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Council approves property‑tax ordinance, interlocal court fees and multiple agreements in round of votes
Summary
At the Nov. 17 meeting Woodland council approved Ordinance 15-81 to keep city property-tax revenue flat for 2026 (6–1), advanced the comprehensive plan on first reading (7–0) and authorized several intergovernmental agreements and a policing MOU; city also approved $1.3M pay cycle vouchers tied to water‑filter loan payoff.
Woodland City Council voted on several ordinances and agreements during its Nov. 17 meeting.
Ordinance 15-81. On a second and final reading the council voted to fix the amount of property taxes the city will collect in 2026 so total dollars remain flat. The motion was moved by Councilmember Burke and seconded by Councilmember Rounds. The ordinance passed 6–1; Councilmember Houston cast the lone vote against the measure. Council discussed that the city can "bank" levy capacity up to three years and that any future tax increases would require full council approval, not a public vote.
Ordinance 15-76 (comprehensive plan). The council advanced the 2025 comprehensive plan on first reading (mover Dowdy, second Rounds). The vote was unanimous, 7–0.
Other actions. The council approved November vouchers; staff noted a check in the pay cycle for approximately $1,300,000 to pay off the loans on Filters 2 and 3 at the water plant. The council also authorized the mayor to sign an agreement with Public Safety Testing (included in the 2025 budget), approved an interlocal agreement with Cowlitz County District Court covering court fees for 2026–2029, and approved a memorandum of understanding with the Woodland Police Officers Association to modify patrol shifts for 2026–27. Those three agreements passed by roll call vote (each 7–0).
The council recorded full roll-call tallies for all votes and listed mover and second on the record. Council staff said the voucher payment reduces water‑system debt and improves the city’s compliance position.
