Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Emergency Declaration topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Columbia County commissioners declare emergency as river flows are forecast to spike
Summary
The Board of Columbia County Commissioners adopted a resolution declaring a local emergency because forecast rising floodwaters could push river flows from about 4,000 CFS to roughly 7,100–7,200 CFS around midnight; the declaration authorizes emergency contracts and emergency powers until the board rescinds it.
The Board of Columbia County Commissioners voted to adopt a resolution declaring a local state of emergency on the basis of forecast rising floodwaters, the board was told. The declaration authorizes county departments to enter emergency contracts and use emergency powers to protect life and property until the board issues a termination resolution.
The chair told colleagues that emergency management had cautioned against declaring an emergency when no mitigation work is underway, saying such a step could be perceived as an attempt to avoid normal procurement rules. The chair said he had also spoken with the county engineer, Mr. Morgan, who advised that "if we say that due to the rising floodwaters and the forecast for them to peak well above a manageable level, to aid us in getting some help on the ground as soon as possible… we declare the state of emergency, then we're doing our due diligence."
The chair reported that current flow at the gauge he reviewed was about 4,000 cubic feet per second (CFS) and that forecasts showed a peak near 7,100 to 7,200 CFS around midnight. He said the gauge cited is a flood-stage gauge rather than a flow gauge and that the reading referred to a location upstream of a bridge and the confluence before the South Tucannon River. The chair also said the South Tucannon was already flowing strongly and that there were existing road closures on the Tucannon River and at Paddock Creek.
The draft resolution presented to the board (recorded in the transcript as resolution 2026-05) states that flooding had occurred in Columbia County on the Tucannon River, Paddock Creek and a third river name that is redacted in the transcript, and that persons and property are at risk unless further actions are taken. The text cites state statutory authority for declaring an emergency and activating the county emergency response plan.
A brief exchange addressed whether the county needed to issue its declaration at the same moment as the city; commissioners noted they have issued separate but similar declarations in prior events. After the chair read the resolution language and emphasized the forecasted rise and weather conditions, the board moved to adopt the resolution. Two commissioners present voiced "aye," no opposition was stated, and the chair announced that the motion carried and the resolution was adopted.
Under the adopted resolution, county departments are authorized to incur obligations and enter into contracts necessary to combat the emergency, protect health and safety, and provide emergency assistance, and may act "without regard to the time-consuming procedures and formalities prescribed by law," except mandatory constitutional requirements. The resolution remains in effect until the board issues a termination resolution.
The chair signed the adopted resolution. The board discussed providing copies to other commissioners, had no further business and adjourned the meeting.
