Seaside adopts budget for new fiscal year

SEASIDE — The City Council voted in June to adopt a $37.3 million budget for the fiscal year that began July 1.

The budget is a decrease over the $40.8 million spending plan for the last fiscal year.

Finance director Zach Fleck said that the decrease was driven by a reduction in capital expenses.

Seaman’s Day set for July 10 at Fort Clatsop

Newfoundlands and their owners will gather for the 31st annual Seaman’s Day at Fort Clatsop on July 10 to celebrate the popular pup and share the history of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

The event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees can learn about Seaman and his adventures with Meriwether Lewis during the expedition.

Rangers dressed in period clothing will share history and answer questions through the day. Park admission — $10 a person — will cover Seaman’s Day admission, as will any seasonal or annual pass. Children 15 and under are free.

For more information, call the park at 503-861-4414.

Fire season began July 1

Fire season in Clatsop County began on July 1, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry.

Fire season begins each year when fire hazard conditions exist. Under the declaration, Northwest Oregon joined most other regions in Oregon already in fire season. The declaration impacts all lands, both public and private.

A countywide burn ban is simultaneously in effect. Open debris burning is not allowed.

County unemployment rate was 3.9% in May

Clatsop County’s unemployment rate was 3.9% in May.

The seasonally adjusted rate was the same as April and up from 3.5% in May 2023.

The statewide unemployment rate was 4.2% in May, the Oregon Employment Department reported, compared to the national rate of 4%.