GOLDENDALE — The two-word phrase that is music to county commissioner’s ears is “revenue neutral.” This is particularly satisfying when it applies to supplemental budgets, and that was the case last Tuesday, May 12.
Klickitat County commissioners passed a $1.2 million supplement to this year’s budget. The measure sailed through with no opposition during the comment period, because no taxpayers’ wallets were harmed during the event. Every item in it was covered by funds already available. In most cases, this was for projects that were budgeted for in 2025, but could not be completed until this year.
That doesn’t mean the county won’t be looking for more revenue for future expenses. Current contracts for use of the county’s radio system are coming up, and County Administrator Robb Van Cleave pointed out that most of them include access to the system at no charge.
“The only agencies that pay for dispatch in the radio system are Emergency Medical Services and the two city police departments,” he told commissioners, adding that some are suggesting that fire departments should contribute.
And, as with any revenue suggestion, there were consequences. “These contracts end at the end of June,” Van Cleave said. “If ultimately you decide we’re going to charge something for access to the system, they’re going to be doing their budget at the same time we are. And if we miss that, then it’s a whole ‘nother year to be fair that they wouldn’t have anything in their budget. So this would be the first time they’ve ever paid anything if that’s ultimately what you decide.”
The concept will be the topic of a workshop in the near future.
In other items, Van Cleave reported more departmental revisions were on the horizon.
“It’s my intent to submit a resolution to you later this month,” he said, “officially creating this new department combining, planning, building, code compliance, economic development and natural resources.” The step after that would focusing on locating and vetting a candidate to step into the county administrator when Van Cleave leaves at the end of the year. He is currently a candidate for Wasco County commissioner.
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