Tuesday Public Meeting: Board of Health - 10.27.26

The Cowlitz County Board of Health public meeting on October 27, 2026, approved proposed cleanup changes to the food-fee schedule. Staff said changes consolidated some annual food-permit and add-on fees to support the transition to an online system, corrected fee assignments, and added a risk-level-three category for temporary food permits. After questions about apparent fee decreases, staff clarified that the changes reflected corrections and reassignments; the board approved the changes by vote. No contracts, vendor selections, or purchasing awards were discussed. The board also voted to return to quarterly meetings, with the next meeting planned for January and additional meetings possible if needed.

The county health officer gave updates on measles cases and avian influenza, including the local and statewide situation and monitoring of exposed workers. A board member raised school cellphone restrictions as a public-health concern but noted it was outside the board’s authority; no action was taken. The minutes were approved after a correction to the meeting month.