White Salmon OKs public-records policy update, raises body-camera redaction fee amid privacy concerns

The White Salmon City Council on April 15 approved Resolution No. 2026-04-643, which updates the city’s Public Records Policy and Procedures, including an increased per-minute fee for redacting and producing police body-camera video. The motion passed 4-1, with Councilor Doug Rainbolt voting no.

According to staff, the $0.84-per-minute figure derives from a recent cost-of-service study. Councilors raised privacy and liability concerns for footage that may show minors or other sensitive content and recommended building additional review layers. Staff and Police Chief Mike Hepner warned that the city currently relies on two trained employees to perform redaction; adding a mandatory second review for all sensitive releases would strain resources and delay response times.

Councilors discussed state law options such as blurring exempt material versus withholding it entirely; staff said the city follows state guidance and generally favors blurring to avoid perceived gaps in redacted material. Rainbolt said he would oppose the resolution unless it explicitly required more than one reviewer for videos involving sensitive material; Chief Hepner said the department is already challenged by high request volume and limited trained staff.

After debate and brief commendations for staff’s work balancing transparency and accountability, Councilor Ben Giant moved to approve the resolution, David Lindley seconded, and the motion carried 4-1.

The resolution updates the city’s records procedure and the associated fee schedule; council discussion indicated staff will continue to monitor demand and resource needs for redaction work.