Tuesday Business Meeting & Budget Workshop - 10.20.2026

Cowlitz County Commissioners’ Tuesday Business Meeting and Budget Workshop on October 20, 2026, focused on facilities budgets, building compliance, capital needs, and space use. Staff reported that consultant Apollo completed a grant-funded investment-grade energy audit of the administration building. The audit found that even major upgrades would not meet the state Clean Buildings Performance Standard target, with estimated payback periods of roughly 108–146 years; staff will explore exemptions and more affordable efficiency measures. The building’s compliance deadline is July 2028, while benchmarking for the jail and juvenile facilities is due this summer. The facilities budget reflects countywide reductions, including a $1 million general-fund reduction and fewer capital projects. The capital reserve is funded primarily by about $1.5 million annually in real estate excise tax revenue; $1.1 million is set aside for the exterior-facade project, and jail and juvenile roof replacements remain major future needs. Juvenile-facility HVAC and roof work was discussed as totaling nearly $7 million through 2031. No contract award or spending motion was recorded.

The board discussed consolidating county offices and the costs and potential disposition of underused or repair-intensive properties. For the 304 Callow Way (WSU) building, staff cited about $77,000 for flat-roof work and $80,000 to repair HVAC units; fire-panel repair was also identified, but its cost was unclear. The discussion indicated support for exploring relocation of WSU to the annex, with logistics still to be worked out, and staff will work with Superior Court regarding Courthouse Square. Leasing, selling, or repurposing other properties—including the HHS building—remained under consideration, with no formal vote recorded. Staff also expects to return with space-use policy recommendations and further property updates.