Skamania County residents demand local burial services and vehicle oversight reforms

Skamania County officials are exploring significant changes to local services and oversight following a recent meeting on February 25, 2025. A key focus was the management of county funds and the need for increased accountability regarding the use of county vehicles and personnel policies.

During the meeting, community member Stacy Patton emphasized the importance of ensuring that elected officials do not misuse county resources, particularly vehicles. She called for external oversight to monitor vehicle usage and overtime, highlighting concerns about potential misuse that could impact taxpayers. This call for accountability reflects a growing demand for transparency in local government operations.

Another pressing issue raised was the management of burial services at Stevenson Cemetery. Mary Rippar Stevenson, a local resident, expressed her distress over the county's decision to outsource burial services to a Vancouver company, which she argued diverts tax dollars away from the community. She proposed that the county should consider contracting local services to keep funds within Skamania County, ensuring that residents receive the services they pay for.

The meeting also included updates from the Washington State University (WSU) Extension, which reported on various community programs, including a successful food recovery initiative aimed at reducing waste in local schools. The program has already diverted significant amounts of food from landfills, demonstrating the county's commitment to sustainability and community support.

As the county moves forward, the discussions from this meeting underscore the need for improved financial oversight and community-focused services. The board's willingness to engage with residents on these issues suggests a proactive approach to governance, aiming to enhance accountability and better serve the needs of Skamania County residents.