Council proclaims July 4 as 250th celebration

THE DALLES — Spending the bulk of the evening in an executive session closed to the public, The Dalles City Council meeting on June 8 finished swiftly. Councilors heard from public commenters and proclaimed this July 4 as a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

Wasco County Veteran Service Officer Chelsea Parrott, who helps local veterans and their families apply for benefits, introduced the proclamation, listing the core principles America was founded on: inalienable rights, self-government, and the rule of law.

“Here we stand, heirs to that extraordinary legacy,” Parrott said.

On behalf of the council, Mayor Rich Mays then confirmed the proclamation, encouraging residents to “recognize and commemorate the historic milestone through reflection, civic participation, community celebration, and appreciation for the enduring principles of liberty, democracy, and public service.”

During the public comment portion of the meeting, The Dalles resident Bob Kenyon gave a shout-out to the second annual Grand Dalles Music Festival, which took place May 29-31, and was a “grand success,” he said. “The Granada was three-quarters full. Let’s hope that it becomes a fixture.”

Next, Debi Ferrer reported that the city’s beautification and tree committee awarded up to $300 in grants to local downtown businesses to beautify sidewalks with flowers/planters, and announced a third annual residential tree grant program for residents to receive 8-12-foot nursery-quality trees for front yards and parking strips. The application window is June 1 through Aug. 1; trees will be distributed in early October.

The Dalles Finance Director Brita Meyer recommended that the staff approve Resolution 26-020, which establishes a new service continuity reserve fund to provide financial stability during periods of sudden revenue shortfalls, unexpected expenditure increases, or changing economic conditions. Councilors passed the resolution 4-0 (Councilor Richardson was not present) without deliberation.

Finally, councilors unanimously passed resolutions 26-021 and 26-022, declaring the city’s election to receive state revenues and approving its fiscal year budget for 2026-2027.

During executive session, the council discussed performance evaluations for City Manager Matthew Klebes and City Attorney Jonathan Kara.

•••

Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe and read more at columbiagorgenews.com.