White Salmon City Council talks wildfire, approves storm-related emergency proclamation

Following a severe storm on May 28, White Salmon saw roadway failure, flooding and damage to the city’s water infrastructure at multiple locations, particularly on NE Skagit Avenue and NE Scenic Road. On June 1, Mayor Marla Keethler issued an emergency proclamation, enabling public works to waive competitive bidding requirements to quickly assess the damage. 

The estimated repair cost is $1,998,500, and council unanimously ratified the proclamation, which was required to access the $1 million in emergency funding already secured. Jennifer Neil, director of finance and operations, is multiple revenue sources to cover the full amount.

As recommended by Mayor Marla Keethler, two new faces are also joining the CityLab Board (Barbara Bailey and Peter Johnson), and council also set aside roughly $73,000 for the city’s Lodging Tax Grant Program in 2027. Local organizations can apply for the money to sponsor tourism-related activities.

Then, Councilor Patty Fink thanked all those currently out on the fire line to begin the meeting’s report portion, drawing the connection to climate change.

“I know there’s a lot of anxiety in this community and others where fires are burning closer,” Fink said. “This is an impact of climate change, and I think the more we do to help mitigate those issues in our community and be a more resilient community, I think the better off we’re going to be.”

Councilor Doug Rainbolt focused on the individual level, adding that neighbors should strive to take care of each other, and Councilor Morella Mora acknowledged all of the farmworkers laboring in extremely poor air quality. She praised the West Klickitat Regional Fire Authority and Chief Wes Long as well.

“The whole team is able to provide consistent coverage in our region, our area, while also offering mutual aid to surrounding areas,” Mora said. That capacity is crucial given how many nearby departments operate solely on volunteers, she stressed.

Lastly, Councilor Ben Giant pointed out that the Community Development Committee plans to give the “Before I Die” public art installation on Jewett a refresh sometime this month, and is exploring opportunities to reduce the cost of downtown street closures for holiday celebrations, which can run as high as $10,000.

The next White Salmon City Council meeting is on Sept. 2, beginning at 6 p.m. in the White Salmon Fire Hall.