Kalama ~ The City is finalizing its 2026 Budget and its five-year Capital Facilities Plan. There have been several well-attended public hearings to discuss these issues, and the council expects to finalize the Budget and Facilities Plan next month.

Several options for balancing the budget, while funding operations, future capital projects, and the potential 2026 general fund deficits were discussed:

• Change the library hours to be closed on Mondays.
• Increase water, sewer, and stormwater rates. (Most Cowlitz County cities are also discussing this option)
• Increased sales tax

The City Council discussed the increases and what they would mean to the citizens of Kalama by breaking down average costs and comparing them to the cost of living.

The Council Members and Staff showed great concern for residents and how these changes will affect them. The meeting was well attended, and several citizens spoke passionately for and against the proposals.

Some found the proposals to be more than satisfactory. One woman called the proposals “a good deal” and “an investment in the city”.

Another resident stated that her average water bill as a single woman is around $150 a month. She said many people are worried about their water bills, noting that her water bill is her largest utility bill.

Some said people living within the city have higher bills than those outside the city limits.

Low-income discounts are being discussed to help those in need.

Additional information related to water rate increases, including the effects on future projects if sewer rates are not increased, and a review of the potential final budget numbers, will be presented at the next public hearing during the regular Council meeting on December 4th.

The Federal Government awarded the City a $100,000 grant for a Transit Feasibility Study.

The Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments’ Metropolitan Planning Organization (CWCOG MPO) has negotiated a way to spend the monies through local liaisons.

A streamlined local process using the planning office should make the program easier to administer.

The council members voted unanimously to approve the transfer of the project from the City to CWCOG MPO, which they would have had to eventually use anyway.

Upcoming Meetings @ 320 N 1st St:

• Dec 4 @ 7pm – Council: 2026 Budget – Public Hearing

• Dec 18 @ 7pm – Council meeting