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Forks council rejects 2026 tax increase, approves jail policy contract and tables Hoh Tribe easement
Summary
At its Nov. 10 meeting the Forks City Council rejected any increase to the regular 2026 property tax levy, approved a Lexipol jail agreement, and tabled a proposed government-to-government easement for the Hoh Tribe’s charging station until more information is provided.
The Forks City Council on Nov. 10 rejected an increase to the city’s regular property tax levy for 2026, approved a jail policy agreement with Lexipol and tabled action on an easement request from the Hoh Tribe for installation of a charging station across city right-of-way.
Mayor Tim I.J.Y. Fletcher opened and closed a public hearing on revenue sources and property taxes with no public comment. Councilmember Gingell moved to “reject any increase in the regular property tax levy collected in 2026,” Councilmember Coleman seconded and the motion carried, with the minutes recording the motion as carried; specific roll-call vote tallies were not provided in the minutes.
Police Chief Rowley introduced the jail’s agreement with Lexipol and explained its provisions to the council; Councilmember Soha moved to approve the contract, Councilmember Gingell seconded and the motion carried.
Attorney/Planner Fleck outlined discussions with parties involved in the Hoh Tribe’s proposed installation of a charging station and conduit extension across a City right-of-way and requested approval to establish a government-to-government easement for the life of the activity or until the property is developed. Councilmember Soha voiced strong concerns about multiple aspects of the proposal. After discussion Councilmember Coleman moved to table the item until more information is available; Councilmember Wood seconded and the motion carried, leaving the easement request unresolved.
Several routine consent items also passed without recorded opposition: approval of the Oct. 27 minutes, authorization of multiple manual, payroll and claim checks, and approval of the meeting agenda at the start of the session. The meeting adjourned at 8:09 p.m.
Votes at a glance - Approve agenda: motion by Wood, second Patel — motion carried (tally not specified). - Approve minutes (Oct. 27, 2025): motion by Wood, second Gingell — motion carried (tally not specified). - Approve expenditures (multiple checks/EFTs): motion by Patel, second Wood — motion carried (tally not specified). - Resolution No. 531 (reject any increase in the regular 2026 levy): motion by Gingell, second Coleman — motion carried (tally not specified). - Approve Lexipol jail agreement: motion by Soha, second Gingell — motion carried (tally not specified). - Table Hoh Tribe easement: motion by Coleman, second Wood — motion carried (item tabled). - Adjourn: motion by Soha, second Patel — motion carried.
What happens next: The Hoh Tribe easement item was tabled pending additional information; council staff or the easement proponents will need to return with the requested details for council consideration.
