CASCADE LOCKS — With Councilor Eric Keller absent, and former Councilor Denise Emmerling-Baker officially resigned, the three-person council and Mayor Brenda Wood handled the Cascade Locks’ business on July 14. Topics included an update from Sheriff Matt English, a presentation from Wasco County PUD, updates from Fire Chief John Logan, and discussion of the upcoming prepared food and beverage sales tax.
Prior to the meeting, the council held a work session on water rates, which are expected to increase this year. A second work session will follow before the council takes any action.
English gave a rather grim update to the council. Various county law enforcement programs and services are either being cut or in danger of being cut due to decreased funding. English blamed some of the lost funding on the state budget, and some on President Trump denying federal grant funds to sanctuary states, including funds previously awarded. Cascade Locks’ assigned contracted deputy coverage hours are not affected (full story to appear in an upcoming edition; the sheriff’s office press release is online at columbiagorgenews.com).
Wasco County PUD wants to handle the electrical utilities for the city of Cascade Locks. They pitched their services to the council, touting their low rates, emphasis on cost recovery, and community focus. The council asked City Administrator Jordon Bennett for a clear rate comparison and discussed the protocols that trigger Request for Proposal bids. No action was taken.
The council next approved the city’s upcoming ballot funding measure. It plans to ask for a 7% sales tax on prepared food and beverages purchased within city limits in order to fund fire and EMS services. The department faces staffing challenges, failing vehicles, and a basic lack of operating dollars, which are currently draining the city’s general fund.
The council expressed concern about meeting the 50% minimum for voter turnout, and Mayor Wood said, “We need to let people know how important it is to vote.”
Fire Chief John Logan informed the council that 72% of emergency service calls are from outside the city, and this type of sales tax is designed to affect visitors over residents. Though not a public hearing, Councilor Tiffany Pruit broke council protocol by calling on audience members to comment, inserting, “What do you think … about a 7% sales tax on food and beverage?” while gesturing to two residents in the audience.
Wood was contacted for comment on the specifics of the council’s procedures, but did not reply by press deadline.
A committee of city staff, council representatives, Logan, and community members have spent months researching the best option to fund emergency services in the city, he said. The council unanimously agreed to put the financial ask on the November ballot. City staff can prepare informational materials only. Councilors and the mayor may advocate for the measure as volunteers.
The council next agreed on a timeline for filling the vacant seat of Emmerling-Baker. Applications are posted on the city’s website, and are due to the city administrator by Aug. 4. Interviews will take place, and an appointment will be made during the Aug. 11 council meeting. The selected interim council member will serve until Dec. 31, 2026.
The next regular council meeting is on July 18 at 7 p.m.
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