MYNORTHWEST NEWS

‘Crazy’ idea for wooden money in Washington town ‘seems to be working,’ says mayor

Aug 28, 2020, 2:34 PM | Updated: Mar 29, 2021, 7:45 am

In June, word began to circulate about the small Thurston County town of Tenino, Washington printing its own wooden money to help out businesses struggling amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Over two months later, it’s become clear that the unconventional idea has been a hit.

Why Tenino, Washington is printing its own wooden money

“It’s a crazy concept, but it seems to be working,” Tenino Mayor Wayne Fournier told KIRO Radio.

The town — with a population of just 1,800 people — spent $500 producing the money itself, printing it in $25 pieces. It’s prepared to reimburse residents for a total of $10,000. People who have been affected by the pandemic can receive up to $300 a month in wooden money. They can then use it at grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and other Tenino businesses.

Fournier says that while the original goal was to provide financial relief, the benefits have gone far beyond that.

“It’s helped keep spirits up — there’s kind of an unexpected psychological side to it; you can’t put a number on that,” he described.

The city remains ready to reimburse businesses that turn in the currency, but so far, that’s only happened on one occasion. Meanwhile, the money has started to appear for sale online for hundreds of dollars apiece.

“I’ve seen them for about $300, $400 on eBay,” Fournier said. “We’ve had people from different museums contact us from all over the world.”

The town has fielded calls from Canada, India, and Portugal among others asking for a sampling of the wooden currency. But Fournier says that if anyone outside of Tenino wants a piece for themselves, they’ll have to take it up with someone who’s already been issued one.

“That’s a private matter,” he noted.

In the meantime, unprompted donations have come flowing in from across the world.

“We weren’t soliciting for donations, but there have been people from all over the world who have sent checks that want to help support the program, and really show their approval and excitement for something creative being done,” Fournier said.

MyNorthwest News

Photo: Edmonds Police Department vehicles....

James Lynch

‘I would feel less safe’: Potential loss of Edmonds Police Department sparks public outcry

The city of Edmonds is facing a $20 million budget deficit and all options are open to close that gap, including eliminating its police department.

3 hours ago

Image: This image shows a suspect identified as Marcelo F. Vargas-Fernandez on the Expedia Group ca...

KIRO Newsradio staff

Lawsuit: Expedia’s security contractor negligent in voyeurism case involving cameras

There's a new lawsuit tied to the secret camera incident at Expedia corporate offices.

4 hours ago

treehouse foster care...

Sam Campbell

From foster care to photographer: How Treehouse transforms the lives of children in need

A former foster child credits Treehouse, a nonprofit dedicated to helping young people in foster care thrive, with transforming her life.

6 hours ago

Photo: The December 2015 file photo shows the Boeing facility in Renton, Washington....

Julia Dallas

‘Like Russian roulette:’ Boeing whistleblower warns of faulty parts on ’60 Minutes’

Another Boeing whistleblower has come forward, claiming bad parts could lead to mass casualties.

6 hours ago

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell appears on KIRO Newsradio. (Photo: Frank Sumrall)...

Bill Kaczaraba

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell will apparently give it another go

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell is aiming to become the first Seattle mayor in two decades to be elected to a second term.

6 hours ago

Image: A woman walks by models of Boeing Co. aircraft, including the manufacturer's new Boeing 777X...

Steve Coogan

Boeing lays off nearly 400 more people in Washington, state reports

The Boeing layoffs announced previously will impact another nearly 400 workers in Washington, a notice filed Monday with the state says.

6 hours ago

‘Crazy’ idea for wooden money in Washington town ‘seems to be working,’ says mayor