City Council Recap – September 18, 2025
The City Council addressed significant budget challenges within the General Fund for 2025 and 2026. There was discussion of potential revenue solutions including administrative fees and a public safety sales tax, while considering service cuts if additional funding cannot be secured. Staff and council members reviewed current financial concerns including health insurance costs, the importance of maintaining adequate reserves, reallocation of existing revenues sources, and meeting the cost of services. There will be a budget workshop on September 30, 2025, at 5pm which will include discussion and information on rates and fee increases as well as general fund cuts and revenue sources.
The Council adopted Ordinance 1539; a budget amendment correcting an error in the original budget numbers.
In reports, Public Works noted the major water line break caused when a contractor hit a main line while digging, which caused a half-day water outage in the Spencer Creek area north of town. Police Chief Herrera noted tickets are on sale now for the Caribbean Dinner, which will be held on October 17th. This event supports Kalama’s “Shop with a Cop” program. Chief Herrera emphasized the department's lean operations and advocated for House Bill 2015 public safety sales tax to address increasing costs, which could include costs for public defense that are anticipated to increase due to legislative changes.
Upcoming dates for budget public hearings and workshops:
Location: 320 N 1st Street @ Council Chambers
September 30, 2025 @ 5pm - Workshop
October 2, 2025 @ 7pm – Public Hearing on implementing the HB 2015 Public Safety Tax
October 16, 2025 @ 6pm – Workshop to introduce the Waterworth Software the City is using for its utility rate study.
October 16, 2025 @ 7pm – Public hearing on the 2026 Revenue needs to include the ad valorem (property) tax levy, potential water/sewer/stormwater rate increases, garbage service rate increases, potential permit and other city fee increases.
November 6th and 20th @7pm – Public Hearing on the 2026 Budget and 2026-2031 Capital Facilities Plan
Upcoming events:
10/1- Coffee with a Cop, 8:30am-10:30am @ the Community Building
10/1- Storytime @ Kalama Library, 10:30am-11:15am
10/4- KAMA’s Autumn Art in the Park, 10am-4pm
10/4- Kalama Lion’s Club annual “Walk N’ Knock”
10/11-FOLK Tea Fundraiser 2pm (tickets purchased in advance)
October Dance classes brought to you by Kalama Parks & Rec! Join us on Wednesdays for dance at the Kalama Community Building (216 Elm Street)! from 6:15-7:00pm beginner classes (will rotate rumba, salsa, merengue, and bachata), and 7:00-7:45pm Progressive Argentine Tango. Cost $20 per class! Choose one or both! Get a FREE, 30-min private lesson with purchase of an 8-class punch card available for $160. Sign up today at https://tinyurl.com/zhvy3t25 ! Questions? Contact communityrelations@cityofkalama.com or 360-673-4908.
Sprinklers, pools, and slip ’n slides were fun while they lasted… but summer sewer averaging ends September 21st! Residents inside Kalama city limits on sewer will go back to actual usage billing. ☀️➡️🍂
Learn more here: https://www.cityofkalama.com/page/summer-sewer-average
On this September 11th, we honor the lives lost, the heroes who responded with courage, and the resilience that carried our nation forward. May this day serve as a reminder of unity, compassion, and the strength we find in community.
9/11/25 @ 9:40am - The "Boil Water Advisory" is no longer in effect:
Attention: Residents on Spencer Creek 430 block to City Limits, Boundary Rd, Vivian Rd, Stonemill Rd, Berry Ln, Great Northern Rd
The water samples that were sent for bacteriological testing came back satisfactory after Tuesday's water main break. You are now able to consume city water without boiling it. Our public works crew worked tirelessly to restore clean drinking water to these homes. Thank you for your patience.
Emergency Boil Water Notice 09/09/2025, 2:15pm
Attention: Residents on Spencer Creek 430 block to City Limits, Boundary Rd, Vivian Rd, Stonemill Rd, Berry Ln, Great Northern Rd
The Kalama Public Works crew is working on repairing a damaged watermain that was hit by a contractor. We are asking all residents in these areas to boil water for human consumption as a precautionary measure.
Once repaired, a “boil water advisory” order will be in effect until further notice.
During the “boil water advisory”, water is safe to shower and wash hands, dishes, etc., but please boil water before drinking by following these steps:
• Once water reaches a rolling boil, let it boil for 1 minute
• Turn off heat source and let the water cool
• Pour water into a clean container with a cover for storage
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
If you have questions, please contact Public Works Director Kelly Rasmussen at: 360-673-4554 or 360-644-3844.
Attention: Residents on Spencer Creek 430 block to City Limits, Boundary Rd, Vivian Rd, Stonemill Rd, Berry Ln, Great Northern Rd
Update: 9/9/25 @ 9:30pm
Repairs on the second break in the water line have been complete, and water should be restored by 10:30pm. Thank you again for your patience.
Update: 9/9/25 @ 8:00pm
As the repaired main was pressurizing, it burst further down the same line. The same group of residents are affected, but the water will be off at this time. The crew is onsite now and is working to fix the line and restore water to these residents. We will continue to post updates here and the city website.
9/9/25 @ 6:30pm
Water is being restored to operation and pressure should be back within a half hour. Any cloudy water is due to air in the water lines, not dirt. Please continue to boil drinking water. Test samples will be pulled first thing in the morning, and after 24 hours, test results should be available on Thursday morning. The city will notify residents as soon as results are available and the boil water notice is lifted. Thank you.
9/9/25 @ 4:00pm
The City has secured parts needed, and we project repairs will be complete by 6pm. Thank you for your patience. This was a large repair. Once water is restored, please remember to boil water that you plan to drink. Water for other use such as dishes, laundry, and showering does not need to be boiled.
9/9/25 @ 2:15pm
Boil Water Notice, Attention: Residents on Spencer Creek 430 block to City Limits, Boundary Rd, Vivian Rd, Stonemill Rd, Berry Ln, Great Northern Rd
The Kalama Public Works crew is working on repairing a damaged watermain that was hit by a contractor. We are asking all residents in these areas to boil water for human consumption as a precautionary measure.
Once repaired, a “boil water advisory” order will be in effect until further notice.
During the “boil water advisory”, water is safe to shower and wash hands, dishes, etc., but please boil water before drinking by following these steps:
• Once water reaches a rolling boil, let it boil for 1 minute
• Turn off heat source and let the water cool
• Pour water into a clean container with a cover for storage
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
If you have questions, please contact Public Works Director Kelly Rasmussen at: 360-673-4554 or 360-644-3844.
9/9/25 @ 11:15am
Urgent Notice- Watermain Break: The city's water main was hit during fiberoptic work on Spencer Creek Rd. This main serves residents on Vivian Rd, Great Northern Rd, and Berry Lane. The public works crew is onsite, and water is off. Updates will be provided on the city's website and Facebook page.
Capture Our Community: As the Planning Commission is working on their Comprehensive Plan update, they are requesting help from talented community members like you! They are requesting community involvement in capturing our community by submitting your best pictures of Kalama. This project is open to all who live or work in the 98625 zip code. Amateur photographers, professional, and people of all ages are invited to participate. There will be no prizes, but photo credit will be given. The finished product will be in both booklet form and available digitally. The deadline for submittal is March 31, 2026. Please submit your photos to building@cityofkalama.com.
Starting Monday morning September 8th (around 7am), the Southbound lane of E. Frontage Rd. is scheduled to be closed from Geranium to Elm in preparation for the upcoming mural project on the I-5 crash wall. We will send out notification to update drivers regarding the progress of this project. The closure of this Southbound lane will be September 8th- 22nd, weather permitting.
Note: This mural was commissioned by Envision Kalama, and is being painted by the Portland Street Art Alliance.
City Council Recap of September 4, 2025:
Mayor Reuter read the proclamation declaring September 17-23 as Constitution Week.
Staff provided the Council with potential revenue options to help meet the 2026 budget challenges including potential tax implementations and spending cuts. It is estimated we are about $200,000 below needed general fund revenues, and the cash reserves are dwindling. The legislature adopted a new public safety sales tax option for cities to implement, and staff supports adopting this revenue source which requires a decision within the next month. If implemented, this would change the sales tax from 8.0% to 8.1%. Other revenue options include utility taxes, establishing a B&O tax, and the 1% property tax increase. Councilmember Christianson noted she would like to see information on possible cuts to expenditure such as healthcare benefits or reductions tied to personnel vacancies. She would like to see a tradeoff, cuts in one area if the city is looking to raise or add taxes to increase revenues in other areas.
The council adopted Ordinance 1538 which complies with the new state law to increase the annual revenue threshold for business licensing from $2K to $4K and sets a process for inflationary increases every 4 years. The council also canceled the first Council meeting of January, which falls on January 1, 2026.
Kalama’s Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators earned their 16th outstanding performance award from the Department of Ecology. Great Job!
In reports, story time at the Library has resumed; the downtown sewer rehabilitation project is progressing and paving on N. 3rd Street will occur next week as they complete that section; Transportation Improvement Board funds have been received for the Downtown Chipseal and Old Pacific Highway Sidewalk projects which have been completed; requests for proposals for janitorial and IT services are being published; summer sewer rates are ending on September 21st and the Tourism funding application period is open for the month of September.
Upcoming Dates & Events:
-September 8th-22nd, southbound lane closure on E. Frontage Rd for mural painting (schedule details to follow)
-September 17th, A FREE Dance & Mingle event from 6-8pm @ the Kalama Community Building, with Kalama Parks & Rec https://www.facebook.com/share/19Z2ABsd82/
-September 21st, last day of summer sewer averaging
-September 30th, Council Workshop – budget conversations for 2026
-September 30th, Tourism funding applications due by 5pm
On Wednesday, September 10th from 7am-4pm, NO PARKING on North Third Street from Elm Street to Holly Street as contractors need access to grind the asphalt down and prepare the street for paving. No parking on Saturday, September 13th from 7am-4pm in the same area for paving. For any questions please contact Director Kelly Rasmussen. Thank you for your patience on this section of the NE Downtown Sewer Rehabilitation project.
Kalama Parks & Rec Drum 4 Fun - September 2025 schedule: 10am-11am, Tuesdays & Thursdays for $45, or Tuesdays only: $25 (Sept. 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, & 30th) or Thursdays only: $20 (Sept. 4th, 11th, 18th, & 25th). Classes are held at the Kalama Community Building at 216 Elm Street. For more info, contact 360-673-4562 or cityhall@cityofkalama.com.
CITY OF KALAMA
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR JANITORIAL SERVICES
DUE BY SEPTEMBER 30, 2025
The City of Kalama requests interested janitorial firms to submit proposals for janitorial services. All bidding contractors must submit sealed proposals to furnish all necessary labor and supervision to satisfactorily perform janitorial services at four separate City facilities. Proposals must be received no later than 1 pm on September 30, 2025. Proposals may be submitted by mail or delivered to City of Kalama, PO Box 1007, 195 N. First Street, Kalama, WA 98625 clearly marked as proposal for janitorial services. See the full request for proposals HERE or contact Clerk/Treasurer Coni McMaster at 360-673-4561 or cityclerk@cityofkalama.com.
The Kalama Tourism Advisory Committee is accepting applications for 2026 tourism related events and expenses from September 1st- 30th. Tourism grants are reimbursement grants that promote tourism activities, expenses, and events that benefit the greater Kalama area. Applications will be reviewed in October, and a recommendation will be made to the City Council for final approval. The application can be found here: Application
Email inquiries and application submission: communityrelations@cityofkalama.com
Deadline: 5pm on Tuesday, September 30th
Visit our Tourism page for more about the committee: Tourism
Did you know there are clickable links in the newsletter? Simply tap or click the hyperlink to access further information. Got a newsletter suggestion? Email communityrelations@cityofkalama.com
City offices and the Kalama Public Library will be closed on Monday, September 1st in observance of Labor Day.
Garbage service for Monday pickup will be provided on the regular schedule.
