Cowlitz County Commissioner Open Public Meetings

Cowlitz County Commissioners’ open public meeting, October 19, 2026: Staff previewed upcoming agenda items, including a public hearing to close out the prior Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) public-services grant and seek approval to apply for this year’s grant. The funding—historically about $68,000–$70,000—is passed through to CAP and supports Meals on Wheels. Staff also announced an RFP for groundwater and surface-water monitoring at the county-owned municipal solid-waste landfill. The existing arrangement is nearing expiration, and the monitoring is required by the state Department of Ecology; no proposals were selected or contract awarded at this meeting. An informational update on homelessness-prevention services funded through the Consolidated Homeless Grant was also planned for the next day.

Other discussion included proposed updates to the county cash-handling policy, covering penny rounding, deposit timing and waivers, and secure transport of funds. Commissioners also discussed employee furlough options and requests to fill vacant positions. No procurement award or spending-related vote was reported in this meeting; the CDBG application and public hearing were scheduled for the following day.