Skamania County commissioners vote to withdraw feasibility contingency, move toward property closing

Skamania County commissioners voted Wednesday to allow staff to withdraw the feasibility contingency on a pending property purchase and move forward toward closing.

County staff asked the board to authorize withdrawing a feasibility contingency so the county could proceed with closing; the county manager said the agent indicated a potential closing date of June 16–17. "Somebody make a motion to allow me to withdraw the feasibility contingency and move towards closing," the manager asked; a motion was made and seconded and passed by voice vote without recorded roll‑call names.

Why it matters: Withdrawing the feasibility contingency advances the county from a conditional agreement toward a firm purchase. Staff noted outstanding considerations including building condition, maintenance and insurance costs. Commissioners discussed budgeting for rehabilitation and insurance increases and agreed delegation of signing authority at closing would be decided later.

Details and outcome: The manager requested the board either approve a motion or have staff communicate withdrawal of the contingency. After a motion, a second and a voice vote, the chair stated "Ayes have it. Motion carries." The record does not identify the mover, seconder or individual votes by name; no abstentions or opposing votes were announced.

Next steps: Staff said they will follow up with the county’s agent to schedule closing and will return with details on delegated signing authority and final closing logistics. Commissioners discussed allocating funds for rehabilitation and covering insurance increases, but no new appropriations were made at the meeting.

The board ended the action item and proceeded to meeting updates.