F.A.Q

The Storm and Surface Water Utility is a new program that will help fund the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the Town’s stormwater drainage system. This system includes pipes, ditches, catch basins, and other facilities that manage rainwater, reduce flooding, and protect water quality. The utility ordinance became effective January 1, 2026.
A copy of the full ordinance can be viewed on our website at: www.townofcathlamet.com/ordinances-resolutions

All developed properties contribute to stormwater runoff and benefit from the Town’s stormwater system. This utility provides a dedicated funding source to ensure the system can be properly maintained and improved over time.
Charges are based on the amount of impervious surface on a property, such as roofs, driveways, patios, sidewalks, parking lots, and other paved areas. Billing is calculated using an Equivalent Service Unit (ESU):
  • 1 ESU = 3,000 square feet of impervious surface | A typical single-family residential parcel is billed 1 ESU
  • $14.00 per month per ESU, billed semiannually at $84.00 per billing cycle, plus a 6% utility tax that is applied to the utility’s gross receipts and appears on your bill at a rate of 6.38%.
  • Due dates: March 1 and September 1 (If the due date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, payment is due the next business day. The first due date has been extended by 60 days due to delayed billing.)
Commercial, multifamily, and other non-residential parcels are billed based on their measured impervious surface area, divided by the ESU and rounded to the nearest one-tenth. Undeveloped parcels and parcels located within flood control districts are not charged. Commercial billing has been delayed and is anticipated to be issued in March.
The property owner is responsible for payment. Bills may be mailed to a tenant or agent, but the owner remains responsible for any unpaid charges. Please contact our office for any account changes.
  • A 10% late fee (minimum $1.00) is added to accounts after being past-due for 21 days.
  • Accounts unpaid for 40 days may result in a lien on the property and will accrue interest at a rate not exceeding 8% per annum, calculated monthly.
  • Returned checks are subject to a $32.00 fee, and the payment will be deemed past due.
You may request a review or appeal your charge within 60 days. Please contact Town Hall to begin the process.
The application allows the Town to verify ownership and billing information to ensure accounts are accurate and assigned to the correct responsible party.
Impervious Surface: Any hard-surfaced area that prevents or limits water from soaking into the ground, causing increased runoff. Examples include rooftops, concrete/asphalt paving, walkways, patios, driveways, parking lots, and similar surfaces.

Single-Family Residential Parcel: A parcel improved with one dwelling unit owned separately. If more than three dwelling units occupy the same parcel, the parcel is considered non-single-family (“commercial”) for billing purposes.
Town of Cathlamet
360-795-3203 x2
accounting@townofcathlamet.com

New Office Hours:  
Tuesday–Thursday, 8:00 am–12:00 pm and 12:30 pm–3:30 pm

Temporary Location (next 1–2 months):  25 Broadway Street
Future Location:  Community Center, 100 Main Street