BOCC Meeting

The Lewis County Board of Commissioners held a meeting on August 26, 2026, which included a detailed presentation from representatives of the Timberland Regional Library (TRL). The discussion focused heavily on TRL's current budget challenges, including a $3.8 million structural deficit and significant staff reductions exceeding 40% in frontline branch staff. The library system has reduced services such as Monday hours at the Centrellia branch and is considering a levy lid lift to increase funding, which would allow restoration of hours, staffing, and collections. The levy proposal would increase property taxes by approximately $3.83 per month per household, with the goal of stabilizing library operations. The meeting also covered governance changes, improved communication efforts, and ongoing discussions about timber and property tax revenues affecting the library's funding. Additionally, the Board approved several resolutions related to public works, including a public hearing for vacating an unimproved alley right-of-way and surplus vehicle disposition, as well as contract approvals. A hearing on ordinance 1384 was added to the agenda and recessed to a future date. Motions to approve resolutions and consent items were passed unanimously during the meeting.