County Commissioner Meeting 7/11/2026

There were 5 comments requesting a moratorium on the Amazon Data Center.

In the morning comment Marjorie Sanborn who is running for County Auditor said that she has been searching online for the Walla Walla County monthly auditor reports and has not been able to locate any over the last year. She has also requested records from Walla Walla County to find out if the monthly auditor reports are on those records.

Also, Marjorie said that when Chairman Fulmer had said in a forum that RikkI Wescott was incorrect in saying that the Fairgrounds could rent out space for storage of equipment and RV’s. Commissioner Fulmer said that income would go to the Walla Walla Fairgrounds, not to the county. Marjorie said that rental would be less money that the Fairgrounds would need in support from the Walla Walla County Yearly Budget.

Marjorie said that Fairground is currently receiving $2.733 million dollars from the 2026Walla Walla County Budget.

Melissa Shumake’s Community Development Department Workshop covered local projects, but not the Amazon Data Center.

Commissioner Clayton said that over the last week she had received over 60 comments and emails concerned about the lack of information about the Amazon Data Center. Neither Commissioner Kimball or Commissioner Fulmer said a word. Bertha asked them both if they had received those emails and they both said yes.

Commissioner Clayton met with Amy Schwab last week about Amazon Data Center.

Commissioner Clayton encouraged the Commissioners to have an open meeting.

Chairman Fulmer said he does not want to " the cart before the horse” and he would like to " some experts in the room”.

Chairman Kimball wanted to know why there were not so many questions when Iowa Beef came into the county?!?

Commissioner Clayton wants to have more Transparency on the information that citizens are receiving and would like to seek a higher level of preparedness for Amazon and future projects.

According to the Walla Walla Union Bulletin 7/14/2026 there will be an Amazon Open House 8/11/2026 from 4:00PM-8:00PM at Columbia High School, 787 Maple St. in Burbank, WA.

The open house will be held 4-8 p.m. at Columbia High School, 787 Maple St. in Burbank.

Amazon will not provide a formal presentation. Instead, the format will be drop-in, with representatives at different stations to answer questions about topics including water, energy, environment and more.

August 11, 2026

Notes by Clint Rehn