Klickitat Commissioners approve 2024 budget plans

As part of the building projects, the Capital Improvement Plan includes the remodel of the Superior Courtroom, several HVAC unit replacements, repairs to the Beer Garden bleachers, and land purchases for drainage improvements.

Commissioner Jacob Anderson stated that the $975,000 budget for the Capital Improvement Plan’s building projects, including the $600,000 Superior Courtroom remodel, was partially paid for by a $585,000 archeology grant.

The county commissioners voted unanimously in favor of both the 2024 Preliminary Budget and the 2024 Capital Improvement Plan. The initial budget proposals were published on Aug. 8, followed by revisions and public workshops throughout August — resulting in the now approved second version.

Tracy McCune was the only member of the public to oppose either of the budget proposals during public comments.

She raised concern for the Capital Improvement Plan since reconstruction of the Lyle boat ramp is not slated until 2028. She instead advocated for reconstruction in 2024 due to the high volume of fisherman who use the ramp to frequent local stores and cafes.

Commissioner Dan Christopher agreed that he would like to see the Lyle boat ramp “moved up the list.”

McCune also opposed the 2024 Preliminary Budget for what she saw as too much money be-ing allocated to the Emergency Management fund.

In response, Anderson stated that most of the money in the Emergency Management fund comes from grants from the state as opposed to county funds. Commissioners Anderson and Lori Zoller both expressed support for what the Emergency Management is doing to prepare for emergencies.

“We have put those plans to use this year with our large wildfires and it is great to have those plans in place. I support the work of our Emergency Management Department and our staff.”

Commissioners congratulated Fiscal Services Manager Jennifer Neil for her assistance in helping the county adopt a 2024 budget.

“Kudos to you, and kudos to our department directors and our fellow electives for working with us in troubled times to get us a budget that we can pass that is balanced and that serves the people,” Christopher said.

As soon as the Road Plan hearings are completed, the commissioners will receive the “official resolutions of adoption,” Neil said.