Clatskanie budget’s big increase

The end of the fiscal year is fast approaching, and governmental agencies around Columbia County are wrapping up their budget cycles. Clatskanie’s budget has ballooned this year as a result of an influx of funding for the city’s sewer plant project.

The Columbia County Chronicle & Chief reached out to Clatskanie City Manager Greg Hinkelman for more information about what citizens can expect from this year’s budget.

The significant change from last year is the over $20 million increase in the budget. This year’s budget is $29,740,178, well above last year’s $8,732,186. Hinkelman explained the reason for the jump.

“The big number includes projected funds we are anticipating to get from the State Revolving Fund and includes the already-received ARPA money to build our new sewer plant,” Hinkelman said. “Take away the sewer plant monies, and our budget is pretty much status quo.”

The city will not be cutting or adding any positions this year, though Hinkelman was glad to say that the city is now fully staffed after hiring candidates for two much-needed positions.

“We will soon be fully staffed as we have managed to find and hire a new Sewer Treatment Plant Operator who will start in a couple of weeks. We have been without a proper plant operator for almost two years. We are very excited to bring him on board,” Hinkelman said. “We have also hired a new public works director who started a couple of weeks ago. He is working out great.”

Filling these two positions is an accomplishment for the city and was one of the goals that Hinkelman outlined in January.

One of the significant changes in this year’s budget is what the city has allotted for law enforcement services, which the city contracts from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).

“One big change is to fund three sheriff’s office deputies at 100%,” Hinkelman said.

Clatskanie is now budgeting to fund all three CCSO deputy positions entirely, as opposed to the old split, which was covered 85% by the city and 15% by CCSO. Despite the increased budgeted law enforcement expenses, Hinkelman said the town has a solid fiscal shape.

“The city continues to be in good shape financially, and we have a big project about to go to bid with the new sewer plant,” Hinkelman said.

Follow developments and updated coverage at thechiefnews.com, thechronicleonline.com, and in the Wednesday print editions of The Columbia County Chronicle & Chief.