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Wasco County pledges $50,000 contingent on The Dalles match to help Columbia Gorge Humane Society
Summary
The board approved a one‑time $50,000 county contribution, contingent on an equal city match, to help Columbia Gorge Humane Society cover utilities and hire an executive director while it develops a sustainable funding plan.
The Wasco County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on Nov. 5 to provide $50,000 in one‑time funding to the Columbia Gorge Humane Society (CGHS), contingent on an equal contribution from the City of The Dalles.
Breanna Wimber, speaking for Acting Executive Director Suny Simon, described shelter operations and ongoing costs: CGHS reported taking in 145 dogs in the past year and cited monthly utility bills for the county‑owned shelter of about $450 for electricity, $275 for garbage and $90 for water. Wimber said CGHS aims to hire an executive director to lead grant writing, staffing and program expansion and is exploring a special district as a long‑term funding option but needs immediate operating support to avoid repeated short‑term fixes.
County Administrative Officer Tyler Stone said the county could provide short‑term funding to give CGHS time to pursue licensing, district formation and sustainable revenue sources, but emphasized the board’s unwillingness to set up an ongoing recurring subsidy without a viable long‑term plan. The board directed that the $50,000 expenditure be contingent on matching funds from the City of The Dalles.
Commissioners requested additional budget detail, revenue projections and feasibility analysis for any special‑district option before making further commitments. The motion passed unanimously.
