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Rex Hutchins says timber-sale pause slashed Pacific County EMS, school revenues
Summary
At a Sept. 12 continued meeting, Rex Hutchins, a representative of the Pacific County EMS District, told commissioners timber-sale revenues have fallen sharply this year compared with 10–11 year averages and urged county coordination with other jurisdictions to restore funding.
Rex Hutchins, identifying himself as a representative of the Pacific County EMS District and of the PacCom administrative board, told the Pacific County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 12 that timber-sale revenues the county normally shares with local districts have dropped precipitously this year.
"Over the last 11 years, we've received an average of a $157,000. This year to date, we've received $4,564," Hutchins said, citing the EMS district's receipts. He also said the Willapa (transcribed as "Volpeau") Valley School District averaged roughly $247,000 annually over the last 10 years but had received $2,498 from January through August this year.
Hutchins said the drop in timber-related payments is "a big impact" on district budgets and explained the EMS district does not budget timber revenue because it is unpredictable; instead, any receipts reduce the district's December budget request so taxpayers pay less if funds arrive.
A commissioner told Hutchins the county's timber caucus meets next week in Ellensburg and that the board is trying to coordinate a response; Hutchins offered to email his figures to county staff. The board did not take formal action during the public-comment period.
Why it matters: timber-sale revenue sharing can provide material one-time or recurring payments to local service districts and schools. Board members acknowledged the shortfalls and pointed to intercounty caucus work as the near-term step to pursue.
Next steps: commissioners said they will seek information from the timber caucus meeting and follow up with Hutchins and staff; Hutchins asked staff to accept his emailed data for that coordination.
