Though the height of the COVID-19 pandemic appears to be behind Clark County, its effects on the county public health department will have lasting effects moving forward.
On April 4, the county released a “State of the County” address, where Clark County Council Chair Karen Bowerman discussed recent developments and future plans.
Bowerman noted the address occurred more than three years after the first confirmed COVID-19 case in Clark County.
“COVID is still with us, but with deep thanks to our health care providers, we are moving forward and our economy begins to return,” Bowerman said.
Clark County Public Health continues to monitor COVID-19 activity and has partnered with long-term care facilities and schools to manage outbreaks, Bowerman said. The health department is working on a review of its response to the pandemic, which will be used to aid future responses.
The department is also developing a community health improvement plan for 2024, Bowerman added.
Bowerman led off the address by mentioning deputy Drew Kennison, a member of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, who was seriously injured while driving back from training during a snowstorm in late February. Kennison had one of his legs amputated above the knee after a tree branch fell on his patrol vehicle in Skamania County.
She extended thanks to all those who helped Kennison.
“On behalf of the Clark County Council, we are keeping Drew, his family and the sheriff’s office’s family in our hearts as they cope with this tragedy,” Bowerman said. “We are grateful that he has been able to return home and is continuing to improve.”
Public safety was one of a number of topics covered in the address. The county now runs the Clark County Jail through its own department, which shifted jail operations away from the sheriff late last year.
Bowerman said the transition will allow for greater resources in mental and behavioral support as well as substance abuse.
“Our number one priority is to provide a safe, suitable jail facility for both inmates and those who work and provide services in the jail,” Bowerman said.
Bowerman thanked voters for approving a .1% sales tax increase in order to fund the sheriff’s office. The tax allows for the implementation of a body-worn and vehicle dash camera program for sheriff’s deputies, which began a pilot test earlier that week.
This year, the county began work on its periodic update of its comprehensive growth management plan. The first steps in the multi-year process include adopting a 20-year population projection and a public participation plan, which will allow county residents an opportunity to weigh in on any changes to the county’s growth plan.
Bowerman said the county “is in a strong position” to handle budgetary challenges given past financial practices like its reserve balances. The county’s budget has benefitted from one-time American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and “unprecedented” sales tax revenues, she said.
On the ARPA funds, Bowerman mentioned the county has provided property tax assistance and community organization grants. It also provided funding for a new North Country EMS station and the expansion of broadband internet north of Battle Ground Lake.
The county has several parks projects that are set for completion this year. Felida and Hockinson community parks will see improvements, while Kozy Camp Park in the fairgrounds neighborhood will finish up construction.
Bowerman noted the projects are paid for by impact fees on new development and real estate excise tax.
She mentioned those who hold a Washington State Parks disabled veteran lifetime pass can also use it at the county’s four regional parks to avoid parking fees.
Homelessness was another chief issue Bowerman addressed. Based on the latest “point in time” count in January, homelessness is up 31% from 2021.
Homelessness disproportionately affects people of color, Bowerman said. While people of color account for 14% of the population, that number increases to 27% of the homeless population.
Bowerman said the county increased its spending on homelessness programs from about $10 million to roughly $14 million, a significant amount of which came from ARPA funds.
The increased funding has gone toward outreach efforts, more shelter beds and program performance improvements. It has also been used to sustain rehousing and permanent supportive housing efforts, she said.
The county sheltered 157% more individuals who were 62 and older due to the prioritization of that population at recently-opened “Bertha’s Place” shelters, Bowerman said. Veteran homelessness decreased 40% in the county when compared to pre-pandemic times.
In addition to those efforts, more than $55 million in rent and utility assistance went to more than 6,700 Clark County households, Bowerman said.
Bowerman mentioned the county collaborates with other cities through the Ending Community Homelessness Organization, otherwise known as ECHO. That organization helps steer the work the county does in order to address the county’s homelessness crisis.
“There is still much left to do,” Bowerman said.
