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Bingen, WA

Bingen public meetings in 2025

22 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Tue Dec 16, 2025

City Council

Bingen City Council to discuss Alder & Cedar sidewalk agreements

The City Council will review a development agreement and amendment for sidewalks at Alder & Cedar. The meeting also includes a police update and a discussion on the Granicus renewal.

infrastructuresidewalkswastewaterpolicecity-council
✓ Decided: Council approved interlocal agreement with White Salmon setting ERU rates for 2026

The council adopted the corrected December 2, 2025 minutes. It approved continuing the Granicus vacation‑rental monitoring service at $3,118.50 for one year and authorized funding for possible extra costs on the Alder & Cedar sidewalk project. The council also added Mayor Kelsey Ramsey as a signer on all city bank accounts, approved the interlocal agreement with White Salmon on ERU rates, and unanimously approved several claim and payroll payments.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Tue Dec 2, 2025

City Council

Bingen City Council to hold public hearings on 2026 budget and public safety tax

The City Council will conduct public hearings regarding the adoption of the 2026 budget and a proposed public safety enhancement sales tax. The body will also review interlocal agreements for law enforcement and West District Court services.

budgettaxespublic-safetylaw-enforcementparking
✓ Decided: City Council adopted the 2026 budget ordinance

The council approved Ordinance 2025-13-780 adopting the 2026 budget after a public hearing. Councilors also authorized Mayor Kiewit to sign the interlocal law‑enforcement agreement with White Salmon. Payroll and claims vouchers for November 26 and December 2 were approved unanimously. The meeting minutes were corrected and approved, and newly‑elected officials were sworn in.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Tue Nov 18, 2025

City Council

Bingen City Council to hold public hearing on ad valorem taxes

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding Ordinance 2025-12-779 for ad valorem taxes. The body will also consider a lease extension for the Gorge Heritage Museum and a resolution for an overhead cost allocation plan.

taxesmuseuminfrastructurepolicefinance
✓ Decided: City adopts ordinance raising property tax levy by 1%

The council adopted Ordinance 2025‑12‑779, which raises Bingen’s property‑tax levy by 1%, the maximum allowed by state law. The council also adopted Resolution 2025‑009, changing the city’s overhead cost allocation to move expenses from the general fund into the Street, Water, Sewer and Treatment Plant funds. Payroll checks for November 12, November 14 and claims checks for November 18 were approved unanimously. The meeting minutes with a wording correction were approved.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Tue Nov 4, 2025

City Council

Bingen City Council to hold public hearing on 2026 draft budget

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding the 2026 draft budget. The body will also discuss EMS funding, a car share agreement extension, and lodging tax grants.

budgetemsgrantstransportationpublic-safety
Agenda (official) · cached copy
Tue Oct 21, 2025

City Council

Bingen City Council to hold public hearing on Critical Areas Ordinance

The City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding the Critical Areas Ordinance and site potential tree height. The body will also receive updates on the Public Safety Enhancement Sales Tax and discuss Maple Street trees.

zoningordinancestaxespublic-safetytrees
Agenda (official) · cached copy
Tue Oct 7, 2025

City Council

Public hearing on Ordinance 2025-12-779 to add a public‑safety sales tax

The Bingen City Council will hold a public hearing on Ordinance 2025-12-779, which proposes adding the BMC 3.13 Public Safety Enhancement Sales Tax. The council will also consider a resolution to cancel certain checks and warrants, review the NW Natural franchise agreement, and discuss Maple Street tree planting. Additional updates include a fire department report, USDA quarterly report, and a public works superintendent update.

public-safetybudgetutilitiesenvironmentcity-council
✓ Decided: Council tables Public Safety Enhancement Sales Tax ordinance until December meeting

The council approved the September 2 and September 16 meeting minutes. It also approved the USDA 2025 Q3 budget income and equity statement. Discussion of Ordinance 2025-12-779, the Public Safety Enhancement Sales Tax, was tabled until the first council meeting in December. All motions carried.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Tue Sep 16, 2025

City Council

City Council to adopt Critical Areas Ordinance and discuss public safety sales tax

The Bingen City Council will hold a public hearing to adopt the Critical Areas Ordinance and discuss HB2015 Enhanced Public Safety Sales Tax. The meeting also includes a review of the Treatment Plant Improvements scope and the August 2025 Treasurer's Report.

ordinancepublic-safetysales-taxwatertreatment-planttreasury
✓ Decided: Council approved treatment plant scope and multiple budget items

The council approved the Treatment Plant improvement scope and signed the USDA Form 442-2. It also approved the August 2025 Treasurer’s Report and both payroll and claims vouchers. The September 2 meeting minutes were tabled to the next meeting.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Tue Sep 2, 2025

City Council

Bingen Council to hold public hearings on budget amendment and sales tax addition

The Bingen City Council will meet on September 2, 2025, to discuss and hold public hearings on two ordinances: one amending the 2025 budget and another adding a public safety sales tax. Additional items include updates on fire services, waterline projects, sewer extensions, and a franchise agreement with Northwest Natural.

budgettaxeswatersewerpublic-safety
✓ Decided: City Council adopts public safety sales tax ordinance

The council adopted Ordinance 2025-11-778 to add a public safety sales tax, and approved Ordinance 2025-10-777 amending the 2025 budget. It also approved plans for the East Steuben Water Main Sections 2 and 3 to proceed to bid, and authorized the replacement of the treatment plant’s RAS pump. Additional actions included approving the East Franklin sewer extension and authorizing payroll and claims vouchers.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Tue Aug 19, 2025

City Council

Bingen Council to review wastewater plant improvements and award contract

The Bingen City Council will meet on August 19, 2025, to discuss and potentially decide on wastewater treatment plant improvements, including a scope of work review and contract award. Other items include updates on police activities, waterline projects, and investment changes.

wastewatercontractswaterlinespoliceinvestmentstreasury-report
✓ Decided: Council adopted small‑works direct contracting policy and rotation plan

The council adopted a small‑works roster direct contracting and rotational contracting policy after a motion was carried. It approved moving the city’s MoneyMarket funds to a 4‑month CD at Riverview Bank and relocating five CDs to a 7‑month CD at First Interstate Bank. The July 2025 Treasurer’s Report, the August 15 payroll vouchers, and the August 19 claims vouchers were all approved. The minutes from the August 5 meeting were also approved.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Tue Aug 5, 2025

City Council

Bingen City Council to hold hearings on business licenses and critical areas

The City Council will hold public hearings regarding business license exemptions and updates to the Critical Areas Ordinance. The body will also consider a resolution to adopt a Municipal Code of Conduct.

business-licenseszoningenvironmentgovernancepublic-safety
✓ Decided: City Council approved a one‑year CivicPlus contract to manage Bingen’s website

The council corrected the July 15 meeting minutes and approved the correction. It rescinded the emergency declaration issued on July 19. Councilors approved a one‑year contract with CivicPlus for website management, adopted a business‑license amendment ordinance, and adopted a municipal code of conduct. Several voucher and payroll payments were also approved unanimously.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Tue Jul 15, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: Council adopted Resolution 2025-006 to accept Oak Street Reservoir Project as complete

The council approved Resolution 2025-006, formally accepting the Oak Street Reservoir Project as complete. They also approved a one‑year radio system use and 911/dispatch services agreement with Klickitat County Emergency Management. The June 2025 Treasurer’s Report and the payroll and claims checks for June 30, July 1, and July 15 were each approved unanimously. The minutes from the June 17, 2025 meeting were adopted.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Tue Jun 17, 2025

City Council

Bingen City Council to consider 6-year transportation plan and smoking ban

The City Council will review a long-term transportation improvement program and a proposed ordinance regarding smoking and vaping. The body will also consider a block party application for Franklin Street.

transportationpublic-healthcommunity-eventscity-codefinance
✓ Decided: Council adopted the 6‑Year Transportation Improvement Program

The council approved the corrected June 3, 2025 meeting minutes. It adopted Resolution 2025‑005, the 6‑Year Transportation Improvement Program. The council also adopted Ordinance 2025‑08‑775, striking a specific smoking‑in‑the‑park sentence, and approved the May 2025 Treasurer’s Report.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Tue Jun 3, 2025

City Council

Bingen City Council to hold hearing on leak adjustment policy

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding an amendment to the leak adjustment policy. Members will also consider a resolution prohibiting smoking and vaping and discuss updates to the Critical Areas Ordinance.

ordinancespublic-healthenvironmental-regulationscity-policyutilities
✓ Decided: Council adopted smoking and vaping prohibition resolution

The council adopted Resolution 2025-004, which adds a citywide ban on smoking and vaping in public spaces where children may be present. The council also approved Ordinance 2025-07-774 to amend the leak adjustment policy and approved the May 20, 2025 meeting minutes. The May 29 claims voucher totaling $5,146.21 was approved unanimously. A public hearing on the smoking ban is scheduled for June 17, 2025.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Tue May 20, 2025

City Council

Bingen City Council to discuss sewer utility tax and leak adjustment policy

The City Council will meet to discuss the sewer utility tax and the city's leak adjustment policy. The body will also review and approve a Public Safety Sales Tax mailer and the 2025 newsletter.

sewer-utilitytaxespublic-safetycity-codeutilities
✓ Decided: Council approved a 5% increase to the sewer utility tax

The council voted to raise the sewer utility tax from 20% to 25% effective immediately. The motion carried with a second and no recorded opposition. The council also approved the corrected May 6, 2025 meeting minutes, the 2024 State Auditor’s Office annual report, and the April 2025 Treasurer’s report.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Tue May 6, 2025

City Council

Bingen City Council to hold public hearings on sewer rates and business license fees

The City Council will hold public hearings regarding proposed changes to monthly sewer rates and business license fees. The meeting also includes updates on Bingen Fire and planning for Maple Street trees.

sewer-ratesbusiness-licensespublic-hearingsfire-departmenttrees
✓ Decided: Council adopts higher sewer rates and tiered business license fees

The council approved the corrected minutes from the April 15 meeting. It adopted Ordinance 2025-05-772, raising the monthly sewer base rate to $75, setting the ERU rate to $25, and delaying the 1.5% increase until January 1, 2027. It also adopted Ordinance 2025-06-773, changing the flat $40 business license fee to a tiered schedule based on the number of employees.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Tue Apr 15, 2025

City Council

Bingen City Council to discuss budget balancing and public safety sales tax

The City Council will discuss balancing the city budget and Resolution 2025-003 regarding a public safety sales tax. The body will also review a lease for the Gorge Heritage Museum and a bank account relocation.

budgettaxespublic-safetyleasingroadsbanking
✓ Decided: City Council adopted public safety sales tax resolution for August ballot

The council adopted Resolution 2025-003 establishing a public safety sales tax to appear on the August 5, 2025 ballot. It also approved the Gorge Heritage Museum lease, a $50 support for the American Legion flag service, a memorandum of understanding with Partners for Rural Washington, and a WSDOT construction agreement; it moved the city checking account to First Interstate Bank, changed the property tax split to 70% general/30% street, approved the February 2025 treasurer report, and tabled the March 2025 treasurer report.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Tue Mar 18, 2025

City Council

Bingen City Council to hold final public hearing on middle housing ordinances

The City Council will conduct a final public hearing regarding four ordinances related to middle housing and lot subdivisions. The meeting also includes an update on the Hood River-White Salmon Bridge and planning for a time capsule.

housingzoningordinancesinfrastructurepublic-hearing
✓ Decided: Council approves four middle housing ordinances after public hearing

The Bingen City Council held a final public hearing and approved four ordinances related to middle housing, including amendments to zoning codes, definitions, and a new unit lot subdivision chapter. The council also received a status update on the Hood River-White Salmon Bridge project, noting a $1.12B cost estimate and an October 2027 construction start goal. Additionally, the council approved payroll and claims checks, and canceled the April 1, 2025 meeting due to lack of quorum.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Tue Mar 4, 2025

City Council

Council to continue Dry Creek Subdivision hearing, bus shelter project

The Bingen City Council will hold a continued public hearing on the Dry Creek Subdivision and consider awarding a contract for the Bus Shelter Project (RFP 2025-001). Other business includes a water meter procurement request, a resolution to cancel certain checks and warrants, and approval of prior meeting minutes and vouchers.

housingsubdivisionpublic-hearingtransitinfrastructureprocurementbudgetfire
✓ Decided: Bingen Council approves Dry Creek Bluff subdivision with stormwater condition change

The Bingen City Council approved the Dry Creek Bluff subdivision, subject to staff recommendations with a change to Condition 9 to use the Eastern Washington stormwater manual. The council also awarded a bus shelter contract to Oregon Correctional Enterprises, approved water meter replacements for $21,193.99, and adopted a resolution to cancel uncashed checks. The meeting included a fire department update and discussion of the subdivision's road and right-of-way details.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Tue Feb 18, 2025

City Council

Bingen City Council to continue public hearing on Dry Creek Subdivision

The City Council will hold a continued public hearing regarding the Dry Creek Subdivision. The body will also consider an interlocal agreement with Klickitat County for West District Court Services for 2026-2027.

zoninginterlocal-agreementcourtsfinance
✓ Decided: Council continues Dry Creek Subdivision hearing to March 4

The Bingen City Council continued the Dry Creek Subdivision public hearing to March 4, 2025, to allow for further road design, WSDOT coordination, and condition crafting. The council also approved the February 4 meeting minutes as corrected, authorized the mayor to sign the Klickitat County Interlocal Agreement for West District Court Services with corrections, and approved the January 2025 Treasurer's Report and payroll/claims vouchers.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Tue Feb 4, 2025

City Council

Bingen City Council to hold public hearing on draft Middle Housing Ordinance

The City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding a draft Middle Housing Ordinance. The body will also review and consider approval for two contracts related to the East Steuben Waterline Sections 2 and 3.

zoninghousingwater-infrastructurepublic-workscontracts
✓ Decided: Council authorizes East Steuben waterline contracts, discusses housing ordinance

The Bingen City Council authorized signatures on two contracts for the East Steuben Waterline Sections 2 and 3 replacement project: one with the Public Works Board for $1.25M in funding and one with Gray and Osborne for engineering. The council also held a public hearing on a draft middle housing ordinance, reaching consensus on several items but taking no final action. Minutes from January 21 were approved with a correction, and claims and payroll checks were approved.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Tue Jan 21, 2025

City Council

Bingen City Council to hold public hearing on vehicle and traffic ordinance

The City Council will consider a contract amendment for the Oak Street Reservoir and review the Dry Creek Subdivision preliminary plat. The body will also review lodging tax grant awards and a funding agreement with Klickitat County.

traffic-ordinancezoninginfrastructuretourismintergovernmental-agreement
✓ Decided: Council awards $48,340 in lodging tax grants, approves contracts

The Bingen City Council approved the 2025 lodging tax grant awards, allocating $2,500 for bus shelters, $5,500 for welcome murals, $10,000 to the Huckleberry Festival, and $30,340.40 to the Mt. Adams Chamber of Commerce (4-1). The council also approved a contract amendment for Oak Street Reservoir construction administration, adopted an interlocal agreement with Klickitat County for surface transportation funding, and tabled the Dry Creek Subdivision preliminary plat hearing to February. Several routine financial reports and claims were approved.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Tue Jan 7, 2025

City Council

Council to set 2025 salary schedule, review Oak Street Reservoir

The Bingen City Council will vote on Resolution 2025-001 establishing the 2025 salary schedule for city employees. They will also receive a final progress estimate for the Oak Street Reservoir project, discuss 2025 committee appointments, and plan a community visioning meeting. The agenda includes a fire department update and approval of November 2024 treasurer's report.

city-councilbudgetsalariesinfrastructurecommitteespublic-safetyplanning
✓ Decided: Council adopts 2025 salary schedule with 5% increase

The Bingen City Council approved the 2025 salary schedule with a 5% increase per the collective bargaining agreement, adopted the final progress estimate for the Oak Street Reservoir, and approved the November 2024 Treasurer's Report noting a $264 discrepancy. The council also discussed a tourism grant request and committee appointments.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes