The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

When you read what I’m about to say, you’re going to think I’m a sore loser. So I plead guilty right up front. But I write on anyway because I think it’s important for taxpayers to know how their money is being spent.

Last month, The Times was invited to bid on the contract to publish legal notices for Columbia County for the 12-month period beginning July 1. Our bid was $4.95 per column inch, and our text size is 8 point font. With this bid, we would easily cover our costs make a reasonable profit.

The only other bidder was the Dayton Chronicle. Their bid was $7.15 per column inch,...