Current News

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Kelso City Council will hold a Public Hearing at 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, October 2, 2018, in the Kelso City Council Chambers, 203 South Pacific, Kelso, Washington, on Revenue Sources for the City's 2019 Current Expense Budget.  This hearing will include consideration of the possible increase in property tax revenues. 

Citizens attending the hearing have the right to provide written and oral comment. 

Dated at Kelso, Washington, this September 11, 2018.  Brian Butterfield City Clerk City of Kelso

Publish September 22, 2018, and September 29, 2018

Lodging Tax Fund Application Review Recommendations

Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at Kelso City Hall.  203 S. Pacific Ave Kelso, WA

LTAC Members will review, discuss, and make recommendations for allocation of lodging tax funds to staff for presentation to Council for final approval.

Loding Tax Funds are available to agencies and events that will promote tourism and encourage participants to sample the hospitality of the citizens and businesses of our area.

Questions; please call Jessica Bronstein at 360-577-3301

 

Memorial services for Cindy Schimpf (Donaldson) will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 7th at the Latter Day Saints Church located at 1721 30th Avenue in Longview.  The family has opened the services to all community members wishing to pay their respects to Cindy’s life and legacy.

The Kelso Public Library will be open from 3:00 – 8:00pm on September 7th.

 

The City is grieving today from the passing of Kelso Library Manager Cindy Schimpf (Donaldson).  Cindy passed away this morning at St. John’s Medical Center in Longview.

Born and raised in Kelso, Cindy was the City’s longest-tenured employee with just under 36 years of service, all of which was spent in the library improving literacy and influencing generations of children within Cowlitz County.  Cindy was appointed as Library Manager in 2010 and expanded the library’s community outreach programs following the facility’s relocation to Three Rivers Mall.  She was heavily involved in the local faith community and held numerous leadership positions in charitable organizations such as Altrusa International throughout her career.

Statement from Kelso Mayor Nancy Malone:

“Today Kelso has lost a pillar of our community.  Cindy was a beloved friend, coworker, and public servant whose heart was filled with joy and compassion for everyone she encountered.  This tremendous loss will be felt deeply by all who have known her personally and professionally, but her legacy will live on through the public library she so dearly loved and to which her life was dedicated.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this difficult time.”

The Kelso Public Library is closed today and is scheduled to reopen Tuesday, August 28th at 10:00am.

WATER RESTRICTION

The dry spring season, coupled with reduced discharges from the Riffe and Mayfield Dams, have resulted in lower than normal flows in the Cowlitz River.  These conditions are affecting the output capability of our Ranney collector.  If these conditions continue, the Kelso system may reach a point where adequate amounts of water cannot be produced to fully meet utility customer demand.

Therefore, the City of Kelso is asking residents to help conserve water.

Please see the full press release for details.

For questions, please call the Engineering Department at 360-423-6590

 The City of Kelso is pleased to invite community agencies and event organizers to submit requests for lodging tax funding that will be considered for the 2019 budget year.

If your agency/organization would like to request financial support from the Lodging Tax Fund, please submit a Request for Funding form to the City Manager’s office no later than July 31, 2018 at 5:00 pm. Applications may be submitted directly by email to jbronstein@kelso.gov or mailed to City Hall at PO Box 819, Kelso, WA 98626.

Lodging Tax Funds are available for agencies and events that will promote tourism and encourage participants to sample the hospitality of the citizens and businesses of our area.

Please contact the City Manager's office at 360-577-3301 with questions.

Make a Great First Impression for your Business

As low as 0% interest loans to eligible property owners to enhance commercial buildings and storefronts within the program's designated area.

Loan amount is 80% of eligible project costs incurred, up to $30,000 based off of building front footage.    

Informational Letters sent to business owners the week of June 25, 2018.

For more information visit Downtown Kelso Facade Improvement Plan or

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