White Salmon council adopts 2026 budget, moves land-use fee schedule to resolution and approves consent agenda

The White Salmon City Council voted unanimously on multiple business items at its Dec. 17, 2025 meeting, adopting the citys annual budget for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2026, and taking related administrative actions.

Mayor Marla Keethler and Finance and Operations Director Jennifer Neil presented the proposed budget, noting a small adjustment after conclusion of collective bargaining negotiations and inclusion of the salary matrix. Director Neil said the roll-up budget format was provided to improve clarity and clarified line items including an annual computer services expense of $90,000 (IT support). The adopted budget includes two Public Works intern positions, one administrative intern position as part of a youth internship program and the addition of a senior accountant. Council and staff discussed streets funding; Mayor Keethler said Oak Street remains a priority in the adopted six-year transportation plan but the city lacks sufficient Streets cash on hand to fully reconstruct a street without additional grant support.

Councilmember Patty Fink pressed for clarity on how increases in building-related expenses and clerk expenditures were shown in the budget; Director Neil said the clerks expenditures were realigned for state reporting and that the administrative intern would support clerk duties and records projects.

The council also held a public hearing and adopted Ordinance 2025-02-1174 to remove the codified land-use fee schedule from municipal code and instead set fees by resolution (Resolution 2025-12-633); the ordinance also adds a fire review fee consistent with the West Klickitat Regional Fire Authority Memorandum of Understanding. Planner Rowan Fairfield explained the change is intended to allow more efficient fee updates without code amendments.

The consent agenda, approved by motion, included interlocal agreements (snow plowing with DNR, law enforcement services and wastewater treatment plant funding with the City of Bingen), contract change orders, pay applications and Resolution 2025-12-637 recognizing Councilmember Jason Hartmann. The council approved vouchers totaling $743,141.47 (claims total $665,338.96; payroll $77,802.51).

Council also approved the citys 2026 legislative priorities to guide interaction with state lawmakers.

Votes at a glance:
- Agenda approval (addition of interlocal agreement with City of Bingen): Moved Jason Hartmann; Second David Lindley; Vote 5-0; Outcome: Approved.
- Consent agenda and vouchers $743,141.47: Moved Ben Giant; Second David Lindley; Vote 5-0; Outcome: Approved.
- Ordinance 2025-02-1174 (Land Use Fee Schedule; adopt Resolution 2025-12-633): Moved Ben Giant; Second Jason Hartmann; Vote 5-0; Outcome: Adopted.
- Ordinance 2025-11-1184 (2026 annual budget): Moved Jason Hartmann; Second David Lindley; Vote 5-0; Outcome: Adopted.
- Approval of 2026 legislative priorities: Moved David Lindley; Second Ben Giant; Vote 5-0; Outcome: Approved.

Next steps and context: Mayor Keethler said a school-district resolution related to elementary school relocation is anticipated for Council consideration in January 2026; the City Attorney offered to assist with legal questions on election-related activity and disclosure. The council adjourned at 8:11 p.m.