City Of Battle Ground Implements Electronic Plan Review - 12/03/25

The City of Battle Ground is excited to announce the implementation of electronic plan review. eReview offers a streamlined, fully paperless process for submitting requests for permits, planning applications, and engineering applications, starting December 1, 2025.

This updated platform modernizes the way customers submit materials, track progress, and communicate with City staff, providing a faster, more accessible, and more transparent experience for all users.

“This launch represents an important step forward in how we serve our community,” said Community Development Director Kristin Lehto. “By moving to a paperless system, we’re improving efficiency, reducing wait times, and giving residents and businesses a convenient tool to stay informed throughout every stage of their project.”

Key Benefits of the Updated Online System

• Paperless Submittal & Review: Upload documents directly online, reducing trips to City Hall and reducing the need for printed plan sets.
• Increased Convenience: Applications can be submitted anytime, from anywhere, allowing customers to move at their own pace.
• Real-Time Transparency: Track your application status, review comments, and required actions, with clear communication between applicants and City staff.
• Greater Efficiency: Digital workflows help accelerate review timelines, minimize back-and-forth, and ensure complete and accurate submissions.
• Centralized Access: All documents, corrections, and approvals remain in one secure location for easy reference.

The City encourages homeowners, builders, contractors, and design professionals to explore the updated Customer Self Service (CSS) platform and experience the benefits firsthand.

More information, including instructions and system access, is available at www.cityofbg.org/Building-Permit-Resources.

Community Partners Come Together To Brighten Battle Ground For The Holiday Season (Photo) - 12/01/25

Holiday cheer is alive and well in Battle Ground.  The City was overwhelmed by the generous community partners who came together to literally brighten the festive atmosphere at the Battle Ground Event Center for the City’s upcoming Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration.

Luke Rogers, owner of Clean Choice Professional Services, has generously taken the lead as the primary sponsor for this effort, installing a beautiful light display on the Battle Ground Event Center building, trees, and light poles. Their work is sure to create a bright and welcoming setting, full of holiday cheer, from the Tree Lighting Event through the end of December.

This project was also made possible thanks to the contributions of several local businesses and individuals whose support reflects the spirit of community that makes Battle Ground so special.

Donors include Desiree Lorentz (Realtor – John L. Scott), LeAnn Dodge (State Farm Insurance Agent), Terry Hammack, Avilaco Drywall, Impact Automotive, and Dev’s Coffee Bar.

Their generosity directly supports the installation of additional lighting features, bringing the magic of the holiday season to life in Battle Ground.

“We are grateful for the commitment of these local partners who stepped forward to help make this year’s holiday celebrations brighter for everyone,” said Recreation and Event Center Manager Joanna Martin.  “Their support helps create a warm, festive environment for the community to enjoy all season long.”

The City looks forward to welcoming residents and visitors to the Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration on Friday, December 5, 2025, beginning at 5:30pm.  Additional details are available on the City’s website at www.cityofbg.org/Annual-Events.

Beyond The Badge: Battle Ground PD Serves Thanksgiving Meals To Local Families (Photo) - 11/26/25

The Battle Ground Police Department proudly hosted its second annual Serving Beyond the Badge: Thanksgiving Edition, an event created to help local families enjoy a warm, traditional Thanksgiving meal.

This year’s event provided a fully cooked Thanksgiving meal to families within the Battle Ground community who may not have otherwise been able to enjoy one.  Between responding to calls for service, Battle Ground officers delivered these meals to over 16 local families, bringing comfort and connection directly to their doorsteps.  Over 75 individual meals were carefully prepared and packaged by the dedicated Battle Ground police officers and professional staff along with a team of committed volunteers, including Battle Ground Mayor Troy McCoy and City Manager Kris Swanson.

This tremendous effort was made possible by the generosity of local businesses and individuals who truly embody what it means to support their community.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to Playmakers Sports Bar and Grill, Summerland Catering Services, Maddox Industrial Transformers, Al & Ernie’s Bakery Café, Utopia Salon, Castle Farms, Walmart, and Lori Lindberg, whose contributions helped turn this vision into reality,” stated Chief Dennis Flynn.  “We are proud to stand alongside local businesses, volunteers, and city leaders as we work together to uplift and support Battle Ground families during the holiday season.”

Serving Beyond the Badge is more than just a yearly tradition, it reflects the Battle Ground Police Department’s ongoing commitment to living out the department’s motto: Partners with The Community.

City Of Battle Ground Approves New Funding For Public Safety – Effective April 2026 - 11/24/25

The Battle Ground City Council has approved a 0.1% public safety sales tax, marking a significant investment in the long-term safety, stability, and wellbeing of the community.  This measure will adjust the city’s total sales tax rate to 8.7%, beginning on April 1, 2026.  The additional 0.1% sales tax revenue will be dedicated exclusively to supporting public safety by increasing police staffing. 

Approval Timeline

Under state law via House Bill 2015, cities and counties in Washington may enact 0.1% sales and use tax devoted to public safety-related programs through a councilmanic vote.  The Council unanimously voted to adopt the ordinance during its November 17 public meeting, following a public hearing held on November 3.

The 0.1% public safety sales tax is estimated to generate approximately $667,000 in revenue over a twelve-month period.

Why a Sales Tax? 

A sales tax distributes the costs of public safety across everyone who uses and benefits from local services, including non-residents who shop in and visit Battle Ground.

“After much deliberation and detailed budget review, the Council unanimously voted to adopt the Public Safety Sales Tax,” shared Mayor Troy McCoy.  “Our community has been consistently clear about the importance of maintaining a respectable number of police officers in our city.  This, along with the need to reduce overtime and adjust how the officers’ shifts are set up to better meet service needs spoke volumes in guiding this decision.”

Once the new rate takes effect, consumers will see a 0.1% increase added to their taxable purchases made within the City of Battle Ground.  For example, for every $100 spent, this will include an additional 10 cents.  Essentials such as grocery staples, prescription medications, and other non-taxable goods will not be affected.

Investing in Public Safety

Results from the community survey completed in January 2025 highlighted public safety as one of the community’s top priorities.  This investment reflects those findings and supports the community’s expressed expectations for the City’s continued delivery of high-quality public safety services. 

The revenue generated by the new public safety sales tax will strengthen the city’s ability to ensure reliable and effective public safety services as Battle Ground continues to grow, including the addition of two (2) police officers to the 28 sworn law enforcement officers budgeted in 2025.