There are no vaccine safety concerns and kids don’t need to be revaccinated
Vaccine manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur has voluntarily recalled a small amount of H1N1 vaccine intended for use in children under 3. No safety issues with the vaccine have been identified. Routine testing revealed that this batch of vaccine has become slightly less potent over time. Despite this, children who received this vaccine are still protected from H1N1 flu, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials.
“Children who have already received the recalled vaccine don’t need to be revaccinated. Parents just need to make sure that their kids 9 and younger receive two doses of H1N1 vaccine at least 21 days apart,” said Gary Oxman, Multnomah County Health Officer.
This recalled product represents a very small percentage of the total amount of vaccine received in Washington and Oregon. Washington received 5,100 doses of the recalled vaccine, a tiny fraction of the 1.6 millions doses of H1N1 vaccine the state has received to date. In Oregon, these figures are 7,600 and 1,066,450 respectively.
Any health care providers who have the recalled vaccine should stop using it, keep it refrigerated, and wait for instructions on how to return it.
More information about the recalled vaccine is available at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/syringes_qa.htm. Additional vaccine information, as well as tips on how schools, businesses, and others can avoid getting sick is available at www.nwflunews.info or www.flunewsswwashington.org.
H1N1 vaccine is now available for everyone in Oregon and Southwest Washington and everyone is encouraged to get vaccinated.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Budget changes at the Clerk’s Office bring shorter hours
Vancouver, WA – Beginning Jan. 4, 2010, the Clark County Clerk’s Office will reduce its public hours and charge a facilitator fee previously waived for some, both the result of budget reductions for 2010.
The Clerk’s Office will be open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office is on the first floor of the Clark County Courthouse, 1200 Franklin St., Vancouver.
Also, the office will charge persons on public assistance $10 for a 20 minute appointment with the court’s Family Law Facilitator. Previously, the Clerk’s Office waived the fee. Others will continue to pay $20 for the service.
In addition, the Criminal Collections Unit, which monitors and receives court-ordered financial payments from Superior Court defendants, will move to the Family Law Annex, 601 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. The building is one block south of the courthouse.
The Clerk’s Office receives and processes Superior Court documents, assists in all court proceedings, maintains court files, and enters court orders, judgments and decrees.
The Clerk’s Office will be open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office is on the first floor of the Clark County Courthouse, 1200 Franklin St., Vancouver.
Also, the office will charge persons on public assistance $10 for a 20 minute appointment with the court’s Family Law Facilitator. Previously, the Clerk’s Office waived the fee. Others will continue to pay $20 for the service.
In addition, the Criminal Collections Unit, which monitors and receives court-ordered financial payments from Superior Court defendants, will move to the Family Law Annex, 601 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. The building is one block south of the courthouse.
The Clerk’s Office receives and processes Superior Court documents, assists in all court proceedings, maintains court files, and enters court orders, judgments and decrees.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Wells Fargo donates $9,000 to Clark County public schools
VANCOUVER, Wash. - Wells Fargo donated $1,000 each to nine schools this morning as part of its support of public education in Clark County.
The nine Wells Fargo managers whose bank branches are located closest to the schools presented the check to the schools' principals.
"We chose to give to schools that have a large percentage of students receiving subsidized or free lunches, as this is a strong indication of need," said Kellie Grant, Wells Fargo's Community Bank president for Clark County.
The schools that received the funds were:
1) Maple Grove Primary School in Battle Ground (represented by Principal Barbara Baird);
2) Hathaway Elementary in Lacamas (represented by Principal Laura Bolt);
3) Crestline Elementary in Vancouver (represented by Principal Bobby Jacobsen);
4) Orchards Elementary in Vancouver (represented by Principal Vinh Nguyen);
5) Mill Plain Elementary in Vancouver (represented by Principal Debra Alden);
6) Fruit Valley Elementary in Vancouver (represented by Principal Debbie Elliott);
7) Hazel Dell Elementary in Vancouver (represented by Principal Woody Howard);
8) Martin Luther King Elementary in Vancouver (represented by Principal Debra Hale); and,
9) Washington Elementary in Vancouver (represented by Principal Theresa David-Turner).
"Quality education is, undoubtedly, the most important investment we can make for our future and that of coming generations," said Grant. "Strong schools produce tomorrow's workforce, voters, business owners, heads of government, educators, artists, parents - the people on whom our communities depend for leadership and support."
The event attendees included Glenys Paveglio, chief of Elementary Education for Vancouver Public Schools; and Bernie Kronberger, Wells Fargo's regional Community Relations manager.
Cash grants are one of the many ways Wells Fargo supports public education. It also operates nine free history museums throughout the country, including one in Portland; its team members volunteer at local schools; it matches donations its team members give to education; it provides tuition reimbursement for its team members; and it offers three scholarship programs for its team members' children.
Wells Fargo has also developed a free, interactive, financial education program called Hands On Banking in English and Spanish to teach the basics of good money management. The principals at today's event each received a copy of the program.
"Public education is one of the major cornerstones of our corporate giving at Wells Fargo," added Tawnie Nelson, head of Wells Fargo's Business Banking team in Clark County. "About one-third of our total community involvement budget for southwest Washington and Oregon each year is targeted towards support of education,"
Founded in 1852, Wells Fargo has repeatedly been named one of the most generous firms in the nation. It employs more than 900 team members in Clark County.
The nine Wells Fargo managers whose bank branches are located closest to the schools presented the check to the schools' principals.
"We chose to give to schools that have a large percentage of students receiving subsidized or free lunches, as this is a strong indication of need," said Kellie Grant, Wells Fargo's Community Bank president for Clark County.
The schools that received the funds were:
1) Maple Grove Primary School in Battle Ground (represented by Principal Barbara Baird);
2) Hathaway Elementary in Lacamas (represented by Principal Laura Bolt);
3) Crestline Elementary in Vancouver (represented by Principal Bobby Jacobsen);
4) Orchards Elementary in Vancouver (represented by Principal Vinh Nguyen);
5) Mill Plain Elementary in Vancouver (represented by Principal Debra Alden);
6) Fruit Valley Elementary in Vancouver (represented by Principal Debbie Elliott);
7) Hazel Dell Elementary in Vancouver (represented by Principal Woody Howard);
8) Martin Luther King Elementary in Vancouver (represented by Principal Debra Hale); and,
9) Washington Elementary in Vancouver (represented by Principal Theresa David-Turner).
"Quality education is, undoubtedly, the most important investment we can make for our future and that of coming generations," said Grant. "Strong schools produce tomorrow's workforce, voters, business owners, heads of government, educators, artists, parents - the people on whom our communities depend for leadership and support."
The event attendees included Glenys Paveglio, chief of Elementary Education for Vancouver Public Schools; and Bernie Kronberger, Wells Fargo's regional Community Relations manager.
Cash grants are one of the many ways Wells Fargo supports public education. It also operates nine free history museums throughout the country, including one in Portland; its team members volunteer at local schools; it matches donations its team members give to education; it provides tuition reimbursement for its team members; and it offers three scholarship programs for its team members' children.
Wells Fargo has also developed a free, interactive, financial education program called Hands On Banking in English and Spanish to teach the basics of good money management. The principals at today's event each received a copy of the program.
"Public education is one of the major cornerstones of our corporate giving at Wells Fargo," added Tawnie Nelson, head of Wells Fargo's Business Banking team in Clark County. "About one-third of our total community involvement budget for southwest Washington and Oregon each year is targeted towards support of education,"
Founded in 1852, Wells Fargo has repeatedly been named one of the most generous firms in the nation. It employs more than 900 team members in Clark County.
Commissioners balance budget for 2010 with sharp cuts
Vancouver, WA – Today, the Board of Clark County Commissioners approved a revised budget for 2010, which included cutting $12.5 million from the general fund. By law, the Board is required to readopt the two-year budget by the first full week of December.
With the readoption, Clark County has cut its general fund budget three times for a total of 22 percent, or $62 million, since its peak in the 2007-2008 budget. The cuts eliminated 270 positions, or about 15 percent of the county workforce. About half of the jobs were filled.
The readopted budget preserves five of 14 jail custody officer jobs previously slated for elimination, pending the Clark County Custody Officers Guild’s final agreement to forego a 3.25 percent cost-of-living raise in 2010. Giving up the raise would save the county $325,000 next year and provide money to keep five custody officers employed, if approved as currently proposed.
Similarly, Clark County Sheriff’s Office will use a $250,000, one-time grant to keep seven patrol deputies slated for layoffs on the job until March 31 as the county works to complete contract negotiations with the Deputy Sheriff’s Guild. The county
could prevent some layoffs if the guild will forego cost-of-living raises for 2009 and 2010. The Sheriff would have the authority to use the savings to keep the seven deputies on the road.
The Board also asked the director of Community Development, who oversees Animal Control, to generate additional revenues from dog licensing and work with the Clark County Executive Horse Council on ways to manage issues related to horses.
On the revenue side, the Board voted to maintain the one percent general fund property tax increase allowed by law and originally projected for 2010. Without
such action, that property tax would have decreased. The total increase is estimated to be about $527,000.
“By maintaining this one percent, we will be preserving public safety,” said Commissioner Steve Stuart.
However, the Board rejected potential one percent increases in the Road Fund, Conservation Futures Fund and Metropolitan Parks District levy fund. The commissioners agreed to hold the line on spending in those special funds in light of the difficulties currently confronting local property owners.
In an effort to maintain park services, the Board passed an emergency resolution raising parking fees from $2 to $3 and raising picnic shelter reservation fees. The Board will hold a public hearing on park fees within 60 days, as required by law.
Chair Marc Boldt said the readopted budget sets the county on a different course.
“We will govern differently or we will not survive,” Boldt said. The commissioner has called for a move to more regional services and fewer state mandates.
Earlier in the budget hearings, he said, “I’m calling this a balanced but unsustainable budget.”
With the readoption, Clark County has cut its general fund budget three times for a total of 22 percent, or $62 million, since its peak in the 2007-2008 budget. The cuts eliminated 270 positions, or about 15 percent of the county workforce. About half of the jobs were filled.
The readopted budget preserves five of 14 jail custody officer jobs previously slated for elimination, pending the Clark County Custody Officers Guild’s final agreement to forego a 3.25 percent cost-of-living raise in 2010. Giving up the raise would save the county $325,000 next year and provide money to keep five custody officers employed, if approved as currently proposed.
Similarly, Clark County Sheriff’s Office will use a $250,000, one-time grant to keep seven patrol deputies slated for layoffs on the job until March 31 as the county works to complete contract negotiations with the Deputy Sheriff’s Guild. The county
could prevent some layoffs if the guild will forego cost-of-living raises for 2009 and 2010. The Sheriff would have the authority to use the savings to keep the seven deputies on the road.
The Board also asked the director of Community Development, who oversees Animal Control, to generate additional revenues from dog licensing and work with the Clark County Executive Horse Council on ways to manage issues related to horses.
On the revenue side, the Board voted to maintain the one percent general fund property tax increase allowed by law and originally projected for 2010. Without
such action, that property tax would have decreased. The total increase is estimated to be about $527,000.
“By maintaining this one percent, we will be preserving public safety,” said Commissioner Steve Stuart.
However, the Board rejected potential one percent increases in the Road Fund, Conservation Futures Fund and Metropolitan Parks District levy fund. The commissioners agreed to hold the line on spending in those special funds in light of the difficulties currently confronting local property owners.
In an effort to maintain park services, the Board passed an emergency resolution raising parking fees from $2 to $3 and raising picnic shelter reservation fees. The Board will hold a public hearing on park fees within 60 days, as required by law.
Chair Marc Boldt said the readopted budget sets the county on a different course.
“We will govern differently or we will not survive,” Boldt said. The commissioner has called for a move to more regional services and fewer state mandates.
Earlier in the budget hearings, he said, “I’m calling this a balanced but unsustainable budget.”
H1N1 vaccine restrictions lifted in Southwest Washington
Vaccine now available for everyone
Washington State public health agency administrators and health officers decided yesterday to lift priority group restrictions and make H1N1 vaccine available to anyone who wants it. Although some Washington counties may still decide to offer vaccine to priority groups only, restrictions have been lifted in Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania and Wahkiakum counties.
“As more vaccine has arrived in the region, we are meeting vaccine demand among the priority groups to the extent that we can now make the vaccine available to everyone,” said Marni Storey, Region IV Incident Commander. “Even so, we are focusing our outreach efforts on people in priority groups and encouraging those at greatest risk to get vaccinated as soon as they can.”
Priority groups include:
§ Pregnant women because they are at much higher risk of complications from H1N1.
§ Healthcare workers because they can potentially infect vulnerable patients and also because increased absenteeism could reduce healthcare system capacity.
§ Children ages 6 months through age 24
§ Parents and caregivers of children younger than 6 months, so they don’t pass the virus to their infants.
§ Persons ages 6 months to 64 years with chronic medical conditions that could worsen with influenza, such as asthma, hypertension, diabetes, immunosuppression and others.
For information about where to get vaccinated, call your healthcare provider or pharmacy or visit http://www.flunewsswwashington.org/Vaccines.html. People without health insurance can receive free H1N1 vaccine at the following locations. Please call first.
Clark County
§ Free Clinic of SW Washington, (360) 313-1390
§ New Heights Clinic, (360) 694-0355
Cowlitz County
§ Cowlitz Free Medical Clinic, (360) 414-2852
§ Cowlitz Family Health Center, (360) 636-3892.
Although the number of H1N1 influenza cases is declining nationally, health officials are urging everyone to get vaccinated for several reasons:
§ H1N1 influenza is a very contagious and potentially serious disease. The best way to prevent catching or spreading H1N1 influenza is to get vaccinated.
§ Because H1N1 is a new virus, we can’t predict the course of the outbreak. Although the number of cases is dropping, we could still experience additional outbreaks of H1N1 influenza later this season.
§ The more people who get vaccinated, the more protection we have in the community. Even if you get a mild case of influenza, someone you infect may develop a much more severe illness with complications.
Washington State public health agency administrators and health officers decided yesterday to lift priority group restrictions and make H1N1 vaccine available to anyone who wants it. Although some Washington counties may still decide to offer vaccine to priority groups only, restrictions have been lifted in Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania and Wahkiakum counties.
“As more vaccine has arrived in the region, we are meeting vaccine demand among the priority groups to the extent that we can now make the vaccine available to everyone,” said Marni Storey, Region IV Incident Commander. “Even so, we are focusing our outreach efforts on people in priority groups and encouraging those at greatest risk to get vaccinated as soon as they can.”
Priority groups include:
§ Pregnant women because they are at much higher risk of complications from H1N1.
§ Healthcare workers because they can potentially infect vulnerable patients and also because increased absenteeism could reduce healthcare system capacity.
§ Children ages 6 months through age 24
§ Parents and caregivers of children younger than 6 months, so they don’t pass the virus to their infants.
§ Persons ages 6 months to 64 years with chronic medical conditions that could worsen with influenza, such as asthma, hypertension, diabetes, immunosuppression and others.
For information about where to get vaccinated, call your healthcare provider or pharmacy or visit http://www.flunewsswwashington.org/Vaccines.html. People without health insurance can receive free H1N1 vaccine at the following locations. Please call first.
Clark County
§ Free Clinic of SW Washington, (360) 313-1390
§ New Heights Clinic, (360) 694-0355
Cowlitz County
§ Cowlitz Free Medical Clinic, (360) 414-2852
§ Cowlitz Family Health Center, (360) 636-3892.
Although the number of H1N1 influenza cases is declining nationally, health officials are urging everyone to get vaccinated for several reasons:
§ H1N1 influenza is a very contagious and potentially serious disease. The best way to prevent catching or spreading H1N1 influenza is to get vaccinated.
§ Because H1N1 is a new virus, we can’t predict the course of the outbreak. Although the number of cases is dropping, we could still experience additional outbreaks of H1N1 influenza later this season.
§ The more people who get vaccinated, the more protection we have in the community. Even if you get a mild case of influenza, someone you infect may develop a much more severe illness with complications.
Clark County Law Library changes hours in January
Vancouver, WA – The Clark County Law Library will change its public hours beginning Monday, Jan. 4, 2010.
The Law Library, on the first floor of the Clark County Courthouse, will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, it will close to the public at noon on the fourth Thursday of each month, when the library Board of Trustees meets.
Currently, the library is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and opens at 1 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month.
The courthouse is located at 1200 Franklin St., Vancouver.
The Law Library, on the first floor of the Clark County Courthouse, will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, it will close to the public at noon on the fourth Thursday of each month, when the library Board of Trustees meets.
Currently, the library is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and opens at 1 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month.
The courthouse is located at 1200 Franklin St., Vancouver.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Community Celebration to Honor Mayor Pollard
The public is invited to attend a community celebration for Mayor Royce E. Pollard, 3:30 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 16 at the Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way. Program will begin at 5 p.m. The event is free. Light refreshments will be served.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
County gears up for winter, expands road news on Web site
Vancouver, WA – With the forecast calling for colder temperatures and possible snow, Clark County Public Works is ready to respond to a weather emergency.
County road crews have reviewed snow emergency plans during the past few weeks. Forty plow trucks, plus four trucks that can spread salt brine deicer, are ready for the first snowfall of the season.
“We have done a complete inventory and we are all geared up,” said Denis Ryan, the county’s rural operations superintendent. “Crews are ready to go if we get called upon.”
As of Friday afternoon, the National Weather Service was predicting a 20 percent chance of snow for Sunday and colder temperatures that will remain below freezing across much of Clark County Sunday and Monday, with overnight temperatures in the teens. More significant snow accumulation could occur later in the week.
For more information on the county’s winter weather response, go to: www.clark.wa.gov/public-works/engineering/winter.html.
The Web site offers answers to common questions about snow and ice removal, snowplows and salt brine deicer, as well as a snow route map that shows which roads will receive priority during winter storms.
During a winter storm, the site will provide a place for county residents to get the latest news about road conditions, garbage collection delays and other information, along with Web links for monitoring travel conditions in other parts of the Northwest.
You also can use the Web site to sign up for news alerts from the county about road closures and other developments during winter storms.
County road crews have reviewed snow emergency plans during the past few weeks. Forty plow trucks, plus four trucks that can spread salt brine deicer, are ready for the first snowfall of the season.
“We have done a complete inventory and we are all geared up,” said Denis Ryan, the county’s rural operations superintendent. “Crews are ready to go if we get called upon.”
As of Friday afternoon, the National Weather Service was predicting a 20 percent chance of snow for Sunday and colder temperatures that will remain below freezing across much of Clark County Sunday and Monday, with overnight temperatures in the teens. More significant snow accumulation could occur later in the week.
For more information on the county’s winter weather response, go to: www.clark.wa.gov/public-works/engineering/winter.html.
The Web site offers answers to common questions about snow and ice removal, snowplows and salt brine deicer, as well as a snow route map that shows which roads will receive priority during winter storms.
During a winter storm, the site will provide a place for county residents to get the latest news about road conditions, garbage collection delays and other information, along with Web links for monitoring travel conditions in other parts of the Northwest.
You also can use the Web site to sign up for news alerts from the county about road closures and other developments during winter storms.
Make a greener holiday: Reduce, reuse, recycle
Vancouver, WA – The last few weeks of the year are often unusually heavy garbage weeks. Plan ahead to reduce your holiday waste, and let your new blue recycling cart help with the recycling.
· Reduce waste when shopping. Don’t forget your reusable shopping bags. Try to avoid buying items with bulky or non-recyclable packaging, such as block foam and blister packs. Look for recycled content in cards and gift wrap, and buy wrap that can be recycled.
· Give good experiences. A gift of your time spent with friends and family members may be the gift they appreciate most. Consider giving tickets to movies, concerts, ball games or other events, along with club memberships.
· Make the package part of the gift. Place holiday goodies in a reusable candy dish or cookie tin or wrap a handmade brooch or pin in a scarf.
· Reuse or recycle that gift wrap. Save gift bags, ribbons and bows to use again. Cardboard boxes and most wrapping paper (but not foil-covered paper) can be recycled. Remove ribbons, bows and plastic from paper to be recycled. Put recyclable paper boxes and gift wrap in with other mixed paper in your blue cart for easy curbside pickup.
· Recycle your Christmas tree. Remove tinsel, lights and other decorations. Residents with yard debris collection can cut up trees to fit in yard debris carts (5 foot maximum length). Boy Scouts will collect trees (Scouts suggest a $7 donation taped to your door, and trees should not be placed next to your curbside carts). Trees also can be dropped off wherever yard debris is recycled for a charge.
· Recycle your phone books, catalogs and calendars. Place them in the blue recycling cart.
· Recycle your household batteries. Put dry-cell batteries in a sealed clear plastic bag and place on top of your blue recycling cart.
For more waste prevention and recycling ideas and information, please visit www.clark.wa.gov/recycle/holidaywastereduction.html or call Clark County Solid Waste Program at (360) 397-6118 ext. 4352.
· Reduce waste when shopping. Don’t forget your reusable shopping bags. Try to avoid buying items with bulky or non-recyclable packaging, such as block foam and blister packs. Look for recycled content in cards and gift wrap, and buy wrap that can be recycled.
· Give good experiences. A gift of your time spent with friends and family members may be the gift they appreciate most. Consider giving tickets to movies, concerts, ball games or other events, along with club memberships.
· Make the package part of the gift. Place holiday goodies in a reusable candy dish or cookie tin or wrap a handmade brooch or pin in a scarf.
· Reuse or recycle that gift wrap. Save gift bags, ribbons and bows to use again. Cardboard boxes and most wrapping paper (but not foil-covered paper) can be recycled. Remove ribbons, bows and plastic from paper to be recycled. Put recyclable paper boxes and gift wrap in with other mixed paper in your blue cart for easy curbside pickup.
· Recycle your Christmas tree. Remove tinsel, lights and other decorations. Residents with yard debris collection can cut up trees to fit in yard debris carts (5 foot maximum length). Boy Scouts will collect trees (Scouts suggest a $7 donation taped to your door, and trees should not be placed next to your curbside carts). Trees also can be dropped off wherever yard debris is recycled for a charge.
· Recycle your phone books, catalogs and calendars. Place them in the blue recycling cart.
· Recycle your household batteries. Put dry-cell batteries in a sealed clear plastic bag and place on top of your blue recycling cart.
For more waste prevention and recycling ideas and information, please visit www.clark.wa.gov/recycle/holidaywastereduction.html or call Clark County Solid Waste Program at (360) 397-6118 ext. 4352.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Moeller’s plan renews round-up of license scofflaws
Legislator says cheats must stop ignoring Washington’s rules
CLARK COUNTY – “Whether we were born in the Evergreen State, moved here a long time ago, or came here more recently to put down new roots,” according to state Rep. Jim Moeller, “law-abiding Washington motorists keep a driver’s license and renew it when the time comes. We also make sure our motor vehicles are kept properly registered.
“In fact, however, thousands of vehicles in Clark County are licensed in Oregon instead of Washington,” said Moeller. “Their owners snub our state’s law so they can get out of paying our state’s sales-and-use tax.”
Upward of $1 million in revenue is lost every year.
The Vancouver Democrat (49th Legislative District) said today (Thursday, Dec. 3) that he’ll sponsor a vehicle-license-fraud bill in the upcoming 2010 session. Moeller’s measure will re-establish the Vehicle License Task Force that was eliminated in budget-cuts in the legislative session earlier this year.
He explained that his bill would send revenue from the fines for failure to license or register to the Vehicle License Fraud Account in the state treasurer’s office. If it’s passed and signed into law, the bill takes effect July 1, 2010.
Moeller noted that some people do register their vehicles in Washington, but continue to keep their out-of-state driver’s license “so they can purchase goods and services without paying our state’s sales tax.
“These folks are using our state=s services, but they’re not helping pay for them. We’re talking about our schools, our roads, and our public-safety services that are paid for by the taxes the rest of us pay.”
Current Washington law directs that when a person establishes residency here, he or she must register his or her vehicles – and reregister the vehicles every year – if the vehicles will be operated on public highways. The person must pay all required licensing fees and taxes. While the law is on the state’s books, its enforcement isn’t funded due to the aforementioned budget-cuts.
Failure to register a vehicle is counted as a traffic infraction with a fine of $529, further states the 2005 legislation that also set up a Vehicle License Task Force. The Clark County task force has received assistance from a good many southwestern Washington volunteers.
The cost of the task force is approximately $325,000 per year, said Moeller, “and so the program can actually more than pay for itself.”
To make sure that folks are not just registering their vehicles in Washington and then keeping their Oregon driver’s license to buy products and goods tax-free, owners of a vehicle must have a Washington driver’s license in order to license the vehicle.
“In fact, however, thousands of vehicles in Clark County are licensed in Oregon instead of Washington,” said Moeller. “Their owners snub our state’s law so they can get out of paying our state’s sales-and-use tax.”
Upward of $1 million in revenue is lost every year.
The Vancouver Democrat (49th Legislative District) said today (Thursday, Dec. 3) that he’ll sponsor a vehicle-license-fraud bill in the upcoming 2010 session. Moeller’s measure will re-establish the Vehicle License Task Force that was eliminated in budget-cuts in the legislative session earlier this year.
He explained that his bill would send revenue from the fines for failure to license or register to the Vehicle License Fraud Account in the state treasurer’s office. If it’s passed and signed into law, the bill takes effect July 1, 2010.
Moeller noted that some people do register their vehicles in Washington, but continue to keep their out-of-state driver’s license “so they can purchase goods and services without paying our state’s sales tax.
“These folks are using our state=s services, but they’re not helping pay for them. We’re talking about our schools, our roads, and our public-safety services that are paid for by the taxes the rest of us pay.”
Current Washington law directs that when a person establishes residency here, he or she must register his or her vehicles – and reregister the vehicles every year – if the vehicles will be operated on public highways. The person must pay all required licensing fees and taxes. While the law is on the state’s books, its enforcement isn’t funded due to the aforementioned budget-cuts.
Failure to register a vehicle is counted as a traffic infraction with a fine of $529, further states the 2005 legislation that also set up a Vehicle License Task Force. The Clark County task force has received assistance from a good many southwestern Washington volunteers.
The cost of the task force is approximately $325,000 per year, said Moeller, “and so the program can actually more than pay for itself.”
To make sure that folks are not just registering their vehicles in Washington and then keeping their Oregon driver’s license to buy products and goods tax-free, owners of a vehicle must have a Washington driver’s license in order to license the vehicle.
Clark County awarded $2.72 million for energy conservation efforts
Vancouver, WA – Clark County home- and business-owners could receive free energy audits, heating duct inspections and incentives for energy conservation work under a $2.29 million federal grant Clark County received late last month.
The grant from the U.S. Department of Energy is one of two energy-related awards the county received recently. It will improve energy efficiency and conservation in the community and create jobs to boost the local economy. The money comes from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
About half of the two-year grant will go for energy audits and heating duct inspections in homes and businesses. Eligible property owners who schedule an appointment will receive conservation tips, referrals to area heating and cooling contractors able to seal ducts, and a coupon for a building permit and inspection. Details about how to sign up for the program will be announced early in 2010.
The grant also will pay for: “smart” computer power strips in the county’s Information Services Department; LED bulbs for county traffic signals; a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system at Washington State University’s Clark County Extension Research Station at 1919 N.E. 78th St.; biomass power at county facilities; and, energy improvements for moderate-income families and small businesses in the Hazel Dell area.
Also, the county this week received the last portion of a $435,000 incentive payment from Clark Public Utilities. It will help pay for nearly $7.78 million in energy improvements made to county buildings this year. The incentive money, which was about $79,000 more than originally estimated, recognizes the county’s contribution to keeping overall energy consumption down.
The money will help pay for solar panels, solar water heaters, software for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, and other improvements.
“In this austere time, it is great to not only save energy but also to see a return on our investments,” said Mark McCauley, General Services director.
The grant from the U.S. Department of Energy is one of two energy-related awards the county received recently. It will improve energy efficiency and conservation in the community and create jobs to boost the local economy. The money comes from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
About half of the two-year grant will go for energy audits and heating duct inspections in homes and businesses. Eligible property owners who schedule an appointment will receive conservation tips, referrals to area heating and cooling contractors able to seal ducts, and a coupon for a building permit and inspection. Details about how to sign up for the program will be announced early in 2010.
The grant also will pay for: “smart” computer power strips in the county’s Information Services Department; LED bulbs for county traffic signals; a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system at Washington State University’s Clark County Extension Research Station at 1919 N.E. 78th St.; biomass power at county facilities; and, energy improvements for moderate-income families and small businesses in the Hazel Dell area.
Also, the county this week received the last portion of a $435,000 incentive payment from Clark Public Utilities. It will help pay for nearly $7.78 million in energy improvements made to county buildings this year. The incentive money, which was about $79,000 more than originally estimated, recognizes the county’s contribution to keeping overall energy consumption down.
The money will help pay for solar panels, solar water heaters, software for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, and other improvements.
“In this austere time, it is great to not only save energy but also to see a return on our investments,” said Mark McCauley, General Services director.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
County commissioners to consider stormwater accord with state
Vancouver, WA – After months of detailed negotiations, Clark County and Washington Department of Ecology staffs have drafted a tentative agreement that could bring the county into full compliance with the state’s stormwater regulations and the county’s Phase I Municipal Stormwater Permit.
The agreement also would support implementation of the county’s updated stormwater ordinances, which were adopted last January.
County commissioners will discuss the proposed agreement during a 10 a.m. Wednesday work session. They may then set a Dec. 15 public hearing to consider testimony and take action on the agreement. Both meetings would take place in the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.
The Department of Ecology already had accepted the county’s stormwater approach and updated ordinances, except on the issue of managing the quantity of runoff during a major storm, an issue commonly referred to as flow control.
The proposed agreement could resolve the March 17 violation notice the state issued to the county regarding flow control.
“There were some tough discussions between the county staff and Ecology,” said Kevin Gray, the county’s environmental services director. “In the end, the county was able to show that we have a system for providing an equivalent amount of flow control, thereby achieving the state’s goals but in a different fashion than was prescribed in the original permit.”
“Despite our different approaches, the county and state always were united around a common goal: protecting the environment through improved stormwater management.”
The agreement also would support implementation of the county’s updated stormwater ordinances, which were adopted last January.
County commissioners will discuss the proposed agreement during a 10 a.m. Wednesday work session. They may then set a Dec. 15 public hearing to consider testimony and take action on the agreement. Both meetings would take place in the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.
The Department of Ecology already had accepted the county’s stormwater approach and updated ordinances, except on the issue of managing the quantity of runoff during a major storm, an issue commonly referred to as flow control.
The proposed agreement could resolve the March 17 violation notice the state issued to the county regarding flow control.
“There were some tough discussions between the county staff and Ecology,” said Kevin Gray, the county’s environmental services director. “In the end, the county was able to show that we have a system for providing an equivalent amount of flow control, thereby achieving the state’s goals but in a different fashion than was prescribed in the original permit.”
“Despite our different approaches, the county and state always were united around a common goal: protecting the environment through improved stormwater management.”
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