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6 days ago

Mayor touts waterfront redevelopment and returned industry as path to fiscal recovery City leaders described waterfront redevelopment, a remaining 160-acre mill site and the return of a paper operation (Arcadia) as key strategies to expand the tax base and support long-term services and capital projects.

The mayor calls the acquisition of 230 acres of waterfront property a “jewel” that could reshape the city's economic future and bring in vital new jobs and revenue.

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#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #FiscalRecovery #WaterfrontRedevelopment #StHelensEconomicDevelopment

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6 days ago

St. Helens leaders explain budget squeeze and send $24 general-services fee to May ballot City officials laid out a strained general fund — $12.3 million of a roughly $92 million total budget — and said a $24 general-services fee will go to voters in May; officials tied potential service cuts, furloughs and long-term capital projects to whether the fee passes.

St. Helens faces a critical decision in May that could mean a $24 fee to preserve essential services or significant cuts—what will you choose?

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#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #CommunityDevelopment #FiscalTransparency #PublicSafety #StHelensBudget

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1 month ago

St. Helens library director details growing programs and usage as council weighs outreach limits ahead of ballot measure Suzanne Bishop, St. Helens public library director, told the joint library board and city council on Feb. 25 that the library saw 49,336 building visits in 2025 and outlined new initiatives — including a Columbia County authors collection, a teen advisory board and a makerspace expansion — while councilors sought legal guidance on what the library may distribute about a pending ballot measure.

St. Helens library is booming with a 25% increase in visits and exciting new programs, including a special collection of local authors and a teen advisory board!

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#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #StHelensLibrary #PublicLibraries #CommunityServices #YouthEngagement

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1 month ago

Residents press St. Helens council to pause lagoon/reservoir plan amid contamination, cost concerns Multiple residents urged the St. Helens City Council to halt or reconsider plans to fill a lagoon with outside sediments and to scrutinize reservoir siting, citing contamination risks, large projected costs and reliance on grant funds rather than city money.

Residents of St. Helens are raising alarms about a controversial lagoon project, warning that importing toxic sediments could lead to devastating financial and environmental consequences.

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#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #CommunityInvolvement #StHelensContamination

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1 month ago

St. Helens council OKs engineering work on lagoon cell using existing grants; larger landfill plan scaled back After a technical update on the Central Waterfront/Lagoon project, councilors agreed by consensus to use remaining state grant funds to advance engineering for a constrained fill cell (Cell A) and to preserve options for a future wastewater treatment plant, while shelving a larger landfill/transload approach because of geotechnical, seismic and cost constraints.

St. Helens is shifting gears on its lagoon project, opting for a smaller, cost-effective cell design after uncovering major geological challenges that could impact funding.

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#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #EnvironmentalSustainability #WastewaterManagement #UrbanPlanning #StHelensLagoon

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2 months ago

St. Helens council advances two ordinances to refer general services fee to voters, adds 5-year review The St. Helens City Council voted to advance two ordinances for first reading that would place either a $35.30-or-$24-per-EDU general services fee on the May ballot; council added a mandatory five‑year budget-committee review and scheduled second readings to meet election deadlines.

St. Helens City Council is taking a bold step to address a $2.2 million shortfall by putting two different general services fee options to a vote this May!

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#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #CommunityAssistance #CivicEngagement #PublicFinance #StHelensCityCouncil

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2 months ago

St. Helens library warns of possible cuts as council weighs utility fee and local levy The St. Helens Library director told the board on Feb. 9 that a projected general-fund shortfall has prompted the city to consider either a municipal services fee or a local tax levy; either outcome could materially affect library operations and staffing unless voters approve revenue measures.

The St. Helens Library faces potential budget cuts unless the community rallies to support a new utility fee or local tax levy—critical decisions are on the horizon!

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#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #LocalRevenue #StHelensLibrary #PublicFunding

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2 months ago

St. Helens council directs staff to prepare $35 municipal services fee to voters after budget briefing Faced with a projected general‑fund shortfall, councilors asked staff to prepare a municipal services fee (EDU‑based) option that would aim for a 20% reserve (roughly $35 per EDU/month) and to bring materials outlining what services would be preserved or cut if voters reject it.

St. Helens council is grappling with a budget shortfall and has directed staff to prepare a $35 municipal services fee for voters, sparking a heated debate on the future of local services.

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#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #RevenueGeneration #CommunityServices #StHelensMunicipalServices

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2 months ago

9‑1‑1 director urges levy to stabilize aging radio system as board member warns of long-standing waste The county 9‑1‑1 executive director presented a five‑year operations levy to stabilize radios and staffing; a board member and councilors pressed for guarantees after allegations of poor past governance and millions in uncompleted work.

The county's 9‑1‑1 director is pushing for a crucial operations levy to address a failing radio system, but concerns about past financial mismanagement are raising eyebrows among council members.

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#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #CivicAccountability #StHelens911 #PublicSafety

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2 months ago

St. Helens officials say general fund shortfall may prompt voter-approved service fee City administrators told the Saint Johns Public Library Board the city is on a trajectory to exhaust contingency reserves and is considering a May ballot measure — a general-service fee or levy — to produce recurring revenue; officials also cited a $1.3 million revenue loss after Cascades Tissue closed.

St. Helens faces a financial crisis that could drain its contingency reserves by June, prompting city officials to consider a crucial May ballot measure for new revenue.

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#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #FiscalResponsibility #CommunityEducation #StHelensLibrary #PublicRevenue

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3 months ago

Planning director outlines waterfront talks with Romano, reservoir study, PGE parcel and staffing limits The planning director updated the commission on waterfront negotiations with developer Romano, a preferred water-reservoir site, a PGE substation parcel for the industrial park, housing-capacity work, and staffing constraints that make hiring a second planner unlikely this fiscal year.

Exciting developments are underway as the city negotiates with developer Romano for waterfront expansion while prioritizing a new water reservoir site over housing!

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#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #StHelensWaterfront #WaterResourceManagement #CivicEngagement #InfrastructureDevelopment

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3 months ago

Council debates city boat and tram after Coast Guard certification issues and high upkeep costs City staff described unresolved Coast Guard file documentation that restricts the city boat's commercial use and cited high insurance and repair costs; council discussed declaring the boat (and possibly the tram) surplus to allow sale, while some members urged keeping the assets for future tourism plans.

City officials are grappling with costly repairs and certification issues for the city-owned tourism boat, with discussions on whether to sell it or adapt to new operational needs.

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#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #StHelensTourism #LocalGovernance #CommunityInvestment

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3 months ago

St. Helens police chief warns overtime will far exceed budget as hires arrive Police Chief said the department has relied on voluntary overtime for 18 months to maintain 24‑hour coverage, projecting overtime costs of about $543,000 this fiscal year versus a $300,000 budget, while several hires and academy graduates could restore regular shifts by spring.

St. Helens police chief raises alarm as overtime costs skyrocket to $543,000, risking officer burnout and public safety—what's the plan to restore 24-hour coverage?

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#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #CommunitySafety #StHelensPublicSafety #BudgetAccountability

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3 months ago

St. Helens Council orders RFP for water taxi, declares tram surplus amid public criticism of tourism oversight At its Jan. 7 meeting the St. Helens City Council authorized the city administrator to issue an RFP for the water taxi and declared the tram surplus; public commenters this evening pressed the council on transparency, a redacted report and contractor accountability for tourism assets.

St. Helens City Council faces intense public scrutiny as they push for transparency while deciding the fate of the water taxi and tram amid accusations of mismanagement.

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#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #StHelensTourism #TourismManagement #TransparencyInGovernment

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3 months ago

Council briefed on Amendment No. 3 to paper‑mill purchase agreement with Arcadia Holdings Staff presented Amendment No. 3 to the purchase and sale agreement for the former paper‑mill property at 1300 Castro Road with Arcadia Holdings LLC, finalizing legal descriptions, easements, seller financing and ancillary covenants including effluent clarifier use; details will be discussed further in executive session and at the regular meeting.

The St. Helens City Council is one step closer to finalizing a pivotal agreement with Arcadia Holdings for the former paper mill site, paving the way for new opportunities in the community.

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#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #EconomicDevelopment #StHelensProperty #LocalGovernance

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3 months ago

Keller Associates recommends Site 2 as top choice for St. Helens reservoir; council raises wetlands and neighborhood concerns Keller Associates presented a reservoir siting study for St. Helens and recommended Site 2 as the preferred alternative for cost and constructability, while councilors expressed concerns about wetlands mitigation, haul routes through subdivisions and long‑term hydraulic performance.

Keller Associates has identified Site 2 as the prime location for St. Helens' new reservoir, but councilors are voicing concerns over environmental impacts and construction challenges.

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#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #CommunityEngagement #StHelensReservoir #InfrastructurePlanning

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3 months ago

Treadway Events says Halloweentown drew thousands; critics at public comment cite budget shortfalls Treadway Events told St. Helens council the Halloweentown program drew roughly 50,000 attendees and about 27,520 paid tickets, with gross event revenue reported at about $419,000; public commenters disputed the contractor’s performance and warned the city budget included optimistic transfers that may leave a shortfall.

Treadway Events reported impressive attendance at Halloweentown, but budget concerns and weather mishaps have raised serious questions about its future.

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#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #BudgetTransparency #CommunityEngagement #StHelensEvents #EventImpact

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3 months ago

City attorney recommends contingent‑fee counsel for nationwide AFFF settlement claims City attorney Ashley Wygott recommended entering a contingent‑fee representation agreement with specialized counsel to pursue claims from the nationwide AFFF product‑liability settlements (DuPont and 3M settlements established a $13 billion fund); staff said there is no out‑of‑pocket cost and recovery could arrive in late 2026–2027.

St. Helens could tap into a $13 billion nationwide settlement for firefighting foam claims with no upfront costs—could this be a game changer for the city’s water system?

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#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #StHelensWater #PublicHealth #EnvironmentalLitigation #ChemicalSafety

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9 months ago

Public Comments Highlight Safety Concerns Over Sidewalk Replacement at Dance Venue Resident Joel Warner presses city council to restore dance floor after safety incidents.

St. Helens resident Joel Warner is raising alarms over public safety after injuries from a sidewalk replacement at the beloved "13 Nights on the River" event, urging the city council to bring back the dance floor for a safer community experience.

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9 months ago

Public Speaker Urges Saint Helens to Sell Coast Guard Approved Boat Amid Liability Concerns Speaker advises Saint Helens to sell boat due to liability and contractor issues.

A local resident is raising alarms over St. Helens' recent boat purchase, warning that it could lead to costly liabilities and calling for an urgent reevaluation of the city's maritime operations.

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#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #PublicSafety #CommunityAccountability

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9 months ago

Concerns Raised Over Security Issues at 13 Nights Events Attendees demand better security measures after recent fight at 13 Nights venue.

Local leaders are sounding the alarm over safety concerns at community events after a recent fight at a venue exposed serious management failures.

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#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #PublicSafety #StHelensEvents #CommunityEngagement #EventManagement

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9 months ago

St. Helens Resident Nick Florey Supports New Water Bill Fee Proposals Nick Florey praises St. Helens' efforts on the water bill and fee structures.

St. Helens resident Nick Florey champions transparency in water billing, sparking a vital community conversation about fair financial practices.

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#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #LocalGovernance #StHelensWater #CivicAccountability #CommunityInvolvement

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9 months ago

Saint Helens City Council Approves Multiple Ordinances Including Pavement Cut Moratorium City Council discusses loan limitations and adopts ordinances for zoning and pavement moratorium.

St. Helens City Council is taking bold steps towards fiscal responsibility and community engagement, including proposals to limit loan fees and new ordinances for urban development.

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#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #PublicSafety #SustainableDevelopment #StHelensCityCouncil

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9 months ago

City Council Faces Budget Concerns and Water Fee Debates in Public Comments Citizens voice concerns over budget holes and water fees at recent city council meeting.

St. Helens residents are demanding accountability and transparency from their City Council as heated debates over budget gaps and rising water fees take center stage.

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#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #PublicSafety #StHelensCommunity #CommunityInvolvement #BudgetAccountability

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9 months ago

Council Discusses Universal Fee Schedule Amidst Finance Director's Absence Council plans to table questions on the universal fee schedule for next work session.

The St. Helens City Council is poised to reshape community event fees, but crucial insights are on hold until the finance director can return.

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#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #StHelensEvents #CommunityEngagement #TransparencyInGovernance #MunicipalFinance

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9 months ago

Developer Raises Wetlands Concerns Over Largo Road Property Deed Requirements Developer discusses ongoing concerns regarding wetlands documentation impacting Largo Road property.

Developers are pushing back against new wetlands documentation requirements that could complicate future projects in St. Helens!

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#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #EnvironmentalConsiderations #DevelopmentDialogue #StHelensLandUse

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9 months ago

Engineers and Architects Halt Work for Philadelphia School District Permitting Issues Engineers and architects cease work due to liability concerns over permit regulations.

St. Helens City Council is facing mounting pressure to reform its permitting process as frustrated developers and engineers voice concerns over excessive regulations and liability issues.

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#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #StHelensPermits #EnvironmentalRegulations #ProfessionalLiability

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9 months ago

Council Work Session Features Public Criticism on Contractor Performance Public comments highlight dissatisfaction with city contractor handling of July 4 celebration.

The St. Helens City Council faced fiery criticism from residents over their handling of recent city events, sparking a vital conversation about accountability and community trust.

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#HelensColumbiaCounty #OR #PublicParticipation #StHelensCityCouncil #CommunityEngagement

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9 months ago

City Council Discusses Future of Water Taxi Operations and Liability Challenges Council weighs options to keep, lease, or sell city-owned water taxi amid safety concerns.

St. Helens City Council is grappling with the future of its aging water taxi, facing tough decisions about safety, liability, and tourism potential.

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9 months ago

City Discusses November Ballot Timing for Upcoming Citizen Referral City officials consider including a citizen referral on the November ballot amid tight deadlines.

St. Helens City Council is prioritizing community voices as they rush to prepare a crucial referral for the upcoming November ballot!

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