Washougal City Council Workshop: December 1, 2025

The Washougal City Council held a workshop on Monday, December 1, 2025, starting at 5:00 PM. Mayor David Stuebe called the meeting to order with roll call present: Councilmembers David Fritz, Michelle Wagner, Tia Robertson (via Zoom), Ernie Suggs (via Zoom), and Student Representative Jake Larzalere. Councilmember Julie Russell was absent. The workshop covered workforce development, economic development, comprehensive plan updates, and mid-biennium budget modifications. The meeting adjourned at 6:16 PM, with the regular council meeting scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Public Comments & Testimony

• William Carter praised the Citizens' Academy as informative and well-organized. He inquired about the timeline for light rail arrival in Washougal and encouraged long-term planning for its routing, noting Washougal's progressive growth.

Discussion Items

A. Workforce as Economic Infrastructure (Workforce Southwest Washington)

• Lynn Love (Program Manager) and Sean Moore (Business Representative) presented. Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW) is one of 12 local workforce boards, business-led, coordinating investments with education, labor, and community organizations.
• Key points:
  • Washougal's economic vision includes supporting local businesses with scaled talent, connecting employers to job-ready workers, partnering with Washougal High School CTE programs, and building workforce for capital projects (construction, civil engineering, tech).
  • Economic Security for All (ESA) program: average cost ~$6,000 per participant over five months; median wage increased from less than $10,000 to ~$50,000; 88% of participants reached self-sufficiency. Return on investment: $4.25 per $1 invested in Southwest Washington (statewide: $2.34).
  • Next steps: WSW seeks ongoing partnership, advisory board participation, and co-hosted events.
• Councilmember Michelle Wagner asked about funding sources (majority federal) and requested specific examples. Presenters cited a medical assistant apprenticeship with PeaceHealth, contributing $140,000 to their bottom line over eight years.
• Mayor Stuebe expressed 100% support, noting the importance of keeping youth with prevailing wages.

B. Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC)

• Eric Holmes (Interim President) and Abby Russell (Board Member) presented, joined by several board members.
• CREDC is a public-private nonprofit, funded ~25% from state, ~37.5% each from local public and private investors.
• 2021-2024 return on investment: $34 per $1 invested. 2024 wins: 249 recruitments and expansions, $340 million capital investment, 445 new and retained jobs, 350,000 square feet of commercial/industrial space leased. Four-year totals: $1.68 billion capital, 4,000 jobs, 42 wins.
• Apex Accelerator program (formerly PTAC): provides one-on-one advising for small and disadvantaged businesses to compete for public contracts. In 2024: served 1,053 new clients, 300+ hours of guidance, resulting in 460 contract awards worth $24 million.
• Councilmember Ernie Suggs asked for clarification on what constitutes a "win" – a combination of capital investment and new jobs, with each project counted individually.
• Mayor Stuebe commended CREDC's role in regional growth, referencing UPC (a high-tech manufacturer) as a local example.

C. Comprehensive Plan Update (Mitch Kneipp)

• Mitch Kneipp (Community Development Director) reported delays due to the county's agricultural study, which found that land northwest of Washougal is not prime agricultural land – beneficial for future expansion. However, the county council's decision may restrict expansion plans for Ridgefield and La Center, potentially requiring Washougal to accommodate more housing units.
• The county's draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) comment period closed November 30. Further delays could increase consultant costs and rework.
• State mandates for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and middle housing will take effect January 1, 2026, preempting local codes. Washougal will need to adopt compliant codes likely within six months after the county finalizes its EIS (expected March 2025).
• Council discussed implications: limited ability to require parking beyond state maximums, but no immediate surge in ADU applications expected due to high water/sewer connection fees.
• Councilmember Suggs (via Zoom) asked whether the county expects Washougal to build houses for Ridgefield's displaced population; Mitch confirmed that possibility exists but is not final.

D. 2025-2026 Mid-Biennium Budget Review and Modification Update (Daniel Layer)

• Daniel Layer (Finance Director) presented an update to the two-week-old presentation, adding funds based on council feedback.
• Key modifications:
  • Public Safety Sales Tax (effective April 1, 2025): assuming 7/12 of annual revenue; associated expenditures for police facilities, fleet, and IT equipment.
  • Transportation Benefit District (TBD): $178,000 in sales tax revenue for pavement management (removed TBD fees from earlier proposal).
  • Hotel/Motel Tax: no changes; expenditures remain within budget and approved by lodging tax advisory committee.
  • Transportation Development Fund: $1,315,460 transfer to Transportation Capital Fund from transportation impact fees.
  • Fire Station Bond Fund: additional $95,000 needed for 2026 debt service due to earlier bond closing date (September instead of April). Original budget underestimated payment. No change to total bond amount.
  • Transportation Capital Fund: includes 39th Street Sidewalks project ($2.6 million total, $2.0 million from Safe Routes to School grant, remainder from TIF transfer).
  • Equipment Rental & Revolving Funds: $40,000 for police vehicles and $34,000 for police IT equipment, funded by public safety sales tax.
• Summary: Total revenue increase $7,299,300; expenditure increase $8,899,271; fund balance decreases slightly. Public hearing on the budget modification ordinance will be held at the regular council meeting (immediately following workshop).

Key Outcomes

• Council Appointment Committee: Council agreed to maintain the current two-member committee (Mayor Stuebe and Councilmember Wagner) to develop the slate of committee assignments for 2026. Appointments will be made at the January 12, 2026 regular meeting. Councilmember Ernie Suggs offered to serve as a third member if needed, but no action was taken.
• C-Tran Representation: Councilmember Tia Robertson volunteered to serve as Washougal's primary representative for the December C-Tran board meeting (December 9, 2025) and potentially the Board Composition Review Committee. Councilmember David Fritz remains as alternate. Appointment will be formalized at the regular meeting.
• Budget Modification: The council will hold a public hearing and vote on the budget modification ordinance at the regular meeting (7:00 PM same day).