WHITE SALMON — City council heard a presentation about the impact wildfires are having on property insurance, talked water system cybersecurity, recognized an important Latina community member, and got an update on free mail delivery at their Oct. 7 meeting.
“When the cost of wildfire changed over the past decade, the insurance industry had to respond by shrinking their books of business and changing their underwriting policies,” David Forte, senior policy analyst for Washington’s Office of Insurance Commissioner, told council. “This has resulted in cancellations and nonrenewals.”
Insurers anticipate paying out roughly $1 billion in covered losses across the state from this past wildfire season. Between 2021 and 2025, there were a total of 87,321 nonrenewals in Washington, with 679 in Klickitat County. While that also accounts for other factors, like homeowners having too many claims, Forte noted that the nonrenewals visually mirror a wildfire risk map and are trending upward in Klickitat County.
Back in April, Forte’s office announced that the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) expanded its Wildfire Prepared Home program to Washington, which follows many of the same principles as Firewise. The crucial distinction, though, is an annual certification requirement that insurers can verify.
In the next legislative session, Insurance Commissioner Patty Kurderer plans to reintroduce a bill that would create a grant program for IBHS implementation separate from state general funding, and restrict insurers from nonrenewing or canceling homeowners that have IBHS certification, Forte said.
Then, during the business portion of last Wednesday’s meeting, council named Coburn Electric, Inc. as the sole provider of SCADA-related services, or the computer system that runs all of the city's (waste)water infrastructure. A few questioned the resolution, concerned that it might not be the most fiscally responsible move for the city, but Public Works Director Chris True offered reassurance.
“You can’t necessarily put a price on security,” he said, emphasizing how manipulating the SCADA system could physically damage the water infrastructure in homes. “It can also adjust chemical rates, which is a health risk hazard.”
True referenced reports from this summer of hackers accessing an Oregon water district’s core operating technology, along with 100 others spread across seven states. Having one contractor mitigates exposure, and no other company provides the wraparound services that Coburn has, True added.
On a more celebratory note, council also honored Alicia Flores McKenzie for Latino/a/x Heritage Month. McKenzie is an immigrant who, after working on a local farm for 21 years, became an interpreter for people who need to assert their rights and access essential services. She was present for 22 births, helped people advocate for fairer wages and even started providing housing for other immigrants.
McKenzie previously received "The Love Award" at Washington Gorge Action Program’s (WAGAP’s) annual El Grito event on Sept. 13.
“For many newcomers, Alicia was one of the first helping hands they encountered. Some know her as a woman who would take the taco off her own plate to give it to others,” Mary Alejandre, a community health worker with WAGAP, told council. “Alicia was always willing to share what she had.
Lastly, during her report to council, Mayor Marla Keethler highlighted that the Community Roots Wellness Hub celebrated it’s one-year anniversary earlier this month, and provided on update on the ongoing effort to secure free mail delivery. Apparently, the United States Postal Service has shifted its position from a no-fee P.O. box model back to offering some version of route expansion within city limits.
“Communication has not been transparent as of late, but this has been a long relationship and a good one at the local level, and so we remain optimistic that we will finally resolve this,” Keethler said. “I’m hoping we conclude this before the end of next year.”
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