Frequently Asked Questions

Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 9.41.050 requires you to have a concealed pistol license when:

• You are carrying a pistol concealed on your person or;
• You are carrying or placing a loaded pistol in a vehicle.

If you live within the city limits of Washougal, you can apply online through Permitium or call 360-835-8701. If you live in the unincorporated area of the county, you must apply in person at the Sheriff’s Office. Non-Washington residents may apply at any local law enforcement agency in Washington State.

Fingerprinting for concealed pistol license (CPL) processing is by appointment only on Wednesdays at Washougal Police Department. 

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Schedule an appointment online through Permitium or call 360-835-8701. All non-vaccinated applicants must wear a face covering. 

If you live within the city limits of Washougal, you can apply online through Permitium or call 360-835-8701. If you live in the unincorporated area of the county, you must apply in person at the Sheriff’s Office. Non-Washington residents may apply at any local law enforcement agency in Washington State.

Fingerprinting for concealed pistol license (CPL) processing is by appointment only on Wednesdays at Washougal Police Department. 

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Schedule an appointment online through Permitium or call 360-835-8701. All non-vaccinated applicants must wear a face covering. 

Yes. You will need to be fingerprinted and a criminal history background check will be conducted before your license is issued.

Yes. The following requirements must be met:

• Resident of the City of Washougal or a Non-Washington resident
• 21 years of age or older at time of application
• Be a United States citizen or a permanent resident alien with a permanent resident card (green card)
• No pending trial, appeal or sentencing on a prohibitive charge
• No outstanding warrants for any charge, from any court
• No court order or injunction against possessing a firearm
• No mental health prohibitors
• No felony convictions
• No convictions for any of the following crimes when committed by one family member against another on or after July 1, 1993:
  • Assault IV
  • Coercion
  • Criminal Trespass in the first degree
  • Reckless Endangerment
  • Stalking
  • Violation of the provisions of a protection order or no-contact order restraining the person or excluding the person from the residence

If you are applying for your first concealed pistol license, it may take up to 30 days to complete the background check before the license is issued. If you do not have a Washington driver's license or identification card it can take up to 60 days.

You will need to bring:

• Picture identification, (i.e. Valid Washington driver's license or identification card)
• A fee of $49.25 cash, check, or money order made payable to the City of Washougal (This fee is non-refundable and if you are paying by cash it must be the exact amount)

Your concealed pistol license is valid for five years from the date your license is issued. You will not receive a renewal notice and it is your responsibility to ensure your license has not expired.

If you live within the City of Washougal, you may renew your concealed pistol license in person at the Washougal Police Department by appointment only at this time. You may renew your license up to 90 days prior to the expiration date for a fee of $32, or up to 90 days after the expiration date for a late renewal fee of $42. You must provide picture identification and your current concealed pistol license. After 90 days you will be required to apply for an original license with a fee of $49.25. All applicants must wear a face covering.

RENEWALS:

Online or Mail-in. You may not apply until 90 days prior to the expiration date shown on your current CPL.

LATE RENEWALS:

Online or Mail-in. Applications will be accepted up to 90 days after the expiration date shown on your current CPL.

Renewal applications submitted by mail must be accompanied with a check made out to the City of Washougal, along with a copy of the applicant's driver's license (or ID) and mailed to:

Washougal Police Department
1320 A Street
Washougal, WA  98671

Online Application

Mail-in Application

If you live in the City of Washougal and your license has been lost, stolen or destroyed, you may obtain a replacement license. You will need to apply in person at the Washougal Police Department, during the regular business hours. The fee for a replacement license is $10.

If your address changes, you may apply for a replacement license, but this is not a requirement.

Washington has reciprocity or accepts concealed pistol licenses issued by a number of other states, so long as the handgun is carried in accordance with Washington law. The Washington State Attorney General's website provides a list of those states that have reciprocity with Washington for concealed pistol licenses.

• View Chapter 9.41 RCW: Firearms and Dangerous Weapons.
• Call the Department of Licensing in Olympia at 360-664-6616.
• You may also write to:
  Department of Licensing
  Firearms Unit
  P.O. Box 9469
  Olympia, WA 98504-9649

The last day of the second month shall be known as the billing date. The bill shall be due and payable in full upon receipt.

Individuals who have questions regarding service provided by the City of Washougal Utilities are encouraged to contact the Utility Billing Department.

• Utility Billing Hours are: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Mailing Address for business office:
  1701 C Street
  Washougal, WA, 98671
• Customer Service phone number: 360-835-8501, Option 1
• Emergency service phone number: 360-735-9509 (after-hours)

Utility Billing shall maintain account records for each customer that includes the customer's legal name, billing address, account number, service address, current charges and account history including consumption, past due charges, penalties and fees.

Bills for municipal utility services provided shall be issued bimonthly by Washougal Utilities, and are required to be paid bimonthly in full by the customer. Bimonthly billings shall be mailed on the last business day of the second month of service.

Typically, meters shall be read between the 12th and 17th day of every other month. Most utility meter readings are obtained every other month through a touch pad read.

Payments can be made:

• Through automatic bank withdrawal
• By mail to:
  City of Washougal
  1701 C Street
  Washougal, WA, 98671
• In person at the Utility Billing Office in City Hall 
• By drop box is located outside the main doors
• By phone at 833-209-4078
• Online

All payments must be received by City of Washougal before close of business on the last day of the month following the bill date. The City of Washougal does not take any payments over the phone.

The City will provide a drop box for utility payments to be made on holidays, weekends and out of office hours.

Yes, you can make a payment on your utility account at any time. If the payment results in a credit on your account, the credit will be used on your next bimonthly bill.

Any customer who is disconnected for non-payment shall not be reconnected until payment of all charges and fees outlined in the Notice of Past Due Balance and Disconnection of Service (Delinquent Bill).

Reconnection will only occur between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m, Monday through Friday, excluding City observed holidays. Payment must be received in the Utility Billing office before 3 p.m. for a same-day reconnection. If payment for reconnection is made after 3 p.m, reconnection will occur on the next business day.

The residential application shall include:

• The applicant's name
• The number of other adults living at the residence
• Service address
• Mailing address
• Date of birth
• Signature of the party responsible for payment

The commercial application shall include the applicant's name, the number of employees, service address, mailing address, federal identification number, signature of the party responsible for payment.

Two forms of identification are required at the time of application for utility service. One form of identification must include a photo. The second form of identification must prove ownership of the service location. Acceptable forms of identification include, but are not limited to:

• Drivers license
• State issued identification card
• Housing and Urban Development (HUD) statement
• Deed of ownership

Any credit in excess of $10 remaining on a customer's utility account after the final bill has been created shall be refunded to the customer in the form of a check issued by the City of Washougal if a forwarding address has been provided.

Any credit amount if no forwarding address has been provided or if it is $10 or less remaining on a customer's utility account after the final bill has been created shall be retained by the city to cover administrative expenses.

Customers who are unable to pay their utility bill by the due date are encouraged to contact the Utility Billing office to arrange a mutually agreed-upon payment plan, with the goal of the payment plan being to bring the customer's account current. Utility Billing staff has the right to reject a proposed payment plan if it is determined not to achieve the goal of bringing a customer's account current.

Customers who are having difficulty paying their City of Washougal Utility bill may receive assistance from the City of Washougal. This assistance may include referrals to organizations, agencies, and programs which provide financial assistance, as well as other services offered by City of Washougal. Information may be disseminated regarding community service agencies, which may have programs designed to assist with payment of utility bills.

Washougal Utilities offers an automatic bank withdrawal payment option. After enrollment in this program, bimonthly utility payments will be deducted on the 20th of the month following the bill date.

If the 20th falls on a weekend or a holiday, then the deduction shall be taken on the first business day following the holiday or weekend.

• The City of Washougal recognizes the rights and duties of landlords and tenants as outlined in federal law, state statutes, local ordinances, safety and housing codes, common law, contract law and a number of court decisions.
• Notification for the establishment of utility service at a rental service address may only be made by the owner using the Direct Renter Billing Form (DRB).
• Scheduling of a meter reading for a tenant's final bill can be made by either the landlord or the tenant on record.
• The legal owner of the property receiving the service is responsible for all water, sewer and storm water bills.
• The Utility Billing office will not mediate disputes regarding billing issues between a landlord and tenant.

• It is not our policy to turn the water off upon discovering that somebody may have a leak. We will call and speak to the customer of record or leave a voice mail or leave a door hanger at the property in question.
• It is the customers responsibility to verify if they have a leak on their property and to get said leak fixed within 30 days of notification to qualify for a leak adjustment.
• Qualifying leak adjustments will have the overage charged because of the leak reduced by 50% for up to 2 billing cycles (4months).
• The overage is worked out using 6 prior consecutive reads. If it is a new build with less than 6 prior reads we will use the flat fee consumption for leak adjustment calculations.

Please feel free to contact us at our Operations number at 360-835-2662 and we will be glad to let you know what we are spraying for and what materials we are using at that time.

The Mosquito Control Board. They can be reached at:

Clark County Mosquito Control District
Mario Boisvert, District Manager
PO Box 5032
Vancouver, WA. 98668
Phone : 360-574-7906

For all street light related problems please call Clark Public Utilities directly at 360-992-3000.

Please have the following information ready:

• The address of the street light
• Any other information that might help crews find and repair the light
• The nearest cross street, what side of the street the light is on
• Your name and phone number

Online Form

You may also visit Clark Public Utilities to fill out an online form.

Contact the Streets Department at 360-835-2662 to report this to the Operations Center office. After business hours please call Sonitrol at 360-735-9509.

City Hall will be able to help you with any utility bill questions. The number is 360-835-8501. Information about utility billing may also be found on the Utility Billing webpage.

The Streets Department can be called at 360-835-2662 to report this to the Operations Center office.

The street sweeper will be out during the first full week of the month on a reoccurring basis. Please remember that sweeping may be delayed due to equipment failure, weather, scheduling, and other related issues. 

1. The first step is to sign up from the YourGov website to report an issue and track the progress through completion.
2. Type an address in the Search for a location text box, be sure to click the plus sign to open the Report an Issue form.
3. View the map to ensure the orange circle marks the location of the issue, if needed drag the circle to the correct location.
4. Verify the address on the Report an Issue form. Be specific as possible to assist us in locating your issue.
5. Select an issue type from the drop down list.
6. Write a detailed description of the problem. This is important to ensure your issue is addressed promptly.
7. Optionally, you may add an image of the issue in the form of a jpeg. Click the Browse for an image file at the top of the form.
8. After filling out the form with as much detail as possible, click Submit.
9. Your issue will be automatically submitted to the appropriate City department.

Tracking Your Issue

While you can submit issues anonymously, for best results create an account by clicking Sign Up. Those who have an account can track the response to their issues and can also be contacted for more information when necessary to complete the request. If you have signed in, you can view your issues under the My Issues tab and you will receive an email notification when an issue has been addressed.

YourGOV currently supports the Apple iPhone and Android powered smart phones. As with the web application, you can report an issue, which in turn will be brought into the City’s Work Management solution. In addition, by using a smart phone to submit, a picture can be attached to the issue.

Download the YourGOV phone application for iPhone/iPad or Android.

Visit the State of Washington's Business Licensing Service page for Washougal, fill out the forms for state application if you don't have one, and the add addendum. If you already have your state license, just the add addendum.

Our partnership with the State Business Licensing Service will allow you “one-stop” shopping when maintaining or renewing many of your state and cities licenses. In addition to filing on paper, many of you will have the option to renew your city license online. New or expanding businesses will also be able to apply for their City license online along with other state and local licenses that are in the system. We are sure you will value the savings in travel time, wait time, and bookkeeping costs that this service represents.

Right now, you do not have to take any action. Six weeks before your current license expiration date, the Business Licensing Service (BLS) will send you a license renewal form to renew your City of Washougal business license. Follow the instructions on the renewal notice.

If you are eligible to file your renewal online, the form will provide you a web address and password. You will use a credit card to make payment for online transactions. If you prefer to mail the paper renewal form, please do so in plenty of time to reach BLS before the expiration date, and include a check for the appropriate amount. If the renewal is received after the expiration date, a late filing fee will be assessed.

Many other Washington towns and cities are joining the State Business Licensing Service (BLS), and we are pleased to be among those joining in 2011. This is a proven, cost-effective program that provides benefits to you, the City of Washougal, and all businesses in the state. As more cities partner with BLS, the benefits will expand. For the City of Washougal, it means fewer resources will have to be found to handle the paperwork part of our licensing process, even as the City grows.

You may contact the Finance Department at 360-835-8501, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For questions about the State Business Licensing website, contact:
Business Licensing Service
Phone: 800-451-7985
Fax: 360-705-6699
Email Business Licensing Service

A "scatter garden" is a special area set aside in the cemetery in which uncontained cremated remains may be placed in the ground. The cemetery staff will make an opening in the ground into which the cremated remains will be placed, "scattered", and then buried. The cremated remains are not recoverable once placed and no map is kept of exactly where in the garden they were placed. Detailed records of the burial of all remains in this area will be kept by the City and a memorial name marker will be added to the Memorial Stone.

No, grave markers/headstones are not allowed in the scatter garden. Each person interred in the Cremain Memorial Garden will have a bronze name plaque placed on the memorial stone in the center of the area.

Plaques placed on the memorial stone are only for those buried within the scatter garden. The Washougal Memorial Cemetery does not have a memory wall at this time for tributes to persons buried elsewhere.

The package price allows for burial with or without service set up and placement of a bronze name plaque on the memorial stone. Cemetery staff will set up the appropriate equipment for families to hold their service in the Cremain Memorial Garden. However, cemetery staff is only responsible for burial place preparation/closing; cemetery equipment set up/take down and plaque placement.

If you would like more information on scatter garden placement, or any of our cemetery services or lots, please contact Kelly Brown 360.835.2662 x201, or email kelly.brown@cityofwashougal.us

Thank you for contacting Washougal Memorial Cemetery. Please fill out the inquiry form so that staff can better assist you.

More than 50 billion paper checks are processed each year. Each check progresses through a complex and time-consuming maze. Today, money can be safely and accurately transferred electronically through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system with the Federal Reserve.

You complete and submit the enrollment form authorizing the bank to make utility payments for you by electronically debiting your bank account. On the selected date (20th of each month, or first available business day), the electronic payment is made from your accounts.

Nothing! The City of Washougal does not charge for this service.

Each payment will be clearly identified on your bank account statement from your bank, savings and loan, or credit union. Additionally, each month your City of Washougal utility statement will indicate your current balance and indicate that "your bill will be paid by bank draft."

If your completed authorization form is received prior to the 14th of the month, the application will be processed and your bank account information verified. Your first bill will indicate "paid by bank draft," but this is only a pre-note. You must pay this bill by check! Your next and all future bills will automatically be paid by Automated Clearing House (ACH).

Fill out and submit the Cancellation for Automatic Utility Billing Payment Form (PDF) to the City of Washougal either in person at City Hall or by email. Notification of your request to stop this automatic payment must be received no later than the 10th of the month.

The bank and City will charge you a fee. The City of Washougal's fee for insufficient funds is $40, and you will be removed from automatic withdrawal.

This is a question many people may ask themselves when planning alterations to their home. A decision not to get a permit could be very costly. Some homeowners are finding when they try to sell or refinance their home, prospective buyers or lending institutions want proof that alterations are in compliance with local codes.

Without a permit and inspection on record, there is no proof. The homeowner must then apply for a permit with no guarantee that the remodel will meet the codes, and they face the possibility that the remodel must be redone or removed. This is costly and frustrating and could cause delays in refinancing or a lost sale of their home. A permit normally would provide a reasonable amount of assurance that what was proposed and eventually constructed would meet structural, fire, life, and safety requirements found in the building code.

The City does not require a permit before commencing emergency repairs. However, a permit for the emergency work must be applied for on the first business day after the work has commenced. The City of Washougal defines an emergency as something that affects basic needs. A common emergency repair that does not require a permit includes:

Securing damaged structural members, roofs, decks, or stairs in a safe and weather tight manner. You must obtain a permit before repairing damaged structural members, roofs, decks, or stairs.

A building permit is not required for the following per Section 105.2:

• One to story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, tree supported play structures, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet
• Fences to not over 6 feet high
• Oil derricks
• Retaining walls to Not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III to A liquids
• Water tanks to Supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1.
• Sidewalks and driveways (See section WMC 12.30.010 for Right-of-Way compliance)
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, counter tops and similar finish work
• Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery
• Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R, Division 3 Occupancy, as applicable in section 1012, which are less than 24 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground
• Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes and not including service systems
• Swings, slides and other similar playground equipment
• Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support of Group R, Division 3, as applicable in Section 1012, and Group U Occupancies
• Movable cases, counters, and partitions to Not over 5 feet 9 inches in height
• Satellite earth station antennas 6-1/2 feet or less in diameter or diagonal in zones other than residential zones
• Satellite earth station antennas 3-1/4 feet or less in diameter or diagonal in residential zones
• Video programming service antennas 3-1/4 feet or less in diameter or diagonal dimension, regardless of zones

A mechanical permit is required to install, alter, repair, replace or remodel per International Mechanical Code and (WMC) 15.04.020(7).

A mechanical permit is not required for the following per UMC Section 112.2:

• Portable heating, cooking, or clothes drying appliances
• Portable ventilating equipment
• Portable cooling unit
• Steam, hot or chilled water piping within heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code
• Replacement of any part which does not alter its approval or make it unsafe
• Portable evaporative cooler
• Self to contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds or less of refrigerant and actuated by motors of one horsepower or less
• Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected.

A plumbing permit is required for any installation, alteration, repair, replacement or remodel of any plumbing system regulated by WMC 15.09.10 Section 105.2 (C) to See Plumbing Permit Application and Checklist.

A plumbing permit is not required for the following per UPC Section 103.1.2:

• Stopping and/or repairing of leaks in drains, soil, waste, or vent pipe provided, however, that should any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe become defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, the same shall be considered new work and a permit shall be procured and inspection made as provided in this code
• The clearing of stoppages
• Re-installation or replacement of prefabricated fixtures that do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves or pipes

Not necessarily, a new home has far more fees associated with it than remodels because of development fees. These development fees are not charged each time that an alteration is made. Building permit fees are based on the value (construction costs including materials and typical labor costs) of the work to be done. As an example, an alteration with a value of $10,000 would have a building permit fee (including plan review) of around $225.

Each person will have a different view of what is and is not expensive; however, a few hundred dollars now may save thousands in the future. Other permits such as plumbing, electrical and mechanical (heating and cooling) have fees based on the number and type of installations.

Penalties can be levied for those who refuse to comply with the law. The Building Division would rather see a building conform to the code than punish a homeowner. If a homeowner discovers that they did not obtain a permit when required, they do not necessarily have to tear the project down and start over. If the alteration can meet the applicable codes, they will be approved.

Our inspectors won't necessarily approve something they cannot see and may require small sections of wall or roof covering be removed to verify the construction meets the code. There can be no guarantee that some changes may need to be made, and some may not be easy to accomplish.

The purpose behind building codes is to give reasonable assurance that a home is safe from structural failure, fire hazards from electrical and heating systems, electrical shock, and health risks. The permits provide a permanent record of the work performed and inspections conducted on the project.

No. The new work must be constructed under the codes in effect today.

No. Only the new portion must meet the current codes unless the remodel creates a hazard for the existing building, such as overloading an existing beam.

For one thing, any contracted person doing work who is not currently registered with the State Construction Contractors Board is doing so illegally. Would you want this type of person working on your home?

Another reason is the registration provides some protection to the homeowner from being charged for work and materials not provided or paying twice for them (material suppliers and subcontractors can place a lien on your home if they do not receive payment from your contractor). There are also trade licenses for those persons doing plumbing and electrical work to provide some assurance that they have adequate knowledge and training in those fields.

Often there is a misunderstanding between the contractor and owner as to who is responsible for obtaining the permits. Be sure it is clear who is responsible. If the contractor were to be responsible for obtaining the permits, it would be wise to have the contractor provide proof they did so. The owner will ultimately be responsible for the work on their property.

Keep in mind that while you may be exempt from a permit, you may still be required to obtain other types of permits and/or approvals. For example, you may not need a building permit to build a 100 square foot shed on your property, but you will still be required to meet structure setback requirements from property lines required by the zoning code and the structure must still comply with building code regulations. If your property is located in a flood hazard zone, a flood hazard permit may still be required.

Maybe. In most cases, you do not need a permit to remove a tree on your property at this time. However, if the tree is located within a critical area, you may need a Critical Areas Permit in order to remove the tree. There are exemptions to this requirement for hazard trees and documentation must be submitted demonstrating that the exemption applies. The Community Development department will review your documentation and process the exemption.

If the tree is located in the right-of-way or is a street tree, you will need a right-of-way permit. One rule of thumb in determining where the right-of-way is located is to look for city owned items such as water meter boxes and utility poles. Anything between those objects and the curb is most often located within the right-of-way.

If you plan to plant within the right-of-way you will need a permit. If you're planting upon any other area of your property, you do not need a permit. No matter where you intend to plant, be sure to call ahead for utility locates before you begin digging. You can call 811 or 800-424-5555. Locates are typically performed within 48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays.

Yes you can. You are within your right as the property owner to remove any portion of the tree that grows over the property line. However, this is not always what is best for the tree. We encourage you to work with your neighbor to come to a solution that is acceptable to you and your neighbor while keeping in mind what is best for the health of the tree. Please weigh this option carefully; as you could be held liable if the work you do prompts the failure of the tree.

The property owner is responsible for the maintenance of street trees.  All trees with adjacent pedestrian usage shall maintain 7 feet of clearance to the lowest branches. When adjacent to a roadway, no limbs or other vegetation shall extend beyond the curb line or edge of the asphalt for a distance of 7 ½ feet above the road surface.

Call us and we will help you determine ownership of the tree. If the tree is located on the property of another, we can help you resolve the issue with the other property owner. If the tree is hanging over your property line, please see question number 3.

No, at this time the City does not have an urban forest ordinance; however, a tree may still be protected.

Windowing is the act of removing a select branch or two higher up in a large tree to allow for a view of a scenic area. Skirting up a tree means removing some of the lower branches to allow for a view of a scenic area or to allow for passage under the tree. Both of these are presently accepted practices. We recommend you consult with your homeowners association (HOA) prior to performing this kind of work. More often the not, there are guidelines in place requiring that only non-mechanized machinery be used in conservation areas, steep slopes, wetlands, and buffers. We encourage you to use a certified arborist.

The International Society of Arboriculture maintains a list of certified arborists and tree care professionals. You can search their database by location, postal code, certification number or last name.

Tree topping is the process of removing large branches from the canopy of a tree. This is frequently done in an effort to make the tree smaller, safer, and more manageable. The opposite is often true, however.

Tree topping is not an accepted pruning practice. Topping is detrimental to the health of the tree. It drastically reduces or removes the tree's ability to feed itself through the process of photosynthesis due to the lack of or reduction of its leaves. The large wounds left on a tree after topping are more susceptible to disease, decay and eventual failure. A topped tree will put all of its energy into regaining its height by sending out numerous small and bushy branches that are weakly attached at the removal site. Topping may then need to be repeated regularly, costing the homeowner more money in the long run.

• International Society of Arboriculture, for tree information or a find a tree professional in your area.
• American Forests, the nation's oldest nonprofit conservation organization.
• Trees Are Good, an informative website full of great information on trees.
• Friends of Trees, a local organization serving the Portland-Vancouver community.
• Ascending the Giants, an interesting website highlighting the ongoing expeditions of two arborists dedicated to measuring champion trees, the largest trees of their species.

Yes! View the city's Recommended Street Tree Planting List (updated 2022).

Contact City Hall at 360-835-8501 and inquire about the business or conduct a search by business name at the Washington State Department of Revenue website.

Contact the Community Development Department at 360-835-8501 with the exact location of the sign, or stop by City Hall at 1701 C Street and look at the official Washougal Zoning Map.

This year’s festival will once again be different due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The City of Washougal is holding the Pumpkin Harvest Festival as a Trick-or-Treat walk-thru event at Hathaway Park this year. Free pumpkins and goodie bags of Halloween toys and treats will be given away. Children (and adults!) are encouraged to wear their costumes. Physical distancing and low-contact guidelines will be observed at this event to keep you and your family safe. Please wear a face covering.

In years past, local families would dress in Halloween costumes and gather at Reflection Plaza in downtown Washougal for children’s games, free snacks, entertainment and of course, a free pumpkin! Unfortunately, the event will not proceed in this way.

The Pumpkin Harvest Festival Trick-or-Treat Walk-Thru will be held at Hathaway Park (732 25th St, Washougal, WA 98671) from 2-5pm.

No, there will not be games this year. The city will provide Halloween bags that children can take to different areas of the event to receive toys, treats and a pumpkin. While supplies last.

This event gives families an opportunity to wear their Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat through Hathaway Park. Physical distancing and low-contact guidelines will be observed at this event. Please wear a face covering.

For details contact Rose Jewell, City of Washougal at Rose.jewell@cityofwashougal.us.

This event is FREE for Washougal families. Pumpkins and prizes will be distributed while supplies last.

The Washougal Pumpkin Harvest Festival is presented by the City of Washougal, along with partnerships with Columbia River Realty who donated toward purchase of the pumpkins. Thank you to our partners: Washougal Police Department, Camas-Washougal Fire Department, Washougal Community Library, ReFuel Washougal

Absolutely! We are encouraging all to wear costumes at this event, but keep in mind that a plastic costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth face covering. Please wear a face covering.

This event will take place rain or shine!

You can type your address into this online tool to find out if you live in Washougal city limits or Clark County: https://clark.wa.gov/code-administration/fireworks 

Legal fireworks can be purchased during the following time period:

• July 2: 9am-11pm
• July 3: 9am-11pm
• July 4: 9am-11pm

There is a fireworks stand at 3003 Addy St. near Bi-Mart.

Yes, as long as they are legal AND meet the definition of Safe and Sane. See definitions below. 

LEGAL

“Safe and sane” fireworks are those that are neither projectile nor explosive—basically anything that doesn’t leave the ground.

This includes:

• Fountains
• Sparklers
• Smokeballs
• Snake-type fireworks
• Ground-spinning fireworks
• Pinwheels
• Most novelty fireworks
• Toy-trick noisemakers
• Some crackling items

ILLEGAL

Fireworks that fly, explode or travel more than one foot into the air or more than six feet on the ground.

This includes:

• Firecrackers
• Salutes
• Chasers
• Rockets
• Aerial missiles and spinners
• Mortar-type fireworks
• Roman candle-types
• Any other device (combination or novelty) that is structurally or functionally similar

Please call 911 if you see the following:

• Someone is injured from a firework
• There is a fire started by a firework
• You witness someone attempting to start a fire with a firework
• You witness someone assaulting someone with a firework

To report illegal fireworks usage:

1. Complete the form at CRESA911.org

• https://cresa911.org/formcenter/non-emergency-12/submit-fireworks-complaint-56

2. Contact our Call Center at 360-597-7888 during the following hours:

• Wednesday, July 3rd 5:00 pm to 1:00 am
• Thursday, July 4th 1:00 pm to 1:00 am
• Friday, July 5th 7:00 pm to 12:00 am
• Saturday, July 6th 7:00 pm to 12:00 am

Reports of illegal fireworks will be shared with the appropriate authority.

SAVE 9-1-1 CALLS FOR TRUE EMERGENCIES

During the holiday, CRESA (Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency) asks that residents not call 911 to report fireworks. Instead they can call 311 during to record fireworks nuisance complaints.  Only call 911 to report if you witness or see something on fire or if there is a medical or life-threatening emergency. Callers reporting nuisances or noise complaints around fireworks delay or block other callers with life-threatening emergencies from reaching 911. 

LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONSE 

Law Enforcement from Battle Ground, Camas, La Center, Ridgefield, Vancouver, Washougal, Yacolt and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office must prioritize their response during periods of high demand.  Illegal use of Fireworks and noise complaints are most often non-emergent in nature.  

During the busy holiday, law enforcement often must delay or suspend their response to non-emergency requests for service in order to respond to emergency events (assault, robbery, etc.). Protecting lives and preserving property are the highest priorities.

What can you do?

1. Talk to your neighbors first
2. Prepare your household for the reality that people will use fireworks
3. Remember fireworks are legal in many portions of Clark County.

If you witness or see something on fire, if there is a medical or life-threatening emergency, please call 9-1-1.

Do Not Call 911 if:

• Your neighbors are setting off fireworks
• It is 10:30 PM and you need to get up early tomorrow
• The noise is upsetting your animals

COMPLAINTS

To record a complaint related to fireworks activities in Clark County, please call 311.

This is one of the busiest times for our 9-1-1 dispatch center and First Responders with call volume tripling. Injuries and fires will take priorities, and other regular calls for service are still happening and need to be addressed such as medical calls and car accidents. Please note there may be delays in response due to extreme call volume.

What can you do?

1. Talk to your neighbors first
2. Prepare your household for the reality that people will use fireworks
3. Remember fireworks are legal in many portions of Clark County.

If you witness or see something on fire, if there is a medical or life-threatening emergency, please call 9-1-1.

Violations will be punished with a civil infraction and by a fine of:

• $250 – first offense
• $500 – second offense
• $750 – third offense
• $1,000 – each subsequent offense within a three-year period

In addition to citations being issued, any illegal fireworks may be seized.

Yes! You may be subject to arrest for Reckless Burning in the First Degree 9A.48.040 or Second Degree 9A.48.050 depending on what type of structure or property is damaged, even if you did not intend on damaging it. Additionally, if you use fireworks in a reckless manner and someone is injured as a result, you may be subject to arrest for Unlawful discharge or use of fireworks 70.77.488.

Hartwood Park is located at 2211 49th St, Washougal, WA 98671.

This concept was developed in 2011 and was unanimously approved by the Park Board. During the park master planning process, the park master plan identified that the community wanted a disc golf course. After reviewing all the park locations Hartwood became the best option. 

The City’s goals for the disc golf course project are:

1. Design a course that will be an asset to the neighborhood and community and provide recreation opportunities for all ages.
2. Develop an outreach program with the neighbors to share the design, next steps, and balance between community needs and neighborhood happiness.
3. Work with an environmental firm to permit and do any necessary mitigation for this course. This effort requires removing some of the blackberry bushes, which has already been initiated.
4. The disc golf course design will be 9 holes with clear directional signage and will be safe for the playground and walkers.

The City will provide updates on this project via social media (Facebook, Twitter and Nextdoor), Zoom meetings (Parks Board and City Council), mailers, and neighborhood meetings. Neighbors and community members can submit feedback on most these platforms in addition to the form on this website or by clicking XXX.

This concept was developed in 2011 and was unanimously approved by the Park Board. During the park master planning process, the community was involved in developing this plan and the recommendations were noted in the plan. Since that vote, the disc golf has been talked about in Park Board meetings and shared at a Council Workshop (CIP prioritization meeting in February 2021).

The City has hired a professional disc golf course designer and safety of the course the number one priority.

The City has adjusted a larger disc buffer zone around the baskets, making it less likely the discs will go into these areas.

The course designer’s focus is to protect the walking paths. The paths will not change; the baskets will be moved to a location that makes walking safe.

All City parks in our area have seen an increase in cussing, drinking, and vandalism. The City realizes this is a problem for all parks and are working to manage this issue.

The focus for this course is to make it a family fun disc golf course. When the first design was created it was an 18-hole course, which brings in more of the disc golf community. Now that the course is 9 holes, it becomes a more family friendly recreation opportunity rather than a full course.

The City will release the disc golf map once it becomes final. The process involves completing permitting requirements and an environmental review before the map becomes final.

The goal is to remove nonnative species, such as Himalayan blackberry because that will increase the potential for improved habitat and eliminate some of the native planting from dying because they were choked out by the blackberries. The City is working hard on the riparian buffer area and existing wetland area to enhance this with additional plantings, which will help to increase native plant diversity and richness.

All cities utilize correction crews to help with routine maintenance in parks. The corrections crews are made up of minor offense criminals and always have a sheriff on site.

The City has been keeping an eye on this bridge for a couple of years. City staff recently evaluated the bridge and found that failures have gotten worst. The City has requested dollars in the 2022 budget to replace the bridge, which have been approved.

Once some of the invasive blackberry bushes are removed, the City will start planting native plantings in these areas. Everything being done in this area is to improve the buffer zone.

Like cities throughout Washington, Washougal sets rates in order to recover the actual cost of service and invest in system improvements and maintenance. A rate study is periodically conducted to determine the necessary rates to recover operating, capital, and debt service costs. The rates are presented to the City Council for approval. Washougal has been conducting rate study updates on a five-year cycle. By state law, utilities are independent enterprises and are required to pay for themselves. They cannot and do not subsidize other parts of city budgets.

The rate setting philosophy includes the following principles:

• Adequate Revenues: The rates and fees must generate adequate revenue to operate and maintain the system and invest in the system to provide necessary and mandated improvements.
• Equity Among Customer Classes: Rates are evaluated to provide equity among and between all customers and customer classes (residential, multi-family and commercial), so that one customer or customer class is not subsidizing another.
• Stability: The proposed rates must provide a stable revenue stream in order to provide reliable operation of the system.
• System Growth is Supported by Growth: System expansion (treatment capacity, piping requirements, etc.) is supported by fees, called System Development Charges (SDCs), collected with new development. The Council has adopted SDCs at the highest lawful rate to ensure that growth is paying its fair share.  The cost of operations and capital replacements are paid by existing and new customers.
• Maintain Credit Ratings: Rates are set to maintain good credit ratings in order to lower the cost of borrowing funds for large capital projects.

• The City held an open house on November 5, 2022, to introduce the community to the study. 
• The city also conducted a series of interviews with community members to better understand their concerns about rates and to answer questions about the rate study. 
• After the open house and interviews, the city convened the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) made up of residential, small business, and commercial customers. 
  • The CAC met 6 times over 9 months to dig into the details of the three utilities and to provide advice to the city council on new rates that will ensure the city can provide these essential services and that will have minimal impacts on ratepayers. 
  • The CAC initially weighed four general options for future rates: 
    • maintain existing rates
    • decrease existing rates by 10%
    • increase rates considering inflation and 5-year capital needs
    • increase rates by considering inflation and programmed 10-year capital needs. 
  • The CAC felt that the “maintain existing rates” and “decrease rates by 10%” options were financially irresponsible and would only result in “passing the buck” into the future while putting the city’s water, sewer, and stormwater systems at risk. As the CAC reviewed the other two options, and several other iterations of those options, they determined that it would be their advice to city council to adopt new rates that would limit annual increases for the average residential customer to 3% annually for a combined water, sewer and stormwater bill over the next five years, while ensuring equity between customer classes. This results in the following system wide annual increases: 2.9% single family, 2.3% Multi-family, 3.3% Commercial and 3.3% Large Commercial.

Upcoming Outreach

• The City is holding a public open house on November 29, 2023, to review the rate study process with the community. 
• The City is also holding two informal drop in sessions on the rate study and will share details about those events once they are scheduled. 
• City Council is scheduled to consider adopting the new rates in January 2024 and, if adopted, the new rates will take effect in February 2024.

While we won’t know the exact rate increase until City Council takes action in early 2024, for the average residential customer the city is currently considering a 2.9% annual rate increase in the combined utility bill each year between 2024 and 2028. This equates to an increase of roughly $8.08 per each bi-monthly bill, or $4.04 per month for the average residential customer. The rate increase amount is consistent with what our consultant is seeing with other cities, and in some cases it is less.

Without a rate increase we would have to reconsider the pressing needs of our aging systems and prioritize those that are most critical to ensuring public and environmental health. We would be forced to defer major infrastructure projects, which would, in turn, leave our existing systems vulnerable. This short-term “gain” of no rate increases would only result in higher costs for needed upgrades, dramatic future rate increases, and possible increased regulatory oversight by permitting agencies in coming years – essentially kicking the can down the road. 

There are also regulatory issues to consider. For example, the city’s wastewater treatment plant requires significant upgrades to meet mandated regulatory requirements. If we don’t make those upgrades, we will be out of compliance, which could result in fines and increased costs in the future. 

In addition to these capital project issues, the City’s utility cash reserves would be depleted, leaving the utilities vulnerable. Cuts would be required to operations and maintenance, resulting in reduced staffing, compromising our ability to adequately maintain and operate our systems. 

In a worst-case scenario, the state of Washington could take control of the utility and manage it without input from the City of Washougal.

The city understands that the format of the current bill can be confusing and is planning on rolling out an improved billing format in early 2024.

The most typical bi-monthly utility bill for Washougal ratepayers varies by billing cycle and season, depending upon water use. However, the average bi-monthly bill for residential customers is $286.14 (comprised of water - $94.28, sewer -$156.69, and stormwater - $35.17). This equates to $143.07 on a monthly basis; water rates include a base rate and a usage charge. 

It is true that our utility rates are generally higher than other cities in Clark County. However, compared to other communities in the region and state, our utility rates are nowhere near the highest. There are a number of communities with higher utility rates than Washougal, some much higher. The chart below provides a comparison of utility rates in and outside of Clark County for a residential customer using 15 ccf of water (11,200 gallons of water per year).

Exhibit 1: Utility rates comparison

Rates vary between utility providers for a variety of reasons that can be summarized in four categories: the number and type of customers; the timing of past investments in infrastructure; the current and future need for infrastructure investments; and the specific utility rate policies adopted by the organization. Each city is different, which makes it difficult to do “apples to apples” comparisons, and even though some cities may be similar in one of these categories, differences in the others can have a dramatic effect on rates.

• Number and type of customers: Typically, cities with higher populations have a larger and broader rate base with more customers and can spread costs more easily than cities with smaller populations. The type of customers within a city also makes a difference. Cities with more businesses and commercial/industrial customers can recover a higher proportion of required revenue to run their utilities from these customers. These customer types use more water and pay a higher rate because of their usage levels. For example, the City of Camas has about 10,000 more residents than Washougal and has more commercial and industrial customers (244 and 38 respectively according to their 2015 Water System Plan). Not all larger cities have lower rates. Sometimes there are other issues facing larger systems which can cause their rates to be relatively higher. 
  
  Some smaller cities receive services from larger utility providers or are part of a larger partnership. This is true for the utility systems in Battle Ground and Ridgefield. Battle Ground is immediately contiguous to Clark Public utilities and during peak water use in the summer receives a portion of their water through a large “intertie” to the CPU system. This allows them to benefit from CPU’s much larger water rate base of over 39,000 homes and businesses. Both Battle Ground and Ridgefield are part of a partnership for waste-water treatment. They do not operate their own treatment plant like we do in Washougal. Their wastewater is sent to the Salmon Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is owned and operated by the Discovery Clean Water Alliance (DCWA). The DCWA is made up of a consortium of municipal agencies including the City of Battle Ground, City of Ridgefield, Clark County, and Clark Regional Wastewater District. The smaller cities benefit from the wastewater customer base of over 120,000 people. Decades ago, Washougal decided to develop its utility infrastructure without being part of a larger system. This was likely due to the realities of our location and geography.
  
  
• Timing of past investments: Over time cities make investment in their infrastructure to make sure the pipes, pump stations, reservoirs, treatment plants, wells, etc. are in good shape and can adequately serve current and future populations, and to ensure compliance with significant federal and state mandates regarding drinking water, wastewater and storm water. The timing of these investments can affect rates. In the past, the federal government provided significant contributions to water utilities’ infrastructure needs. However, as you can see in the figure below, the federal government’s contributions to water utilities have dropped significantly since the 1980’s. Since then, local governments, and their ratepayers, have had to foot most of the bill for water infrastructure improvements. Most of Washougal’s significant existing utility infrastructure investments have occurred in the 1990s and 2000s. Recently, the federal government has increased funding. Washougal is working hard to secure low interest financing from this increased funding, which will take some pressure off of our rates.
  
  Exhibit 2: Federal Contribution to Total Infrastructure Spending
  
  
  
  
  • Current and future needs: Just as cities have made investments in the past based on needs, they also must consider current and future needs. Some cities can afford to put off future investments because they have made significant upgrades that will meet their needs for the foreseeable future. Washougal is in a period where it needs to make investments to ensure the city has high-quality and reliable drinking water and compliant wastewater treatment over the long-term. Two significant such projects are mandated upgrades to our wastewater treatment plant. In 2013 we completed a $17M upgrade for phase 1 of the requirements. Phase 2, a mandated biosolids handling facility and related enhancements is estimated to cost $30M and will be under construction next year.
    
    
  • Utility financial policies: There are multiple financial policies that are involved in setting utility rates. Cities make different policy choices regarding these. One example is the concept of Replacement Reserve Funding. One component of utility rate setting is planning for future utility system costs. A utility’s infrastructure (e.g., treatment plants, storage reservoirs, wells, pumps, valves, transmission/distribution/collection pipes, etc.) is a critical element of serving the City’s customers. Establishing a financial plan for the eventual replacement of these assets ensures system reliability and integrity. This practice is known as Replacement Reserve Funding (RRF). There are different policy approaches for how much RRF to target, and how quickly to achieve the target. Each policy choice has a different impact on the utility rates necessary to meet the chosen RRF targets.  It is kind of like saving for a down payment on a home or a car. A utility system can accumulate funds toward these future expenses, but this requires higher rates. However, less debt is required later to fund the future expenses, taking pressure off of rates at that time. Washougal chose to accumulate RRF funding over the last 10 years. This has resulted in our ability to borrow much less for the pending biosolids project.

High bi-monthly bills are typically related to high water usage, and most often customers will see higher bills for billing cycles that include the summer months when many water their lawns. Everyone in our system generally pays the same base rate, but customers who use more water pay a higher volume rate. This structure was adopted by city council to encourage conservation. 

Like police and fire, operating and maintaining the city’s water, wastewater, and stormwater systems are fundamental to the community’s health. The city strives to find the right balance between affordability, operating and maintaining our systems in compliance with the various requirements and mandates, and providing a high level of service to its customers. A rate study determines exactly how much revenue the city needs to provide these services and develops rates that pay for the operation and maintenance of the utilities – no more and no less.

The City is committed to finding a balance between affordability and the need to ensure that adequate revenues are generated to provide for reliable and safe drinking water, and effective and compliant wastewater treatment and storm water management, now and into the future. 

We conduct rate study updates to ensure we are on track and are only charging what is necessary to accomplish this. Particular emphasis has been recently placed on pursuing grant funds and low interest financing, to take some pressure off of rates. 

In 2021 we were awarded a $1M low interest loan toward funding design of required enhancements to our treatment plant. In 2022 we were awarded a $1M federal grant toward these upgrades. This year we were awarded a $10M low interest loan (the maximum allowed in the loan program) for construction of these enhancements, and we applied for additional low interest financing. We are waiting to hear if we will be awarded this additional low interest financing. Also, this year there is another $1M grant pending at the federal level. We hope to learn that this has been finalized soon, pending the federal government adopting their new budget.

The city is currently evaluating changing from a bi-monthly bill to a monthly billing cycle. The advantages of this change include giving customers more of a real-time view of their water usage and less of a lag between when their meter is read and when they receive a bill. For example, currently the July-August bill is received at the end of September and under a monthly cycle the July bill would be received at the end of August. 

Monthly bills also mean that each bill will be smaller (by roughly half), which makes bill payment more manageable. However, there are some costs associated with monthly billing, including more frequent meter reading, increased administrative costs for printing and mailing bills, as well as software and outreach costs. 

The Citizens Advisory Committee considered all of these issues and is suggesting that the Council conduct future outreach to the community to see if community members would support a minor increase in rates to fund the added costs of moving to monthly billing.

The existing fire station would be demolished and the new building would be built on the same site adjacent to the Police Station. The new fire station will house some police staff and functions, such as a shared break room and fitness facility, allowing some existing spaces in the police station to be converted to office space. This will mitigate the need to make a future addition to the police station.

The City would fund additional design and construction of the new facility with a bond voters will consider in the primary election this August.

The bond amount is $15.725 million. The City is securing this bond with an estimated 4.66% interest rate over a 25-year term. The monthly cost for the owner of a median priced home will be approximately $8.74 (based upon median assessed home value of $583,000).

In the November 7, 2023, General Election Ballot, Washougal voters approved Proposition 11 to renew the expiring Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Levy. An EMS levy is a property tax levy specifically designed and used for the provision of emergency medical services. The Camas-Washougal Fire Department has provided emergency medical services and ambulance transport services for decades. EMS levy funds are restricted to providing EMS services and will be used to continue the provision of these services in our community. The EMS levy supports the operational costs of providing these EMS services.

The EMS levy is a dedicated source of funding used for the provision of emergency medical services in Washougal. It supports EMS operational costs and does not cover replacing or updating the critical facilities that the EMS services are housed in.

Washougal needs a new station to ensure our residents continue to receive adequate fire and emergency medical services as we continue to grow. The current Fire Station 43 facility has outlived its useful life and cannot be modified to accommodate the needs required of a modern fire station. 

More specifically, the current building:

• Frequently floods with stormwater, so firefighters use sandbags year-round to block some of it. Structural damage has occurred from flooding over the years.
• Intermittently has sewage backups.
• Doesn’t have a dedicated space for decontaminating clothing and gear after responding to a fire — which risks firefighters’ health and safety due to carcinogen exposure.
• Lacks an exhaust system for fire engines to maintain healthy air quality.
• Would not withstand a significant earthquake.
• Lacks space for additional firefighters/EMS personnel to meet growing demands.
• Lacks mandated safety clearances around equipment.
• Lacks facilities for a diverse workforce (male/female changing rooms) to be consistent with diversity, equity and inclusion guidelines.
• Lacks private medical screening and treatment area for walk-ins and drive-ins.

The building also doesn’t meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for public access and lacks a public restroom.

The police station houses staff workspaces, office spaces for animal control and bodycam staff, but lacks training classrooms, conference rooms, fitness facilities, and break room. The new fire station would be located adjacent to and adjoining the existing police station to allow for shared use of break rooms, fitness facilities and a training/community room.  

We’ll use what we have as best we can — but eventually:

• We’ll have trouble responding to emergencies, including longer response times.
• We’ll have more trouble recruiting new firefighters to replace those who retire.

The fire station on 39th Street has been converted into the city's permit center. The 39th St. Station cannot accommodate a modern day fire engine the overheads doors are too short and the roofline cannot accept any taller doors. Recent studies also have placed the existing site as the best location because it is centrally located, has good access to the port, downtown,  waterfront and Washougal River Rd. An example would be to get the port and there is a train crossing at 32nd the fire engine would have to go downtown and then reverse back on SR14 to access the port.

No. The new library is not a city project; it is spearheaded by Fort Vancouver Regional Library.

The City of Washougal has not “fallen behind”. The deadline in which to test for initial levels of PFAS set by EPA and Washington state is December 31, 2025.

There are no known ways of preventing this manmade chemical from entering the groundwater system. Lawmakers have begun banning the substances, so further instances or increased levels of substances are not expected.

The City of Washougal is taking investigative and planning steps to reduce and/or eliminate all PFAS substances from the City of Washougal water system.

Due to the extremely low levels of the PFAS substances, which are below current state levels, and the high demand during peak season, there are no plans to turn off any wells currently.

Yes, the City of Washougal has joined class-action lawsuits to help with the mitigation of costs for treating the City of Washougal water.

The current cost of treatment is to be determined. Costs vary based on the type of treatment. There is potential for increases to the utility bill, however the City of Washougal is taking all efforts via class-action lawsuits and will be applying for grant funding to mitigate such an increase.

PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used in consumer products and industrial applications since the 1940s, known for their inability to breakdown easily in the environment. PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals.”

There are many different PFAS, and we are still learning about their health impacts in people.

PFOA

Some people who drink water containing PFOA more than the State Action Level over many years may experience problems with:

• Cholesterol
• Liver
• Thyroid
• Immune system
• High blood pressure during pregnancy
• Have children with lower birthweights
• Higher risk of getting certain types of cancers

PFOS

Some people who drink water containing PFOS more than the State Action Level over many years may experience problems with:

• Cholesterol
• Liver
• Thyroid
• Kidney
• Immune systems
• Have children with lower birthweights

Human exposure to PFAS is widespread but variable by geography and occupation. PFAS are used in the aerospace, automotive, construction, and electronics industries. Over time, PFAS may leak into the soil, water, and air.

People are most likely exposed to these chemicals by consuming PFAS-contaminated water or food, using products made with PFAS, or breathing air containing PFAS. Because PFAS break down slowly, if at all, people and animals are repeatedly exposed to them, and blood levels of some PFAS can build up over time.

One report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), found PFAS in the blood of 97% of Americans.¹  Another NHANES report suggested blood levels of PFOS and PFOA in people have been reduced since those chemicals were removed from consumer products in the early 2000s. However, new PFAS chemicals have been created and exposure to them is difficult to assess.

NIEHS conducts or funds research that aims to understand more about PFAS exposures and any subsequent health effects.

You can choose to test the water at your home if you would like, however the City of Washougal is testing each source (well) quarterly and will be posting all results in a timely manner.

Because the water supply at each home is a combination of water from a variety of wells, we are currently unable to provide information on which areas of the city may have detectable levels of PFAS in your tap water.

Contact your personal physician.

There are currently two types of filters based on current studies that are effective in the reduction of PFAS:

• Granulated Activated Carbon
• Reverse Osmosis

The City of Washougal will not be reimbursing individuals for filters at this time.

No, the water is not poisoned. 

Boiling water will not remove PFAS substances.

The City of Washougal’s water system has a long history of high quality and safe drinking water. We will continue to research and put in place all safeguards to ensure that the water continues to be safe for generations to come.

Washougal voters showed strong support for the regional fire authority (RFA) proposal—the measure received majority approval in Washougal. However, because the RFA requires combined approval from both Camas and Washougal, the overall measure didn’t reach the threshold needed to move forward. Running the measure again is part of the original process we laid out. 

While it did not pass in Camas during the last election, the results have prompted a review of the funding impacts in Camas. Camas has worked to revise the funding impacts in Camas to an approach responsive to Camas voters. 

This new ballot measure reflects our ongoing collaboration and our shared goal: to provide strong, reliable fire and emergency services for both communities.

The current Interlocal Agreement (ILA) will end after 2026 and there will be separate departments that provide fire service to the cities of Camas and Washougal. Additionally, Washougal voters will need to decide on a levy lid lift renewal in 2026 that will start in 2027 to replace the existing lid lift in order to maintain current service levels. If the RFA passes, the lid lift will no longer be necessary.

Camas and Washougal are asking voters to consider forming a regional fire authority (RFA) during the November, 4, 2025 General Election. An RFA is an independent agency to provide fire/EMS with one governing board representing residents in both cities collectively.

The current structure requires both city councils to agree on operational and funding decisions. While both cities are aligned on the importance of public safety, an RFA creates a separate, independent entity that empowers fire leadership to make timely, expert decisions. The RFA is still accountable to the public through its own, unified governing board.

The RFA is fairer and more cost-effective for taxpayers than the current fire services agreement. With the current structure, the difference in cost increases between the cities is based on funding formulas from the interlocal agreement, meaning that all property owners do not pay the same rate. Under the RFA, all property owners pay the same rate of $1.05/$1,000.  

The cities began a trial consolidation of the two fire departments in 2011, then agreed to a temporary partnership in 2014 governed by an interlocal agreement. In the agreement, Camas maintains the fire department and Washougal contracts with Camas for emergency services.

Both cities have taken steps to make the partnership permanent by asking voters to consider forming a regional fire authority.

The City of Washougal estimates a property tax levy of $1.51 per $1,000 of a home's assessed value, which funds essential services such as fire, police, streets, and parks & recreation. To offset the loss of the Department, the City of Washougal plans to reduce its existing property tax levy by an estimated $0.88 per $1,000 of a home’s assessed value. This results in a net increase of only $0.17 per $1,000 for Washougal homeowners. For a Washougal home valued at $583,000*, this equates to an estimated annual tax increase of $99.11 a year or $8.26 per month for fire service in 2027. The estimated $0.88 rate reduction in 2027 includes the expiration of Washougal’s 6-year Fire/EMS levy lid lift after 2026. If the RFA passes, Washougal will not need to renew this lid lift, which was last renewed starting in 2020 at a rate of $0.10. 

Property owners would pay the RFA directly for services eliminating the cities as the intermediary. Most importantly, property owners in both cities would pay the same rate for service of $1.05 per $1,000.

This equal investment brings fairness to the taxes we all pay for fire service and means there can be collaborative, long-term emergency services planning for both communities as they grow. Long term stability in the RFA ensures that future investments (such as stations, apparatus and equipment) are more cost-efficient. Additionally, an RFA is directly accountable to its taxpayers and is governed by locally-elected representatives.  

In 2026 under the current system, property owners would pay approximately $0.88 per $1,000, which includes a $0.07 per $1,000 temporary levy.

Because the current situation is not sustainable, if the RFA is not approved Washougal will need to pursue an alternative approach to providing fire/EMS. The current agreement with Camas expires after 2026.

Both cities have a levy for Emergency Medical Service. In the November 7, 2023, General Election Ballot, Washougal voters approved Proposition 11 to renew the expiring Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Levy. This renewed EMS levy expires after 2029. An EMS levy is a property tax levy specifically designed and used for the provision of emergency medical services. In 2029 the RFA would ask voters to renew the EMS levy beginning in 2030. Property owners would then pay the RFA directly.

Voters in Camas and Washougal each approved a bond to build a new station within their city. The cost of these stations will remain the responsibility of each individual city and will be reflected on their respective property tax statements until the debt is retired. The ownership of the stations will transfer to the RFA when construction is completed. Since the property owners in the RFA are the same as the property owners in the cities, the same taxpayers will own the station, but through the RFA instead of through the cities.

• The exploration of an RFA first began in 2011/2012. We actually formed an RFA Planning Committee back then. 
• The conclusion at the time was to do an ILA approach first and revisit the RFA in the future. 
• In 2017 an independent EMS study was performed, with a recommendation that an RFA was the preferred path forward for stability of the system. The decision then was to defer such consideration a bit longer. 
• A full master plan for the fire department was done in 2019, covering the full scope of the program. It also concluded that an RFA was the preferred path forward. Similarly, the decision was to further defer that consideration. 
• In 2022 an independent, third-party detailed financial and governance analysis was completed by a financial firm. The purpose of the study was to look at multiple partnership options though a financial and governance lens. 
  • Multiple options were evaluated, including amending the ILA, options involving ECFR, forming a municipal fire district and forming an RFA. Again, the RFA was identified as the preferred option. 
  • Based on this comprehensive analysis, the councils formed an RFA Planning Committee, leading to the current RFA proposal. 
• This process has been discussed and evaluated for almost 15 years. It has been analyzed by multiple independent third parties in multiple contexts, all reaching the same conclusion

• All fire department assets will transfer to the RFA. This includes the three stations, apparatus (engines, ambulances) and supplies and equipment.
• Who is the RFA and who is the City?  They are both all of us as citizens and voters. The difference is that instead of the cities holding the assets on our behalf, the RFA does, but the shareholders are exactly the same, all of us. The “management company” changes.
• If the RFA for some reason was to dissolve, the assets would stay with the shareholders, they would transfer just as they are upon formation. The RFA Board is comprised of city councilors. The citizen shareholders will not have to buy them twice.

• The RFA would be brand new and will not receive property tax revenues until April/May and October/November of 2026
• To make payroll and meet expenses, the RFA needs funding sooner than that
• The cities together will loan the RFA ~ $4.4M to be repaid over three years at the same interest rate that the cities can get by investing those funds in the Local Government Investment Pool (LGIP)
• The RFA property tax rate of $1.05 is designed to accommodate this repayment

• Imagine a city that has only one parcel and one house that is brand new. This property is worth $100,000. As its only property, its value is also the entire assessed value of the city. Suppose further that the levy rate in that city is $2.00. That means this property owner must pay $2.00 for each $1,000 that their property is worth.
• In the first year after its construction, the taxes on that home would be calculated as follows:
• Assessed value of the city in thousands ($100) x Levy rate (2.00) = Tax bill and Year 1 levy ($200.00)
• The only time taxes are calculated this way is for new construction – i.e. the first year after the home is built. In every following year it works differently.
• In Year 2 the city may only increase its levy by 1%. So, following our example:
• Last year's levy ($200) + Additional 1% ($2.00) = Tax bill and Year 2 levy ($202.00)
• Let's assume the value of this city’s one home doubled from $100,000 in Year 1 to $200,000 in Year 2. Its tax bill would still be $202.00. No matter how much the assessed value in the city increases, its levy may increase only 1%. So, the city adjusts the levy rate to make it fit the new assessed value:
• New levy amount ($202.00) ÷ New assessed value in thousands ($200) = New levy rate (1.01)
• Any new homes that might be built in Year 2 would be taxed at this new levy rate.
• Now suppose our imaginary city had started with two new homes, but each one was worth only $50,000. The assessed value would still total $100,000 in year 1.
• With the same $2.00 levy rate, the levy in the first year would still be $200. But instead of one home paying the entire levy, the two equal-value homes would split the levy equally and pay $100 each. 
• In year 2 the levy would still increase by only 1% to $202. And if the value of both homes together increased to $200,000, the levy rate would still drop to 1.01
• But suppose to get to that $200,000 value, one home tripled in value to $150,000 and the other stayed the same at $50,000. Then their respective tax bills would look like this:•
  • The total levy is still $202, but more of it is borne by the home that increased in value and less of it by the home that did not increase. 
  • The total citywide levy increased the maximum 1%, but the tax bill for Home 1 increased by 52% while the tax bill for Home 2 decreased by 50%.
  • Assessed value only determines a home’s share of the levy. If all home values were to change by the same percentage, then each home’s share of the levy would stay the same and everyone’s taxes would increase by exactly 1%.

As an example...

$0.17 rate increase for the average house of $583K = $99.11/annually ($8.26 monthly by 2027)

We are still in the early stages of design, so it's too soon to know the full extent of any impacts to landscaping or property features. However, all property owners will be notified in advance of any work that may directly affect their property, and the City will coordinate closely with those impacted.

We’re still in the conceptual stage, so detailed drainage design hasn’t been completed yet. That said, the goal of any infrastructure project is always to improve drainage conditions—not make them worse. Feedback from residents about existing drainage concerns is helpful and allows us to flag areas that may need extra attention during design.

Driveways may be temporarily impacted during construction, but access will be maintained as much as possible. Where work requires reconstruction, driveways will be restored to equal or better condition. The City will coordinate directly with each affected property owner before any work takes place to ensure access needs and concerns are addressed.

Construction details are still being developed, so exact timing and impacts at each property aren't known yet. However, the City will provide advance notice before work begins near your home. Temporary inconveniences like noise, dust, or limited access may occur, but we’ll work to minimize disruption and maintain access as much as possible. All areas will be restored once construction is complete.

The new shared-use path creates a safer street by separating people walking and biking from vehicle traffic. It will also add much needed on-street parking to Sandy Swimming Hole to alleviate parking constraints in adjacent neighborhoods.  It also adds curb ramps, lighting, and drainage improvements that improve accessibility and reduce flooding issues.

In addition, utilities and pavement will be upgraded, leaving newer and longer-lasting infrastructure in front of your home—maintained by the City. Overall, the project makes the neighborhood safer, more connected, and more attractive, which can strengthen community value over time.

The pathway is designed to improve safety and provide dedicated space for people who are already walking, biking, and driving in the area. While it may lead to a modest increase in activity, the goal is to better organize that use—not create new disruptions. Design details like lighting, landscaping, and setbacks are still being developed, and the City will consider privacy and neighborhood character throughout the process.

Several alignment options were considered during the planning process. The selected side was chosen because it avoids wetlands and sensitive habitat on the opposite side, which would require additional permitting and increase both costs and environmental impact. While no option is completely impact-free, this alignment offers the best balance of safety, feasibility, and minimizing overall impacts.

The pathway is being designed to fit within the existing public right-of-way along Shepherd Road while maintaining safe access to homes and driveways. The goal is to improve safety by separating people walking and biking from vehicle traffic, which can actually help traffic flow more smoothly. Construction plans are not finalized yet, but any necessary closures or detours will be communicated in advance, and access for residents will be maintained as much as possible.

The project is still in the conceptual phase, so a final cost estimate hasn’t been determined yet. This $4.34 million investment is funded through a state grant and local transportation fees: $3.47 million – State grant from the Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) and $868,000 – Local Transportation Impact Fees.