Jerry Cole Wins Columbia County Commissioner Seat as Voters Reject Fees and Approve Library Levy

*TL;DR Jerry Cole captured the Columbia County commissioner seat with 52.5% of the vote, while voters in St. Helens turned down a $24 monthly fee and Scappoose approved a modest library levy.*

Context May 19 elections in Columbia County and surrounding districts produced a mixed verdict on tax measures. Voters evaluated a commissioner race, a city service fee, a library funding levy, and two emergency‑service levies. Results remain unofficial pending final tabulation by June 15.

Key Facts - Jerry Cole, mayor of Rainier, led the three‑candidate race for Position 2 on the Columbia County Board of Commissioners with 52.5% of the vote, ahead of incumbent Kellie Jo Smith’s 34.7% and planning commissioner Jonathan Barclay’s 12.1%. - In a post‑win statement, Cole thanked voters, pledged accessibility, and promised to work hard for the county. - St. Helens residents voted 85.9% against a proposed $24 monthly fee added to water bills, a measure intended to shore up the city’s general fund. - Scappoose voters approved a library levy, 52.3% in favor, that adds 10 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value—roughly $27.74 per year for the average home. - The Columbia 911 Communications District levy was rejected 68% to 32%; the proposed 29‑cent per $1,000 increase would have added about $87 annually to a $300,000 property. - The Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District levy also failed, though specific numbers were not disclosed.

What It Means Cole’s victory signals a shift in county leadership, potentially altering priorities on land use, budgeting, and regional collaboration. His pledge to stay reachable suggests a more constituent‑focused approach than the incumbent’s tenure. The overwhelming rejection of St. Helens’ fee indicates voter fatigue with additional charges, even when framed as a buffer against service cuts. City officials will need to identify alternative cost‑saving measures or seek state assistance to maintain service levels. Scappoose’s modest library levy approval shows community willingness to fund cultural resources, albeit at a low rate. The added revenue will supplement the existing 25‑cent per $1,000 permanent tax, supporting library operations for the next five years. The defeat of both the 911 communications and fire protection levies reflects broader resistance to property‑tax hikes for emergency services. Districts may have to explore efficiency gains or seek grant funding to sustain current response capabilities.

Looking Ahead Watch for the certification of these results by mid‑June and for any follow‑up proposals from Columbia County officials, St. Helens city council, and the emergency‑service districts as they adjust to the electorate’s fiscal preferences.