Commissioners fly through short agenda

With a short agenda, Wahkiakum County commissioners breezed through their business meeting Tuesday.

The board approved an expenditure of $34,182 to purchase a Ford F250 pickup to replace a 10-year old road department vehicle with over 200,000 miles of use. The department pays into the Equipment Rental and Revolving Fund to finance replacements and has set aside $54,000 over the 10 years for the replacement cost.

Commissioners also authorized Chair Gene Strong to sign a contract with Lakeside Industries for paving a portion of Columbia Street.

Commissioner Lee Tischer attended the Monday meeting of the Cathlamet Town Council and reported on items that concerned county.

There was discussion of supporting the postition of manager of the Community Center in Cathlamet, Tischer said, and he suggested holding a workshop in September to see what can be done about the position.

"There are so many things that should be worked out," Tischer said.

"Put it on the list," commented Commissioner Dan Cothren. He added that there will be demands for funding in the county budget, including a big increase in the cost of health insurance for non-union county employees.