Monday Business Meeting - 07.13.2026

The Cowlitz County Commissioners held a business meeting on July 13, 2026, focusing primarily on budget reviews and contract discussions related to District Court probation services, judicial salaries, and interpreter services. They reviewed revenues and expenditures for probation services, noting that probation fees are paid by defendants rather than cities. The commissioners also discussed an amendment to the consolidated contract with the Washington State Department of Health, maintaining a public health funding allocation of over $1 million for communicable disease work. Additionally, the Public Works department presented a $310,000 federally funded project for a clear zone inventory to improve highway safety by mapping roadside hazards. The board considered initiating condemnation proceedings for property acquisition related to a road covert replacement project and discussed amendments to utility installation ordinances to strengthen franchise agreements. A potential grant opportunity for a geomorphic assessment of local waterways was also reviewed, with plans to begin procurement for a consultant to meet a tight project timeline. The meeting included approval of appointments to workforce-related councils and covered various administrative and procedural items related to county operations and procurement activities.