Board trims bakery variance fee and approves 3.5% COLA for unrepresented staff
Summary
The board reduced a Nest Bakery variance application fee from $2,000 to $750 and approved a 3.5% cost‑of‑living adjustment for unrepresented employees effective July 1, 2026. Commissioners debated precedent for fee waivers and the need to support small businesses.
The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners approved two business agenda items: a reduction in the variance application fee for Nest Bakery and a cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) for unrepresented county employees.
On the Nest Bakery request, Community Development Director Gail Henriksen explained the fee covers staff time, notice and hearing officer costs and that land‑use planning funds are partially fee‑driven. Commissioners debated whether waiving fees sets a fiscal precedent versus offering targeted support to a small, community‑oriented business. After discussion the board voted to reduce the $2,000 variance application fee to $750 (motion moved by Speaker 2 and seconded by Speaker 12); the motion carried by voice vote.
On personnel, Rebecca Cameron, the county’s human resources director, recommended a 3.5% COLA for unrepresented employees effective July 1, 2026, based on the May‑to‑May Consumer Price Index for the West Region. She noted collective bargaining agreements required adjustments of at least 2.5% and allowed up to 4.5%, creating parity between represented and unrepresented employees. A motion to implement a 3.5% adjustment passed by voice vote.
Commissioners said they support helping local businesses where feasible while balancing budgetary constraints; several advocated a partial reduction rather than full waiver to preserve fee‑funded programs. The board directed staff to proceed with the reductions and the COLA implementation steps.
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