Commissioners hear reports on fees, economic growth

The last meeting of the year of the Wahkiakum County Commissioners brought thanks and reports.

County permit coordinator Chuck Beyer told the board that the building and permit fees for 2008 shoreline permits would be raised to $800. Shoreline exemptions would be raised from $75 to $100, short flats will be raised from $100 to $200, subdivision would be raised from $500 to $800, and the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review to $150.

Commissioner Blair Brady reported he recently attended the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments (COG) meeting in Kelso and announced that the dues will be increased. He said the rise in rates is actually very minor.

Retiring Lower Columbia Economic Development Council (LCEDC) Executive Director Richard Erickson thanked the board for their service to him for the past three and a half years.

He said that he sees a bright future ahead for Wahkiakum County. He said that developers are coming in and thus he sees a projected growth. He asked the board to continue to support his replacement, David Goodroe. He said Goodroe will bring a whole new approach to the EDC.

Erickson said he was happy with the development at the marina and on Main Street saying “It’s pretty exciting!” He told the board that it was his hope that Chamber of Commerce executive director Tanja Winebrenner would take over where predecessor Jennifer Johnson left off.