Flood control dist. response

To The Eagle,

The current GRFCD Directors (volunteers) are aware of problems with district boundaries and assessments and began working to address the issues in 2024, with help from the Wahkiakum County GIS and Assessors Offices. The results include a corrected base map/parcel listing and assessment corrections.

State law calls for annual review of flood control district assessments/parcels, a job which had not been done for many years. Our work first found procedural errors within the Assessors Office that needed correction. Following that, a review and correction process began. At no time did the GRFCD indicate that work was “done” and have always acknowledged that work remains. The Jon Thompson and Jo Schnotala parcels are one [of] a very few that remain inside and outside the district boundary. This type of anomaly will be addressed with the Assessor in 2026.

Any Wahkiakum County parcel owner can ask that errors in their assessments be corrected and refunds issued for up to three years. This would be a more appropriate avenue rather than petitioning to dissolve the 84-year-old Grays River Flood Control District that has served many flood control issues.

The Directors believe the base map and assessment rolls are more accurate than they have been for many years. In no way should this be considered a “cash grab.” Using that term implies less than appropriate respect for landowners and that is simply not the case.

It’s unfortunate but elections cost money. The most recent election cost $8,800. A district dissolution petition generating another election, if successful, would result in another $8,800 invoice for the District. Depending on election outcome, the District could remain as it currently exists (albeit $8,800 poorer). The GRFCD directors endeavor to be careful with assessment money, avoiding such irresponsible spending.

Donell Dyer, Judith Johnson, Stephanie Sotka,

Grays River Flood Control Board of Directors