FORKS — Forks city administrators presented their annual State of the City update at the Forks Chamber of Commerce, providing insights into city finances, infrastructure projects, public safety and future plans.
Public Works Director Paul Hampton, who has served the city for a decade, shared updates on the department’s ongoing focus on reducing water leaks. Last year, 21 leaks were repaired, a significant improvement from 2023. The city has benefited from hiring a water leak detection company and is making strides in reducing overall water loss, Hampton said.
The city recently completed a lead and copper survey and continues to replace old water meters, he said. Work at the wastewater treatment plant remains a priority, with a new clarifier installation underway, though securing full funding has been a challenge, he added.
Additional public works projects include: A grant-funded repair of West E Street, including new sidewalks to improve pedestrian safety and hospital access; routine pothole repairs, ditch maintenance and road shoulder improvements; the Bogachiel Way overlay project, which was recently completed; an upcoming Robin Hood Loop chip seal project, and fixing the dips; the purchase of a new (used) bucket truck and a derrick digger truck to support city maintenance.
Public works crews also have been busy making improvements at Tillicum Park, including renovating the blue bathrooms, installing fencing for the Scorpion display and adding netting at the ballfield.
City Attorney/Planner Rod Fleck provided an overview of District Court II operations, presided over by Judge Bruce Hanify. The court handles misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, shoplifting cases and driving with a suspended license. Fleck emphasized the importance of Forks’ jail in dealing with treatment-related cases, mental health issues and long-term incarceration needs.
The city’s planning department is working on updates to zoning codes, flood maps and the Quillayute Airport Master Plan, Fleck said. He advised residents planning construction projects to check with the city first, as doing so could save them time and effort. He also noted that the Recompete grant, awarded last summer, will be managed by Nick Dias, though its status remains uncertain due to federal changes.
Police Chief Mike Rowley reaffirmed the Forks Police Department’s commitment to protecting life and property while working to reduce crime. He noted that theft numbers are up, primarily due to Forks Outfitters’ shoplifting prevention efforts. However, burglary rates are down, and agency cooperation is at an all-time high, he said.
Major challenges facing the department include: Fentanyl-related cases, mental health issues and homelessness, and managing the inmate population at Forks’ jail, which averages 11 inmates per day and helps balance the department’s budget through contract holds.
To enhance safety and transparency, all officers now wear Axon body cameras. The city council also approved the purchase of a new police vehicle, choosing a black model that was $10,000 cheaper than the traditional blue and gold fleet. Additionally, all police officer positions will soon be fully staffed, Rowley said.
“We appreciate the community’s support,” he said.
Clerk/Treasurer Caryn DePew highlighted upcoming state and federal audits.
State audits are standard, she said, but the federal audit will be required due to funding for the Bogachiel Way project and the city’s sewer project. Recent audits have resulted in no findings.
In 2024, the six building permits issued with the city, with sales tax revenue increasing from $885,000 to $937,000. Hotel and motel tax collections also rose significantly, from $528,000 in 2023 to $654,000 in 2024.
DePew said the city is considering purchasing a Meeting Owl, a 360-degree camera, microphone and speaker system that will enhance video conferencing capabilities, to improve accessibility for remote attendees.
Mayor Tim Fletcher discussed the city’s lodging tax, describing it as a “love-hate challenge” due to restrictions on how the funds can be used. While increased tourism benefits the local economy, it also strains police resources and public amenities, he said.
However, lodging tax funds cannot be allocated for law enforcement or needed infrastructure, Fletcher added.
Fletcher highlighted the city’s continued focus on maintaining public assets. With Dias taking over the Recompete grant, he also will assist with event coordination with regard to street closures and other city functions.
Other updates
The Transit Center was used as a warming shelter during cold weather, and more volunteers are needed, Fletcher said.
The city continues to be engaged in natural resource issues, power outage planning and addressing the Upper Hoh Road washout.
Tillicum Park remains a major community focal point, with new lighting, an active park board and Forks Lions Club participation in projects. He noted continued upgrades throughout town, including flower boxes, lamppost improvements and new flagpoles.
