DNR: $1 million possible in 2010 timber revenue

Wahkiakum County officials and county trust timber managers from the state Department of Natural Resources agreed on at least one point when they met Tuesday in Cathlamet: Check the figures.

Revenues from state managed county trust timber are an important part of the county's Current Expense Fund revenue. Current Expense includes most courthouse offices and the sheriff's department.

County officials are preparing to finish their 2010 budget process next week, and they asked the DNR officials to go over their projects one last time.

An accounting error in 2008 led to an $800,000 shortfall in revenue projections. This summer, a timber sale came in $250,000 short of projections, throwing another twist in the county's finances.

In November, DNR Regional Manager Marcus Johns told county officials they could expect $886,000 in 2010.

On Tuesday, another review of projections raised that estimated revenue total over $1 million.

"That would be good news," said county Treasurer Paula Holloway. Then she questioned how accurate the numbers are, pointing to the shortfalls that have occurred.

"I know you're saying that you have estimates, but we need accurate numbers," she said.

"Being $250,000 off means people's jobs," said Commissioner Lisa Marsyla.

Johns replied that he and his staff are taking steps to prevent similar errors in the future. He and foresters will closely monitor sales to see that loggers are getting the projected volume from them.

Johns and Unit Foresters Larry Leach and Steve Ogden presented a spreadsheet with potential volume through timber sales planned into 2012.

Revenue in 2010 should be over $1 million, they said, possibly higher if purchasers move quickly to log a sale (sales generally allow purchasers two dry seasons for logging).

Sales scheduled for 2010 should generate around $1.3 million in 2011, and sales planned for 2012 could generate $1.1 million.

Commissioners will convene at 9 a.m. Monday for a public hearing on their proposed 2010 budgets.

They have five working days to complete the budgets and adopt them; so their meetings next week will be continued until the final vote.