From the Winter Ale Fest, to events at the Mountain Timber Market, and Downtown Parade of Lighted Floats, there is a lot happening around the holidays in Kalama this December! Don't miss out on what Kalama has to offer this holiday season! Check out the link for details: https://www.cityofkalama.com/community/events/christmas-in-kalama-december
City Council Meeting Recap: 11/21/2024
A public hearing on the budget for 2025 and the 2025-2030 Capital Facilities Plan was held. The City is anticipating a budget of about $19.5M for 2025 which includes about $8M in operating costs, $3.1M for reserves transfers/fiduciary account/special revenues/and debt service, and capital projects of $8.4M (check out the capital projects list here: https://www.towncloud.io/go/kalama-wa, view section 3.A.)
The Council reviewed and confirmed the Tourism Committee recommendations. They reviewed the Parks and Recreation Committee requests and authorized an additional allocation of staff time within the Parks budget to pursue programing options and grant opportunities. Discussion on the proposal for the work on the Toteff Park Gazebo will continue as more information is developed.
Options for covering the community building’s $30K shortfall were discussed. The Council recognized that with the current building evaluation underway, it is too early to discuss drastic changes in the current operations and directed staff to allocate carryover and/or reserve funds to cover the shortfall for 2025. The evaluation should be completed by early spring 2025.
Personnel costs for 2025 are $3,660,500 which includes no staffing increases. Of the total personnel cost, 70% is for wages and 30% is for benefits. Staff requested the hearing be continued so that the final adjustments from the Council can be included, and carryover balances can be calculated. A few projects, such as the City Hall renovation, will not be completed in 2024 and will carry over into the 2025 budget. Mayor Reuter continued the hearing until December 5, 2024, at 7pm.
The City Council authorized staff to draft utility rate increases at 5% for water (including base rate and consumption) as well as a 5% increase on sewer consumption (no base rate increase for sewer). These ordinances will be included on the December 5th agenda.
Director Rasmussen presented the bids received for 2025 chemical procurement to the Council noting that all but one will be increasing from the 2024 costs. The Council awarded the chemical Bids for DE, Hypochlorite, Hydroxide, and Fluoride, from Univar and for Bioxide from Evoqua for the year 2025.
The Council adopted Resolutions No. 745 and 746 setting the property tax levy for 2025. These resolutions replace tax levy resolutions No. 743 and 744 due to additional information received from the County which increased the city’s assessed valuation and corrections in the calculations. The levy amount was decreased by $0.00222679 based on the new assessed valuation.
Written reports from Planning Commission Chair Hughes for both November and the summary for 2024 were presented. Director of Public Works Rasmussen noted they are conducting interviews for the current vacant position with the hopes of having someone hired no later than the first of the year.
Upcoming Events:
11/30 - Shop Local Saturday, https://www.facebook.com/share/18M8BZpmHK/
12/6 & 12/7 – Winter Ale Fest & Market, https://www.facebook.com/share/1PEkFmY3XC/
12/7 – Holiday Bazaar @ Kalama Elementary, https://kalamafair.com/2024/08/21/kalama-fair-2024-holiday-bazaar/
12/7 – Holiday Parade of Lighted Floats & the Grinch & Photos with Santa @ N. 1st Street downtown, https://www.kalamachamber.com/holidayparade
12/7 – Polar Express Movie Viewing @ Port of Kalama’s Interpretive Center
12/7 – Holiday Bazaar @ Mountain Timber Market w/ live music, https://mountaintimber.org/
12/4 – Pictures w/ Santa @ Mountain Timber Market
Clogged storm drains in your area of Kalama?
As rainy season is here, we want to remind everyone about the importance of keeping our storm drains clear. Clogged storm drains can lead to:
🌧️ Flooding – Water can't flow properly, leading to streets, homes, and businesses getting flooded.
🐾 Mosquito Breeding Grounds – Standing water in blocked drains becomes a perfect habitat for mosquitoes.
🌿 Pollution – Trash, leaves, and debris in drains can carry harmful pollutants into our rivers and oceans.
🚗 Traffic Disruptions – Flooded streets make it difficult for vehicles and pedestrians to safely navigate.
What YOU can do to help:
Clear debris around storm drains on your property.
Report clogged drains to 360-673-3706 (Kalama Public Works) to get them cleaned by the city.
Dispose of trash properly – Keep streets and gutters free of waste.
Together, we can keep our community safe, clean, and prepared for any storm! 🌧️🌎
Thank you!
The upcoming City Council meeting will be held on November 21st, at 7pm. The agenda and meeting information can be found here: https://www.towncloud.io/go/kalama-wa/agendas/695
- 2025 Budget & 2025-2030 Capital Facilities Plan Public Hearing
- Utility Rates Projections
🚨 Important Billing Reminder for Kalama City Residents: Summer Sewer Averaging Ended September 20th! 🚨
As of September 20th, Kalama City's Summer Sewer Averaging period has officially ended. This means that the reduced sewer charges based on your summer water usage no longer apply.
For your October 31st bill, you may notice an increase in your sewer charges, especially if high water consumption activities were continued at your residence after September 20th. During the summer sewer averaging period, sewer charges were averaged (plus 10%) if they exceeded the average usage. After the summer sewer averaging period, every drop of water used has a sewer charge associated with it.
🔹 Why the change?
When Summer Sewer Averaging ends, your sewer bill is calculated based on your actual water usage, not averaged summer consumption. So, if you used more water between September 20th and October 24th, you will see those increased charges reflected on your current (October 31st) bill.
📖 For more details on how Summer Sewer Averaging works and how it can affect your bill, visit:
👉 Learn More About Summer Sewer Averaging: https://tinyurl.com/mr33y2tw
Thank you for your attention.
The Kalama Planning Commission will be holding a public hearing on Thursday, November 14, 2024 for the Cloverdale Heights Subdivision Preliminary Plat. The meeting will be held at 6:00pm in the Council Chambers at 320 N. 1st Street, Kalama. For staff report and full agenda, please visit: https://www.towncloud.io/go/kalama-wa/agendas/697
City Council Meeting: 11.07.2024 Recap
Kalama Police Chief, Ralph Herrera, administered the oath of office to Kalama’s two new officers, Derek Moore and Tyler Bailey. The Council welcomed them to the staff. Both officers come with previous experience and training.
Mayor Reuter opened the 2025 Budget hearing. Clerk/Treasurer McMaster presented the budget for the operations expenditures of the City. The proposed budget is $16,592,370 excluding internal transfers. Over $8 million is allocated to capital projects, $7.7 million to operations, and the rest for debt service and special revenue funds. Information on how wages/benefits, insurance, utilities, and other expenses have increased since 2020 which is driving the request for increasing the property tax levy and utility rates was discussed. Population has increased 8.96% since 2019. The City is seeing 11% -12% increases in operating costs going into 2025. It was noted that the property tax levy rate has decreased $0.92 since 2015 per $1,000 of assessed valuation which results in many property owners paying less city property tax than they did in 2015, even with the increases to the assessed valuations since 2015. A 4th option for increasing utility rates was presented as requested by the Council = at the public hearing on October 17th. The Council still has concerns about the increases in both utility rates and the property taxes with some members believing that the amount of revenue realized from the increase to property taxes is not enough to make a difference or others thinking that there needs to be a tradeoff to do both increases. The property tax resolutions require passage at this meeting to provide them to the county by the deadline. Resolutions No. 743 & 744 were adopted by the Council increasing the property tax by .0078735855%by a vote of 3 to 2.
City Planner Todd Johnson presented the report from the Hearings Examiner, Joe Turner, recommending approval of the Tapio Street Vacation. The vacation is for a portion of undeveloped Birch Street right-of-way. A hearing was held on October 2, 2024, where Mr. Turner reviewed all the materials including the Planner’s staff report and comments from citizens, both for and against the proposed vacation, after which he determined the vacation meets all the requirements and recommends approval of the vacation request. The applicant is required to pay for the value of the property and all costs of the vacation prior to recording the ordinance. The Council adopted Ordinance No. 1522 approving the street vacation.
City Administrator Smee provided an update on the construction project at City Hall. He noted that windows are in the process of being installed, the existing beams have been refinished, and carpet/flooring are in. He included photos of the progress. He addressed the current expenditures which are still within the budget including the contingency, but items such as the split found in the ceiling beam needing engineering, uneven flooring issues, permit costs, and other unforeseen items have reduced the projected available contingency to under $8K. The project was to be completed by October 31st, but it appears it may be close to Christmas before the building is ready. At this time no Council action is needed, but he did want to update them on the progress.
Librarian Bystrom noted the History Talk by Joanna Boatman drew over 50 people. The next one will be from lifelong resident, and former Mayor, Pete Poulson on November 16th in the council chambers from 2-4pm.
Councilmember Stanfill noted the audit has been completed and the City received a positive (“clean”) report which included a review of the evidence room at the police department. The Auditors also praised the staff for their cooperation and work. Also, several Council and staff members attended the recent AWC forum held at McMenamins.
Director of Public Works Rasmussen reported on the progress being made by several developers on projects within the city where infrastructure is being installed.
Chief Herrera noted the successful Caribbean dinner fundraiser for Shop with a Cop. Shop with a Cop will be held on December 15th. Also noted was that with the two new officers the department is fully staffed, and the Halloween event was very wet, but went very well.
Clerk/Treasurer McMaster provided the 3rd quarter budget report and the October cash & investment report for the Council. She also thanked her staff for their adherence to the internal controls and all their work that result in the clean audit reports the City has received.
Throw back to last Thursday's Halloween festivities in Downtown Kalama! Thank you Kalama Chamber of Commerce for hosting this event! We had a great time and look forward to this event each year.
Kalama's Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee will meet on Tuesday, November 12th, 2024 @ 5:30pm in the City Council Chambers located at 320 N. 1st Street. The public is welcome to attend in person or virtually. Agenda and virtual attendance information can be found here: https://www.towncloud.io/go/kalama-wa
The upcoming Planning Commission meeting will be held on Thursday, November 14th, 2024 at 6pm in the City Council Chambers located at 320 N. 1st Street, Kalama. Agenda information can be found here, once posted: https://www.towncloud.io/go/kalama-wa
Kalama's City offices and the Public Library will be closed on Monday, November 11th, 2024 in observance of Veteran's Day. Thank you to all who have served!
The upcoming City Council meeting will be held on November 7th, at 7pm. The agenda and meeting information can be found here: https://www.towncloud.io/go/kalama-wa/agendas/694
- Swearing in 2 new officers
- Public Hearing: 2025 budget & 2025-2030 Capital Facilities Plan
- 8th Street Vacation Petition (Hearing Examiner's recommendations)
-City hall building update
- Ordinance No. 1522, Tapio Street Vacation
-Resolution 743, tax levy ad valorem
-Resolution 744, tax levy percentage increase
Can you believe the holidays are upon us? Read about the garbage holiday schedule, cold weather planning, upcoming Kalama events, and more! The November edition of the City newsletter is available here: https://tinyurl.com/2s3fry9x
🌟 It's time to get involved, Kalama! 🌟
We're looking for passionate community members to join the Kalama Salary Commission and the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee. Your voice matters!
👉 Apply here: [https://tinyurl.com/3z8x5uxu](https://tinyurl.com/3z8x5uxu)
📧 Submit applications to: cityclerk@cityofkalama.com
For questions, reach out to our Clerk at the email above or call 360-673-4561. We look forward to receiving your input on a committee! 💚 #KalamaCommunity
Visit here for committee details: https://www.cityofkalama.com/Home/Components/News/News/3989/1276
City Council Meeting October 17, 2024
Kalama City Council held a public hearing on the proposed revenues including recommendations on increases to property taxes, utility rates, and specific fees for services. Currently the preliminary budget is in balance except for the general fund, library, and community building. It is anticipated the carryover from 2024 will cover the small library shortage. Revenue projections figures were provided and included the requests for increases. A 1% property tax increase has been requested to help cover inflation and wage increases for general fund supported services. Sales taxes have fluctuated greatly in the last five years with a drop in 2024 due to the lack of construction and other large projects. General tax revenues provide the citizens with police, library, administrative services, building/planning/code enforcement, jail/court/legal, parks, and facilities maintenance while also providing supporting funds for streets and the community building.
3 Options for utility rate increases were presented:
• 8% increase on base and consumption rates: Average increase of 7%
• 8% water increase & 3% sewer increase on base and consumption rates: Average Increase of 3.7%
• 5% water increase on base and consumption, 5% sewer increase on consumption only: Average increase of 3%
Recommended fee increases were provided (see packet for details here: https://tinyurl.com/5b74du4y).
The Council voiced concerns about raising taxes and rates, while recognizing the necessity of meeting the needs of the community. It was noted that the property tax generates only a small amount of added revenue and weighed the political impacts.
A few items discussed included:
- Raising water rates more than sewer and the needs of each system
- Kalama’s water rates are the lowest in the County while sewer rates are high. Kalama ranks third in overall rates in the County. Other jurisdictions are also increasing rates as well. The consensus of the Council was to address the rates with no more than 3% to 3.5% overall increase.
- There was a split opinion on the property tax increase. Staff will bring the proposed property tax increase back for a final vote of the Council at the November 7th meeting. Final levy information needs to be provided to the County by mid-November. Staff will re-work the utility rate proposal to meet the Council’s suggestions and concerns.
The City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1521 amending the 2024 Budget by $31,285.
In reports:
- Mayor Reuter plans to bring a draft letter of support to the Council for considering, which requests that the County share landfill profits with all the cities in Cowlitz County. The Library is hosting upcoming history talks, and the first will be on October 26, from 2-4pm at the Kalama Baptist Church. Another library program has a local author mentoring new, young authors monthly.
- Applications for the open Public Works technician position are being accepted until November 1st.
- Police Chief Herrera noted the two new officers to fill the open positions in his department started on Tuesday and will be sworn in on November 7th. The new radar sign was installed and was up for less than 24 hours before being hit by a vehicle. It is now being repaired.
- Clerk/Treasurer McMaster noted the newly hired finance employees are doing well in their respective positions.
Upcoming Events:
- Downtown Trick or Treat hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, October 31st, 3-6pm (N 1st Street)
- Chief’s Caribbean Dinner (a Shop with a Cop Fundraiser) on November 1st, 6pm. See details here: https://tinyurl.com/46kjv3fh
The upcoming City Council meeting will be held on Thursday, October 17, 2024 @ 7:00pm in the City Council Chambers at 320 N 1st Street.
Agenda items include: Public Hearing for 2025 Revenues (property taxes, utility rates, city fees), and a budget amendment
The full agenda can be found here: https://www.towncloud.io/go/kalama-wa/agendas/661
The upcoming Civil Service meeting will be held on October 24, 2024 at 5:00pm at the City Council Chambers located at 320 N. 1st Street, Kalama.
City Council Meeting Recap 10.03.2024:
Mayor Reuter proclaimed October as Friends of the Library month. Council adopted Ordinance 1520, replacing Ordinance 1519, addressing camping on public property.
Based on the recommendations from the Parks and Rec committee, Council gave staff direction to research at ADA improvements, and visioning for park improvements or parks and recreation programing while preparing the 2025 budget request.
City Administrator Smee explained a few projects that were originally slated for use of the ARPA funds will not be under contract (or obligated by contract) before the end of 2024. This leaves a balance of just over $80K in ARPA funding. The lighting under the Elm Street overpass was canceled when WSDOT Bridge Division could not approve the permit-- citing the lights could be a hazard. The Port of Kalama and City have many projects running and have not yet had the opportunity to hire consultants for completing a feasibility study for a regional wastewater treatment plant. Administrator Smee offered an option that would obligate the ARPA funds and “free up” some general funds or sewer reserve funds by using ARPA funds on the City Hall project in lieu of either the proposed sewer interfund loan or the use of general fund reserves. The Council was clear they were not willing to lose, or have to repay, the federal ARPA funding, and agreed this plan would provide for future general capital improvement funding. A budget amendment would be drafted under this direction for consideration.
Citizen Staci Mangan presented information to the Council regarding the issues of feral cats in Kalama. Some items discussed included educating the Kalama community about feral cats and offering resources such as the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon (which also serves southwest WA) with a “trap, neuter, and release” program. The Council and Police Chief Herrera agreed the City could communicate additional education on the subject. The cost of funding a program, administered by the City, to include traps and staff time could cost $15,000 and up depending on the structure of the program. Community volunteers could establish contact with the coalition to run a program.
In reports:
- The library noted that the Gathering Place will celebrate its first anniversary and is still running strong.
- Tourism Secretary Moore requested direction from the Council on the amount of funding the Tourism Committee could potentially allocate at their upcoming meeting on October 21st. Requests received largely exceeded what the council’s structure had authorized based on estimated revenues for 2025. The Council advised it would be reasonable to include the $30,000 of carryover from the Cowlitz County tourism grant into the budget for 2025.
- Director of Public Works Rasmussen informed the Council the department would be accepting applications for the vacant Public Works technician until November 1st with a possible hire date as soon as December 1st.
- Police Chief Herrera reported the 2 new officers will be starting on October 16th. Tickets for the Shop with a Cop fundraiser Caribbean Dinner are available at the temporary City Hall and Police Department. There will be no ticket sales at the door.
- Clerk/Treasurer McMaster noted the Council can expect an invitation to the exit conference with the auditors at the end of the audit. A preliminary draft of the 2025 budget numbers was provided to the Council to begin their preparation for the revenue hearing at the next meeting. Revenues are proposed with increases to property taxes and utility rates.
The regular Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee meeting of October 8, 2024 has been canceled. The next scheduled meeting will be held on November 12, 2024 at 5:30pm in the City Council Chambers at 320 N. 1st Street, Kalama. Agenda information will be posted here: https://www.towncloud.io/go/kalama-wa
