Community Updates
Effective for the April utility billing statement that customers will receive on or around May 1st, the City Council has approved a $5.00 increase to the City’s utility tax. This increase is being added to help fund ongoing improvements/upgrades to the City’s roughly 80 fire hydrants; 30 of which are over 50 years in age and need to be replaced.
Walla Walla County and the cities of Walla Walla, College Place, Waitsburg, and Prescott are currently working on an update to the Countywide Planning Policies, or CPPs. CPPs guide the way our leaders cooperate on important issues that affect all residents, such as transportation, housing, and planning for growth.
While the county and each city have their own independent comprehensive plans, coordinating together and developing joint policies can result in better overall results for our communities as we grow. The CPPs specify the areas where we want to work together toward a shared future.
We're inviting you to take a short survey to tell us what local issues you think we should focus on. The project team will use residents' feedback to help us decide where to direct our efforts.
To take the survey, visit bit.ly/WallaWallaCPP or scan this QR code. Thank you for your valuable input!
Looking for Waitsburg Celebration Days Parade Information? Follow the link to register.
PocketiNet is now offering new highspeed Internet
Click the link to see the specials available in Waitsburg area: PocketiNet Specials
New Utility Rates as of January 1, 2024
Effective January 1st, 2024, new utility rates are in affect for all utility users. A 2.5% rate increase went into affect at the first of the year for January billing. Please contact City Hall Staff should you have any questions regarding the increases.
Affordable Housing Crisis Report
Read Walla Walla Community Council’s report on the areas Affordable Housing Crisis: WWCC Report
How to contact City Hall Staff
City Hall Staff do not have voicemail. If you need assistance and call City Hall and don’t get a response, please call back or for faster response, email City staff at administrator@cityofwaitsburg.com or adminassistant@cityofwaitsburg.com. If it is water or sewer related and after hours (8am - 4pm, Monday - Friday, noon on Saturday), call Columbia County Dispatch at 509 382-2518 who will get a hold of Public Works Staff.
About Our Town
Set amidst bountiful rolling hills blanketed with wheat, barley and peas, Waitsburg was pioneered in the early 19th century. Lewis and Clark passed through this area in 1806 on the return from their historic expedition. Years later, along the banks of the Touchet River, the first grist mill was established to serve farmers in the area. The enterprising owner of that mill, Sylvester M. Wait, was honored as Waitsburg's namesake when the town was founded in 1865.
Stability is a key to life here. The railroad that was built in 1881 continues to run today, and the city government was organized that same year. Currently, it's the only city in the state of Washington which still operates under the terms of its Territorial Charter. In 1878, the Waitsburg Times newspaper began publication, and readers have delighted in the weekly paper ever since.
With a present population of 1,230 people, Waitsburg maintains a comfortable lifestyle in the abundant Pacific Northwest. Four distinct seasons punctuate the natural beauty of the area. Average rainfall here is 17 inches per year and in the wintertime, warm Chinook winds sustain a climate that many describe as "the Banana Belt." With a strong agricultural industry and a growing season of over 220 days, it is easy to understand why folks past and present decide to call Waitsburg home. Natural resources abound in the area, supporting clean energy initiatives and ample resources to support the community. The watershed from the Blues, which refreshed the early pioneers, provides today's residents with crystal clear spring water right to their taps.
