Commissioners approve request, hear updates on tax levies

Wahkiakum County commissioners heard an update on tax levies and approved a request to add additional security measures to county emergency communications infrastructure when they met January 7.

Assessor Bill Coons updated the commissioners regarding levies for 2014. The commissioners had indicated that they did not want levy rates to increase when they approved levy limits at a recent meeting, Coons said. Having calculated levies throughout the county on a preliminary basis, he observed that all the property tax levy rates in Wahkiakum tax areas have gone down between one percent and 2.2 percent.

However, the county is required to levy for developmental disabilities and mental health program funds, and that levy has increased. Additionally, this year there is also a required levy for veterans’ relief program funds because the program’s budget balance has dropped below a certain level.

Coons said the developmental disabilities and mental health program levy will be around $9600, slightly higher than last year’s $8000. The veterans’ relief program levy will total about $4300.

They will be on the agenda for action at the board’s next meeting, Coons said.

“Just for clarification, the total amount collected in property taxes hasn’t changed, it’s just being disbursed

farther apart,” said Commissioner Blair Brady.

“Yes, the values in the county did go up marginally last year, so given what you said, given constant collections, that would drive the rate down,” agreed Coons.

The commissioners approved a request from Department of Emergency Management Coordinator Beau Renfro to install alarm systems at two county emergency communications sites. One site sustained an estimated $4000 in damages in a December break-in.

Health and Human Services Director Sue Cameron and Deputy Director Chris Weiler briefed the commissioners on their supply of H1N1 flu vaccine. Flu shots are available by appointment at the county health department office by calling 795-6027. There is a $25 fee.