FAQ

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What is Kelso’s History?
What is the type of Government?
What City is the County Seat of Cowlitz County?
Where is Kelso Located?
What is there to do in Kelso?
What utility services are provided by the City and how do I sign up for such services?
How do I contact the private utility services not provided by the City?
I am traveling to the Kelso area. What services are available in the City?
How far from Kelso are the Mt. St. Helens visitor centers on State Route 504?
What lodging does Kelso have available

WHAT IS KELSO'S HISTORY?

In the 1840’s, Kelso was founded along the banks of the Cowlitz River by a surveyor named Peter Crawford. He named the town after his Scottish home. Kelso has a unique historical past. It holds a story of struggle against competition in business and professions, its disasters and its faith in itself to overcome all odds and to expand, grow and progress in every way. The complete and colorful history of Kelso is recorded in detail in a book by local resident/author Camilla Summers (deceased). Her book, ‘About Kelso’, takes the reader from the time before Peter Crawford through the effects of the Mt. St. Helens eruption in 1980.

WHAT TYPE OF GOVERNMENT DOES THE CITY USE?

Washington cities use three principal forms of government: mayor-council, council-manager and commission.

The City of Kelso uses the Council-Manager form of government, which seperates the policy making and administrative functions. The City Council, which determines policy and is politically responsible for its actions, selects a City Manager as Chief Administrator. The City Manager is accountable to the Council. The Council biennially elects a Mayor from among their members. While the mayor retains council member rights and privileges, and is recognized as head of the City for ceremonial purposes, he or she does not have any regular administrative duties.

WHAT CITY IS THE COUNTY SEAT OF COWLITZ COUNTY?

The City of Kelso is the County Seat of Cowlitz County.

WHERE IS KELSO LOCATED?

Kelso is located on Interstate 5, at the confluence of the Cowlitz, Coweeman and Columbia Rivers. Kelso is 48 miles north of Portland, Oregon and 125 miles south of Seattle. Kelso is located 80 miles east of the Pacific Ocean.

WHAT UTILITY SERVICES ARE PROVIDED BY THE CITY OF KELSO AND HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR SUCH SERVICES?

The City provides water, sewer and stormwater utility services for residents within the City Limits. Each new utility customer is required to pay a deposit and sign a service agreement prior to receiving service. Once this is done, a public works employee will go to the property and read the meter and turn on your service. You will be charged for services from this date forward. For more information on signing up for services please contact the Utility Department 578-7915.