# Monday Business Meeting: Budget Workshop - 09.14.2026


**Body:** Cowlitz County Commissioners 
**Date:** September 15, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Professional Services, Construction & Infrastructure, Grants & Funding, Policy


The Cowlitz County Commissioners held a budget workshop on September 14, 2026, focusing extensively on funding allocations and personnel costs related to the Department of Emergency Management (DEM). Key procurement discussions included the approval to proceed with advertising and testing for a community outreach coordinator position, with funding sourced from an unencumbered reserve fund to avoid impacting the general fund. The workshop also reviewed various departmental budgets, including mail room expenses, general fund revenues and expenditures, and non-EP departmental costs such as debt payments and insurance. Additionally, the commissioners discussed the rural development fund, criminal justice sales tax revenues, and the allocation of mental health funds. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to exploring legislative lobbying services, with a proposal presented for a full-service contract to support county priorities, including capital budget requests and trust land revenue issues. The commissioners deliberated on subscription services and dues, potential cost savings, and the impact of state legislative changes on county revenues and operations. No specific contract awards or vendor selections were finalized during this meeting, but several budgetary and policy decisions were made that could influence future procurement and funding activities.

**Source:** Cowlitz County Commissioners