BINGEN — The Bingen City Council started its Aug. 19 meeting with a public comment from attendee Brian Mattingly, who testified, “Keep up the good work.” Mayoral candidate Kelsey Ramsey was also in attendance and asked sporadic questions during the meeting regarding the city’s processes and, in particular, its budget.
Mayor Catherine Kiewit, in council comments, encouraged his and other candidates’ participation, stating that “it’s good to observe and be involved.” Council meetings are open to the public and also available to watch via Zoom.
The council also celebrated the passing of its Public Safety sales tax, with Mayor Kiewit stating, “A huge thank you to everyone who voted. By seeking community feedback early, we were able to pursue an option with broad support, and we’re grateful to Bingen residents for responding to this need and showing such strong commitment to the future and safety of our city.” Collection of the tax is slated to begin in January 2026.
As for business, first up was a review of the city’s Small Works Direct Contracting policy. This is a document that outlines the rules for city-contracted jobs between $35,000-$350,000. The policy outlines how businesses can sign up to be considered, and the rotational plan for selecting a vendor, allowing a broad range of businesses to be awarded contracts. Adopting the plan is required by Washington state law, and the council approved it unanimously.
Next, Bingen and White Salmon share a wastewater treatment plant, and it is in need of major updates. City Administrator Krista Loney reported that the two cities were offered a low interest, $630,000 loan to begin the work through a Water Quality Combined Financial Assistance program. Bingen would pay back roughly 22% and White Salmon roughly 78%, based on usage. The council asked for more details on the improvements needed and the loan. The project will be revisited at the next meeting.
Loney then shared the plans for the East Steuben Waterline Replacement sections 2 and 3, which is on track ($1 million loan and $187,000 grant). Other projects are also underway, including the Alder and Cedar sidewalk project (100% grant funded), the $40,000 federal audit, the stormwater update (84% grant funded), the Humboldt and Franklin overlay project (95% grant funded), the State Route 14 railroad crossing (95% grant funded), and the bus shelters (80% grant-funded).
One bus shelter has been installed, located outside the Society Hotel on the corner of Cedar and E. Humboldt streets, and three more are set to be delivered in the coming weeks.
The next Bingen City Council meeting is on Tuesday, Sept. 2, just a few days before the community-wide Huckleberry Fest, set for Sept. 5-7.
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