Chamber hears about State of the City

Published 1:30 am Thursday, March 26, 2026

The City of Forks presented its annual State of the City presentation at last week’s Forks Chamber of Commerce meeting with updates from department leaders outlining progress, challenges and future priorities.

City Clerk-Treasurer Caryn DePew reported that the city successfully completed its 2023–2024 financial and accountability audit with no findings. Forks remains on a two-year audit cycle unless expenditures exceed $1 million.

DePew noted mixed trends in development and revenue. The city issued two building permits in 2025, compared to six the previous year. Real estate excise tax collections totaled nearly $56,000 in 2024 but dropped to $31,316 in 2025. However, sales tax revenue rose slightly, increasing by 0.5%, with $941,751 collected in 2025. Lodging tax revenue also showed strong growth, climbing 12% over 2024 to reach $732,937.

Public Works Director Paul Hampton highlighted ongoing infrastructure improvements and staffing developments within his department, including the addition of new personnel and continued employee training. Steven Gaydeski was recognized for his role as superintendent of the wastewater treatment plant.

Hampton said the department has prioritized reducing water loss by locating and repairing leaks and upgrading aging water meters for improved accuracy. Work on West E Street water lines is nearing completion, with crews currently installing water services and hydrants, as well as extending infrastructure to support future development. During the project, crews identified and repaired four main line leaks and 13 service line leaks.

The city also secured a grant for reconstruction of West E Street, which will include a new six-foot paved path. More than $1 million in American Rescue Plan funds has been invested in wastewater treatment plant improvements. A new clarifier, funded through a $2.3 million Opportunity Fund award approved in 2022, is now installed and operational. Engineering work has begun on a biosolids building floor using remaining project funds.

Additional funding efforts include a grant application to the Public Works Board to update the city’s wastewater facility plan.

Hampton also addressed the recently completed chip seal project, jokingly referring to it as the “most hated project ever,” but emphasized it was the most cost-effective option. Fully paving the streets, he said, would have cost an estimated $20 million—far beyond the city’s means.

Other public works efforts include shoulder and ditch maintenance, identifying aging catch basins and drywells, and utilizing a new bucket truck for various projects.

City Attorney and Planner Rod Fleck provided an overview of District II Court operations and ongoing legislative changes, particularly regarding drug laws and treatment. He emphasized the need for flexibility in applying state policies to rural communities.

Fleck also updated attendees on improvements at Quillayute Airport, including Federal Aviation Administration-funded runway and hangar rehabilitation projects that have been underway for approximately 24 months. He noted progress on park planning efforts, supported in part by funding from the Lloyd Allen Charitable Trust and assistance from nonprofit partners.

Residents were encouraged to contact city staff regarding zoning, permits and development requirements and to schedule appointments when needed.

Fleck also highlighted the North Olympic Peninsula Recompete Plan, led by Clallam County, which is expected to bring approximately $35 million to the region. The initiative aims to revitalize remote communities, including five tribal nations, with projects such as mobile training units from Peninsula College to provide hands-on education in trades like welding.

Police Chief Mike Rowley said the department’s primary goal remains ensuring residents and visitors feel safe in Forks. He noted that crime statistics have been affected by recent changes in state law. Assaults increased from 25 cases in 2024 to 34 in 2025. Burglaries and thefts also rose, in part due to stricter shoplifting enforcement policies at local businesses such as Forks Outfitters.

Rowley said ongoing challenges include fentanyl use, mental health issues, homelessness, and increases in sexual misconduct and child molestation cases since the COVID-19 pandemic. Reports and investigations of sexual assault have risen significantly, placing additional demands on resources.

Child abuse investigations often require forensic interviews conducted in Port Angeles at the Child Advocacy Center, though the department is working toward establishing local resources to reduce the need for victims to travel. A backlog of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner kits at state labs remains an issue.

Rowley said the department is now fully staffed, with an additional officer in training, and has implemented body cameras. However, he noted the need for updated equipment, including tasers and radios, many of which are 15 years old. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining local jail operations, which are partially supported through interagency contracts.

In closing, Mayor Tim Fletcher thanked city staff for their service during his nine years in office. He emphasized ongoing efforts to bring family-wage jobs to the area and the importance of supporting law enforcement and community programs. Fletcher noted a continued need for volunteers, particularly to assist with operations such as the warming center.

The city is also continuing downtown improvements, including decorative lighting and flower boxes, and is exploring additional funding through the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee for community events. Improvements to Tillicum Park, including enhanced lighting around the train display, remain a priority.

Fletcher added that Martin Dillon is currently working on a commemorative plaque honoring former District II Judge Susan Owens.