Cowlitz County Commissioner Open Public Meetings

The Cowlitz County Commissioners held an open public meeting on August 26, 2026, which included several procurement and budget-related discussions. Key procurement items approved included the purchase of a 2018 John Deere articulated dump truck for the landfill, an amendment to a personal service agreement with PBS Engineering for drone-based environmental monitoring due to new state regulations, and an increase of $135,000 to the contract with OTCH for the Allander Road bridge replacement project, funded by federal reimbursements. The board also approved a contract execution and bond with Western United Civil Group for a road headwall project. Additionally, the commissioners approved a labor agreement with the Sheriff Deputies and Sergeants Guild covering 43 employees, including wage increases over three years and enhanced benefits. The Board of Health discussed and approved a resolution to increase health department fees by approximately 3% to cover staffing and operational costs, with changes including new reinstatement fees and fast-track processing fees for certain permits. The meeting also addressed concerns about unfunded mandates related to environmental monitoring and discussed public health inspection processes for food establishments and temporary food vendors. No votes were taken on policy changes affecting procurement beyond those noted.