Given the COVID-19 pandemic, with most people confined to their homes, you probably haven’t seen the long-planned Downtown Camas Signs program become a reality.
“We have been wanting way-find signs for years,” said Carrie Schulstad, Executive Director of the Downtown Camas Association (DCA). ”Last year there was a little extra funding through downtown maintenance, and so we reached out to businesses to see what we could do with those funds. The way-finding signs are what stuck. We did a collaborative effort, and it’s an example of how Main Street works. The merchants all paid their signs, but the city paid for the poles and the installation. The end result is stunning!”
The DCA coordinated the project with all the local merchants.
A total of eight poles and 40 signs for downtown retail stores and restaurants were constructed and placed a few weeks ago. In addition, there’s a mill town collage, which is covered in plastic, and will be unveiled when society reopens. It was supposed to be unveiled April First Friday.
A few signs have to be re-done and will be installed soon.
“We are expanding the vibrancy of downtown Camas to 3rd and 5th streets and to all the side streets. It’s been a challenge because those streets don’t have all the electrical infrastructure that 4th Avenue does,” said Schulstad. “These signs help people know what stores are on these other streets. It creates awareness.”
And, of course, the timing of this is the great irony. When businesses re-open they will see a nice addition to downtown.
“We look forward to seeing everyone back as soon as it’s safe to do so,” said Suzanne Ferguson, owner of Juxtaposition, which is a brand-new furniture store. “The signs are beautiful.”
Wendy DelBosque, who manages Natalia’s Cafe, says the new signs add a nice touch to a “beautiful downtown.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/07073806/5B4B7170-1A5B-48FD-8650-273405F48690-e1587251393874.jpeg328640Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-04-18 16:20:032020-04-18 16:20:19Downtown Camas Business Signs Program Now a Fun, Cool Reality
Washington’s Republican state lawmakers have released a plan designed to re-open businesses and society, in general. The group said more than 230,000 small businesses across Washington were shut down March 25 by order of Governor Jay Inslee.
”To the people employed by small businesses I would contend that all business is essential,” said State Senator Ann Rivers. “Union workers get to work doing the same job that non-union workers aren’t able to do. If you’re in a union, the government says you can work in construction, if not you can’t work. This makes no sense. The most important reason why we’re doing this now is that we can’t wait until May 4 and expect to flip a switch and get businesses back up and running. I feel these businesses can keep people safe while operating. The Governor isn’t giving them the professional courtesy that businesses deserve.”
Rivers said Oregon and California’s COVID-19 rate of infection and death toll were lower, per capita, than Washington, and they’ve managed to keep construction running, golf courses open, car sales operating, as well as recreational fishing.
“Our $3 billion dollar rainy day fund will only cover a fraction to compensate for the loss of business revenue this quarantine has caused,” said Rivers. “Inslee isn’t moving at all on designating private construction as essential. Even the Democrats are getting frustrated that the Governor isn’t doing that. He’s not following the lead of Governors in Oregon and California. Our state economy can’t take this much longer, and we also need to keep protecting the elderly and physically vulnerable. We can re-open our economy and keep people safe. Let’s have faith in our citizens to be responsible.”
Republicans in both chambers worked together and are united in this plan.
”I think some movement is necessary,” said Representative Larry Hoff. “We are looking at three big challenges. There’s the health challenge, the emotional challenge, and the economic challenge. The governor is overlooking two of those challenges, and he needs to start listening to the people. There’s no argument that he’s not listening. There is a business revitalization committee forming and there are Democrats on that group that state we need to get this state moving again. We can start again with these safeguards. Why can’t be build a house? Why can’t people go fishing? I’m shocked he’s not listening to us. He’s not injecting common sense to allow these decisions. It’s time we do something that is a positive for the state. Governor Inslee is too concentrated on eradicating this virus before we make economic gains.”
The plan states the following:
“While the executive branch does not classify these employers as essential, Republican legislators recognize the value of these businesses because of the families they support, communities they serve, and economic activity they generate. We recognize how these employers have already suffered from being forcibly closed and how offers of government assistance are no substitute for reopening.
“Early action by state government has protected public health in the face of this pandemic. We believe the executive branch and legislative branch also must take early action to minimize the economic damage associated with the COVID-19 emergency while the public-health effort to defeat the virus continues. Families and communities need our economy to recover as quickly as possible, as do the Washingtonians who benefit from public services and programs made possible by the private sector.
“The GOP proposes three sets of actions to enable the safe restart of Washington’s economy and promote its continued recovery overthe long term. The earliest of these would focus on sectors that can return to safe operations with minimal risk to workers or customers, while giving hope to employers statewide that they will be able to follow suit.”
Housing construction is on hold.
Republican legislators recommend these immediate actions:
Convene a Restart Task Force comprising legislative leaders, relevant executive-branch directors and representatives of the business and organized-labor communities. This group will chart a course toward allowing all Washington businesses to reopen, on a phased or limited basis as necessary, with COVID-19 protections for workers and customers in place.
Fully disclose the “metrics” that must be met before the business-closure order can be lifted or amended. Knowing the standards will allow the people of Washington to act accordingly.
Deliver on the massive testing capabilities promised by state health officials ahead of the business-closure order. Direct the appropriate state agencies to acquire antibody tests and work with employers to screen workers. Workers found to have the antibodies resulting from the COVID-19 infection will be immediately eligible for employment.
A moratorium on all state-agency rulemaking not related to the current crisis. Rules are important, but at a time when many businesses are simply trying to survive, the making of new rules seems less than essential. Relief from rulemaking goes hand-in-hand with relief from taxes.
Interface with the governor’s Business Recovery Legislative Task Force and be prepared to support recommendations that are achievable, measurable and complementary.
Exempt small businesses from paying sales and B&O taxes for one year.
Offer state-government assistance to the many small businesses in Washington that do not qualify for federal emergency-assistance programs.
Allow operations to resume in economic sectors that fit one or more of these criteria: low-risk, personal health, environmental protection, aid to elderly/physically challenged, alternate quarantine locations, assisting businesses with tax-related requirements, or property protection. Examples are auto dealers, solo landscape services, car washes, remodeling companies/contractors, residential construction, hairdressers/barbers, flower shops, RV parks, dentists, installers of home/commercial security systems, and accountants/tax preparers.
The GOP legislators recommend these actions be taken by the Legislature at its next opportunity:
Forgive first-quarter small-business B&O taxes for 2020 and allow deferral of remaining quarterly taxes to the end of 2020. It makes more sense for state government to assist employers through this difficult time, so they can return to becoming regular taxpayers, then to see employers fail and drop off the tax rolls completely.
Forgive payments related to unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation and paid family leave for April 2020 through the month that the business-closure order is lifted or amended, as appropriate.
They also recommend these actions be taken within 6-12 months of the lifting of the business-closure order:
Increase the small-business tax credit to exempt businesses with annual gross receipts of an amount to be determined.
Business-tax reporting and payment deferral for B&O, sales, and use tax.
A year-long holiday from the state’s unemployment insurance social-cost tax, with the option for an additional one-year reduction in the social-cost tax. Timing would depend on the condition of the state UI trust account (which may shrink despite federal-funding backfill).
Sales-tax holiday(s) to help jump-start business activity statewide: These would be aligned with known shopping promotions (e.g. back to school, Black Friday, Cyber Monday) and last for several days. Although state tax collections would be reduced, B&O collections would likely increase.
Aid regarding workers’ compensation premiums: Extend L&I’s Employer Assistance Program for small businesses for all of 2020. Direct L&I to determine whether it has reserve funds to forgive some premium payments for small businesses with deferrals or payment plans per COVID-19.
Waive state minimum-wage increase for 2021: With the minimum wage being tied to CPI and speculation that there may be a decrease in the CPI, hold any future inflationary adjustments to the state minimum wage until the index exceeds the January 2020 level.
Vancouver, WA – On April 16, 2020, following the lead of neighboring law enforcement agencies, the Vancouver Police Department will begin a pilot prescription delivery program that is anticipated to be in effect for City of Vancouver residents while the Washington State Stay-At-Home Order is in place.
Vancouver Police Officers, teamed with Vancouver Police Recruit Officers who are waiting to attend the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy, will be providing free prescription delivery service to qualifying City of Vancouver residents.
In order to qualify for this free delivery program residents must:
Be 65 or older OR have a health condition that would put them at a higher risk of severe illness due to COVID-19
Because the Vancouver Police Department cannot guarantee the time of the delivery, if an urgent delivery is needed, another delivery option must be considered.
Residents who meet the above criteria may call the Vancouver Police Department at (360) 487-7355 to request a prescription delivery from a Clark County pharmacy. This service is available Monday-Friday between 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Immediately following pick-up arrangement residents must:
Contact their pharmacy to order and pay for their prescriptions and notify the pharmacy that Vancouver Police personnel are authorized to pick up their prescriptions.
If the pharmacy informs the resident of a delay to fill the prescription the resident must call the Vancouver Police Department with information on when the prescription will be available for pick up.
The participant will need to present valid photo identification to the Vancouver Police employee at the time of delivery.
During deliveries, Vancouver Police personnel will be in their official uniform, will carry identification, will wear personal protective equipment (PPE), and will follow physical distancing guidelines.
The Vancouver Police Department will be monitoring this pilot program daily and based on this assessment, the program will be evaluated for continuation or may be discontinued if it is not meeting the needs of the community effectively or appropriately. All pending and confirmed prescription deliveries will be completed prior to the program being discontinued.
This is the latest COVID-19 data from multiple sources: Washington Department of Health, CRESA, Johns Hopkins, University of Washington, and updates from local hospitals.
Agencies in Washington and throughout the nation continue to update websites, and provide conference calls explaining what’s happening with the data they gather. This is a quick snapshot of what’s happening, as of April 15, 2020.
COVID-19 positive tests statewide: 10,694 (+156 over 2 days).
COVID-19 negative tests statewide: 112,160
COVID-19 deaths statewide: 541 (+25 over 2 days).
Clark County COVID-19 deaths: 15 (unchanged over 2 days).
Clark County positive COVID-19 tests: 258 (+19 over 2 days).
Clark County COVID-19 cases hospitalized (ICU): 7 (unchanged)
Clark County COVID-19 cases hospitalized, total: 20 (+1 over 2 days).
Local produce growers are having difficulty getting plant starts for their operation due to reduced workforce/capacity among their suppliers.
PeaceHealth Southwest is currently low for testing supplies and PAPR hoods.
Legacy Salmon Creek is critically low on duckbill N95 masks (Med-line & Kimberly Clark) and PAPR face shields. They are low on PAPR helmets, Oxivir Wipes, and GlideScope Blades and Disposable covers.
Otherwise staffing, beds, and other supplies are currently green for area hospitals.
In-house testing capabilities are now operational at PeaceHealth Southwest.
Clark County Community Services has established 116 beds in the Vancouver area for isolation of people who are unhoused and are confirmed to have COVID-19 but do not require medical treatment, and quarantine of people who are confirmed to have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19.
We will continue to post new COVID-19 data.
COVID-19 data: Cases in Washington show the curve starting to flatten.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/07073813/F9E67763-E4F0-4DE5-93DE-6A7A39F0C612.jpeg7201280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-04-16 10:27:132020-04-16 10:29:09COVID-19 Data Update: Latest Numbers For Washington State, Clark County
CAMAS, WA – Today, the City of Camas announced that after a two-week construction stoppage, it will proceed with the Lake-Everett Roundabout and four other essential public projects: improvements to Brady Road, construction of the 18th Avenue Reservoir, construction of the Lacamas Creek Pump Station and improvements at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. All are authorized under Governor Inslee’s original March 23, 2020, Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation.
All contractors, consultants and City employees are required to follow COVID-19 safety precautions and guidance provided by Labor & Industries (L&I) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) while on the construction site. Noncompliance may result in the temporary suspension of work. To meet the requirements, several changes have been made:
Contractors have expanded and improved their own COVID-19 Response Plans in accordance with CDC, OSHA and L&I guidance and recommendations for the type of work being performed.
Contractors’ plans are being reviewed by a certified industrial hygienist who not only has expertise in COVID-19 and illness prevention, but also in job-site safety planning and prevention. Contractors must submit final plans prior to starting work.
All staff inspectors, project managers, consultants and subconsultants have received training from the industrial hygienist on the contractor’s plan, their own protection and COVID-19 compliance.
The City has designated an experienced construction inspector to serve as a COVID-19 safety inspector who will visit job sites, monitor safety and check COVID-19-procedures daily.
The City of Camas will continue to track all COVID-19 news and updates and will react accordingly on all projects. For an up-to-date listing of changes to City programming and operations during the COVID-19 crisis, the public is encouraged to visit www.cityofcamas.us/ourcommunity/covid-19.
For full Lake-Everett Roundabout project details and ongoing construction updates, the public is invited to visit www.cityofcamas.us/lakeroadconstruction. Information on other capital projects is available at http://www.cityofcamas.us/projectsalerts.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/07073815/EA194801-24C7-4706-89D6-C4C3C1E782CA.jpeg8151722Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-04-15 22:28:482020-04-15 22:29:05City of Camas Proceeds With Lake-Everett Roundabout Construction Project
Camas, WA — Camas Parks & Recreation is cancelling the annual Camtown Youth Festival at Crown Park in Camas on Saturday, June 6, 2020. Due to the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak and considering the health and safety of our event participants, the decision has been made to cancel this year’s on-site park event.
“We know that our community is eager to gather and engage in many of the wonderful events and activities (such as Camtown) that our city has to offer. We also know that it will only be a matter of time until we can come together for enjoyment, whether it’s to attend a concert, sporting event, festival, or a fundraiser,” says Krista Bashaw, Special Events Coordinator for the City of Camas Parks & Recreation. “We have future events in our sights and continue to plan for those, so that when the gathering green light is given, we’ll be ready to go with many of the great events our community is used to and ready for.”
Stay home. Stay healthy.
For information on any of the City of Camas events, contact Camas Parks & Recreation at [email protected]
The Camas School District (CSD) continues to make adjustments related to the COVID-19 outbreak and its lingering effects on education. This article contains the latest CSD updates.
Schools will be sending information about the remote learning week with any announcements and special events. CSD will be continuing to work at streamlining this communication with you.
Video Conferencing
Earlier this month, CSD notified families they were delaying video-conferencing between students and teachers as they researched the safety and security of various platforms. As of Wednesday, April 15, Google Meet will be supported as the teacher-student video-conferencing platform for Camas School District.
CSD Netiquette – Message to Families: Please review these guidelines with your student(s), if you have not done so already. The information includes an explanation of video-conferencing and an opt-out process, should families so choose. Complete the opt-out process by Tuesday evening, April 14, as teachers may begin using Meet the following day.
The Zoom video-conferencing platform will still be used for some teacher-parent communication.
Print Resources
Please contact your school administrator or teacher for more information if you are having difficulty accessing resources online or need additional support. The team continues to find creative ways to problem-solve with you.
High School: Due to the emergency closure of schools by Governor Inslee, high school students and middle school students earning high school credits will have two options for how final grades will be posted. Additionally, the governor has stated that student grades will not be harmed as a result of the closure. Students not meeting minimum passing requirements shared by their teachers by the end of the term will receive an incomplete and be given opportunities to work towards the credit. Please review the grading expectations document for more important details.
Senior Project: Camas High School will be adjusting the criteria for completing senior projects. High school staff will provide information and support to help students complete projects with adjusted criteria.
High School Credits: Students will still be required to meet the 24 credit requirements. Should students receive a No Credit or Fail a course, they will be required to make up work for those classes as needed to meet core graduation requirements. Class of 2020 students who were previously on track to graduate may be eligible for additional considerations due to new waiver legislation.
For middle school trimester three final grades, students will be receiving a pass or no credit grade. Middle school students taking high-school level courses will be graded in the same manner as high school students. Students can select a pass/no credit or the grade option by June 1.
Elementary school report cards will be completed at the end of the school year in June, like in previous years. Teachers will record marks for all applicable areas which apply under distance learning circumstances; some areas will not be able to be assessed and will be left blank. Our practice of teaching and learning continues during this time and our teaching staff is committed to providing engaging learning opportunities for each student and family.
Graduation
Graduation is such an amazing celebration for each student, their family, and our community. CSD will be working with staff and students to plan a virtual ceremony in June, and they will also plan on having a traditional graduation ceremony at the earliest, safe date allowed by our state. CSD is committed to providing a graduation ceremony for all of our seniors.
Lacamas Magazine will keep you updated on Camas schools when new developments arise.
The City of Washougal Parks Department is responding to the COVID-19 public health emergency and related federal, state and city directives in order to ensure the health, safety and well-being of the community and our staff. To ensure the safety of its citizens, the City of Washougal has closed playgrounds, restrooms, docks, sports courts/fields, and picnic shelters until at least May 4th. The City will continue to work with Clark County Public Health to evaluate our options beyond this timeline. The closure coincides with the extension of Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy,” order.
”During this time please continue to exercise and spend time outdoors,” said Michelle Wright Interim Deputy Director of Public Works for Washougal. “Please note parks and trails should always be limited to current social distancing of six feet or more between people from different households.”
In order to meet public health recommendations for protecting citizens and employees, parks maintenance crews have been split and are working every-other-week shifts. During this time, the City’s park will be mowed less frequently and other routine tasks will be deferred.
Please continue to practice physical distancing:
Follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on personal hygiene prior to heading to parks and trails. Wash your hand, carry hand sanitizer, do not visit public space if you have symptoms, and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Observe at all times CDC’s minimum recommended physical distancing of six feet from other people. Practice it and know what it looks like. Keep it as you walk, bike or hike.
Bring a suitable trash bag. Leave no trash, take everything out to protect city works.
The City will continue to monitor newly released information to determine additional modifications as needed and would like to thank the public for its patience and understanding.
CAMAS, WA – Earlier this week, the City of Camas Finance department rolled out new ways for residents in arrears and small businesses of fewer than 50 employees to ease the burden of utility payments. Today they announce an additional COVID-19 promotion called “Support Local & Save,” aimed at lowering residential utility bills while supporting Camas merchants.
The new program, which begins April 11, is based on the City of Newberg, Oregon’s Support Local Challenge. Here’s how it works:
Residents are encouraged to make purchases from Camas merchants in the downtown area and throughout the city.Eligible purchases include gift cards, food, goods and services.
Residents save their receipts showing the business name, date and amount of purchase.
Residents may submit to City of Camas a total of $125 in receipts for a total savings of $75.
When they have a total of $25 in receipts (this could be one receipt or multiple), they are eligible to receive $15 off their utility bill.
Residents can then email a scan or photo of the receipts to [email protected]; mail them to City of Camas Finance Department, 616 NE 4th Ave., Camas WA 98607; or drop them in the City Hall drop box.
All receipts must be accompanied by the name on the utility account, account number, address and contact phone or email.
Support Local & Save will begin on Sat., April 11, and run through May 4, the current end date of Governor Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation; the City will reassess the program’s duration as the COVID- 19 situation evolves.
“I challenge everyone who can to ‘Support Local & Save,’” rallied City of Camas Mayor Barry McDonnell. “Camas merchants are doing a great job of coming up with inventive ways to offer gift cards, food, goods and services that allow residents to stay home and stay healthy. Now we can shop, dine and save on utilities.”
The City will continue to monitor feedback from residents and businesses, as well as the guidance of public agencies, to determine future modifications and support mechanisms. For an up-to-date listing of changes to city programming and operations during the COVID-19 crisis, the public is encouraged to visit www.cityofcamas.us/ourcommunity/covid-19.
Members of the public who have a need or concern may contact [email protected] or 360-834-6864. For assistance with errands, food, supplies, and more, residents may call the City of Camas Resource Helpline, 360- 382-1300, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
For questions about the program, please visit www.cityofcamas.us/supportlocal or contact the City of Camas Finance Department at [email protected] or 360-834-2462, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Finance staff will also be on hand to answer questions and enroll residents currently in arrears and small businesses in incorporated Camas with fewer than 50 employees.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/07073826/CAD7FD9C-62AE-4669-BD6C-6E2659F75720.jpeg6891280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-04-10 16:55:562020-04-10 16:56:01Camas Launches ‘Support Local & Save’ to Support Residents, Merchants
Four of the five members of the Clark County Council penned a letter to Washington Governor Jay Inslee this week urging him to rule that all construction be designated as “essential” business under his “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” COVID-19 orders.
The Clark County Council is part of a larger movement from many entities, including the cities of Ridgefield and Lynden, and legislators Dan Newhouse and Kathy McMorris Rodgers, urging Washington Governor Jay Inslee to include residential construction as “essential” under the state’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” directive. They say Inslee’s emergency powers directive went too far. Washington is only one of two states with similar “shelter in place” orders that designate private construction as “non-essential.” The Department of Homeland Security also officially designates construction as “essential.”
Clark County Council Chair, Eileen Quiring, along with three of her four council colleagues — Julie Olson, John Blom and Gary Medvigy, are very concerned about the severely damaging economic effects of Inslee’s order. Councilor Temple Lentz disagrees with her colleagues.
“I’m not sure what his thinking is entirely,” said Quiring. ”He says this is about safety. How is it we can allow public construction or low income housing to go on and not private construction? How much safer are they? All of our builders have to follow OSHA rules. Clark County will be hurt especially given we have more than 15,000 people employed in the construction industry. Think about the people buying homes that were just about completed and are now without a place to go. I hope the Governor is listening because this is ludicrous. It will take us a long time to recover.”
Quiring said the state is losing $23 million a day for every day of work stoppage. Clark County is especially hit hard, with more than 15,000 people employed in construction-related jobs. Construction accounts for about 25 percent of sales tax revenue in Clark County. The council says the county is losing $4.2 million in revenue per week.
In the letter, the councilors say “the near complete shutdown of our construction industry and the loss of revenue in Clark County is dire.”
The city of Lynden has defied the order altogether, allowing construction business to resume. City Administrator Mike Marin released a letter yesterday encouraging construction projects to continue unimpeded despite the executive order.
In an open letter, Marin said the city’s policy is to “rely on the good judgment of the building community to keep its workers safe, and to ensure that any member of the public in the vicinity of a project is likewise kept safe.”
He also called for physical distancing and other “common-sense practices.”
Ridgefield amended the executive order to allow pre-sold and partially erected homes to be completed.
Dear Governor Inslee, During this time of crisis, we all respect the difficult decisions you have to make for the common good of all Washingtonians. We are urging further refinement of your guidance for essential construction throughout the state, but will focus on Clark County. We are advocating that you deem all housing presently under construction and all commercial construction near completion to be deemed essential in much the same way Oregon and California have.
We respect and trust that all builders, unions, skilled and unskilled labor in all trades are using best practices and protocols of social distancing to minimize the risks from COVID-19 to our workforce and community. There has been no specific outbreak attributed to the building industry in the private or public sector, in part, because they remain focused on OSHA standards, health and safety at the work place more so than the public at large. We believe that our hard-working construction industry, using best health and safety practices, would rather be working than furloughed and on unemployment. Please allow them back to work.
We believe the breadth of the current order will create far more devastation to our economy in Clark County, because of our more severe housing shortage as one of the fastest growing areas in the state. This shortage contributes to high costs and increasing homelessness. Our county budget is aggravated here more than anywhere in the state due to sales tax leakage to Oregon, causing a structural deficit from the loss of approximately 25% of sales tax revenue. Approximately 35% of the County’s sales tax has come from construction related activities. In 2019, our General Fund received $43.0M in sales tax or $15.0 million sales tax generated by construction activity alone. The near complete shut-down of our construction industry and loss of revenue in Clark County is dire.
An unusually large segment of Clark County’s economy is based on the construction industry, equating to approximately 15,600 jobs. In Washington State the economic impact is about $8.4B per year, or $23M per day. Our best estimates in Clark County based on our population and construction jobs would amount to 10% of those state numbers.
The annual statewide tax revenue, for state and local governments, is around $2.2B. Proportioned to Clark County, this is around $4.2M per week in Clark County alone in tax revenue lost to the state and county for every week a broad building moratorium remains in place.
In addition, spoilage is now becoming a significant problem with the weather and increased theft occurring. Although, your present order allows for protecting construction, ‘shear inspections’ need to be done before a structure can be weathered-in and those can’t be conducted all at once throughout the county with the current constraints. OSB board, for example can only be in the weather for no more than 60 days, before deterioration, and mold set in. Our local contractors will go where the work is and that is next door to Oregon. Once, construction resumes here, the work force will not be available for our job sites. We will be facing an ever increasing percentage of spoilage as a result.
The dire need for housing and the continuation of essential construction and trade jobs in our county cries out for refinement of the previous orders. We all understand that all decisions should be ‘conditions based’ and those change daily with many unknowns. But we are focusing on what is known. Families are waiting to move into their nearly completed homes. We respectfully request that essential business be further defined to include residential housing under construction and commercial construction that is near completion.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/07073828/16D32453-04C6-4003-B892-67ECF1307DA6.jpeg457909Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-04-10 15:50:172020-04-10 15:50:24Clark County Council to Gov: Change ‘Non Essential’ Construction Designation
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