service. My thanks to council members who are leaving such as Laurel and my thanks to continuing council members."

Olson noted the town "has many challenges ahead," including the completion of Waterfront Park. Councilmember Joe Baker had asked about the future of the park during the adoption of the 2026 budget. During his address, Olson, referring to the project said, "It's very close to my heart. It's gonna be up to you guys to see that through. We've talked about it for a dozen years, and I hope it can be built."

Referring to Mayor Elect Nicholas Sevald and incoming Councilmember Mike Severson, Olson said, "I am confident the next mayor and Council will make every effort to meet the moment. I know they will do their best for our small but passionate community. It's very hard to get people to step up to do these jobs. It really, really is. It's not easy, so I appreciate those who've served and I appreciate those who are about to serve."

Before "passing the gavel" and wishing Sevald "the very best," Olson said, "I myself look forward to a peaceful life starting on Thursday and to helping whenever I can to serve and give back...In all elected offices, giving back is all we do. We just try to give back the best we can. Though we may and often have different versions of that, we all are still doing the best we can. I will continue to be very proud to live in this community and help in any way that I can. There's lots of projects that I love and want to be involved in...There actually are some positive things that have occurred on my watch that I'm proud of. I don't need to tell them here, but I am happy to have gotten additional resources and to have some of the good works around the town. It's been a great honor to be here and to work with you all. It truly has been the honor of my life to have had the support of the citizens."