The Dalles Budget Committee spent Monday night wrestling with declining street revenues, a looming $75 million-plus water treatment plant replacement and the long-term costs of maintaining city systems as officials warned difficult funding decisions are approaching.

Disposal of the sediment to the Wasco County Landfill, “is not only environmentally and socially the worst option, but also financially. The cost of this is potentially 6 billion dollars, with seventy percent of that cost being in transportation… that is a six billion dollar investment in fossil fuel burning.”

Webber Street closure concerns dominate as business reports steep loss, while The Dalles council approves a $146K archaeology contract and shifts nonprofit funding process.

The Dalles City Council will consider a $146,804 increase tied to downtown construction, approve elevator upgrades and discuss a new nonprofit funding program at its Monday evening meeting.

Council unanimously adopted a room tax ordinance updating the city’s lodging tax law while delaying a decision on whether Oregon should administer collections.

Local activists and representatives with the Environmental Protection Agency will hold a discussion about hauling the contaminated material to the Wasco County Landfill.

At Monday night’s meeting, locals outraged by ICE’s lack of search warrants and concealment of identity as they pull people from local communities through force was on full display.

Wasco County is facing a critical 911 staffing shortage, with three vacant dispatcher positions and a possible fourth on the way. Officials are proposing a $146,100 contract with GetResQ911 LLC to bring in two experienced temporary dispatchers and prevent burnout among existing staff while maintaining emergency response coverage. 

A comprehensive overhaul of the city’s dormant dog-licensing system sparked debate among vets and residents over privacy, enforcement, and fairness. Council delays vote until December.

The Dalles City Council is sniffing out changes to local dog laws Monday, aiming to curb ruff behavior, leash lingering problems, and fetch compliance through a new licensing program set to roll over in 2026.

The Dalles City Council will consider new rules for food carts and transient vendors at its meeting on Monday, Sept. 8.

Wasco County commissioners meet Wednesday to review July finances, approve transit and fencing agreements, extend Forest Service patrol funding, appoint an advisory member, and hear a downtown housing project update.

U.S. Rep Cliff Bentz addresses concerns about the elimination of the vote-by-mail system under the Trump Administration and he also responds to criticisms that the Republican-dominated house is providing little to no pushback against Trump policies.

The Wasco County Board of Commissioners will consider accepting a $120,000 planning grant, approving a new opioid settlement agreement, and renaming a livestock arena in honor of a longtime fair volunteer during its regular session on Wednesday, Aug. 6.

The Dalles City Council heard two significant proposals on July 14 that could reshape local environmental policy and small business operations, as it considered sweeping new federal floodplain development rules and a possible exception to the city’s strict parking rules for a longtime short-term rental.

Council voted to award a $619,212 professional services contract to Portland-based landscape architecture and urban design firm Walker Macy, LLC for planning and design of the long-anticipated Federal Street Plaza project.

The Dalles City Council could take the next steps in bringing the Federal Street Plaza to fruition in the downtown business district as leaders look to build pedestrian and tourism traffic and bolster the local economy.

City sends $50k to Northern Wasco County Parks and Recreation to align with 1977 ordinance that put 2 percent of lodging tax toward parks. The money will assist the district in maintaining 8 community parks totaling more than 200 acres.

Council pushes ahead airport development with legal agreements, gives The Dalles Area Chamber a contract nod after a competitive process, and supports major library improvement.

The largest share of the budget—about $21 million—will fund general operations, including police, city administration, planning, legal, technology, and public facilities. The police department is set to receive $7.3 million, making it the single largest departmental allocation within the General Fund.