Monday Business Meeting - 08.31.2026

The Cowlitz County Commissioners held a business meeting on August 31, 2026, focusing primarily on budget reviews and procurement activities related to building, planning, and water/sewer departments. Key procurement discussions included the call for bids for the Shadow Mountain water system project involving pump station and piping installation, with a bid opening scheduled. The commissioners also reviewed contracts such as the Apollo Mechanical Contractors agreement for an energy audit of the administration building valued at $70,923, with reimbursement arrangements through the Washington State Association of Counties. Capital improvement projects underway or planned include the Ryderwood water project, Camelot loss completion, Shadow Mountain phases, and wastewater treatment plant upgrades, many funded through grants and ARPA dollars without requiring loans. The meeting also covered budget allocations for professional services, software contracts, and internal services, as well as discussions on fee adjustments for building permits and planning services to maintain cost recovery. Additionally, the commissioners considered policy matters related to critical areas ordinance updates and potential code amendments for property conservation easements. No votes were explicitly recorded in the transcript, but several action items and upcoming public hearings were noted.