Cowlitz County Commissioner Open Public Meetings

At the September 30, 2026 Cowlitz County Commissioners open public meeting, commissioners approved a consent agenda that included a $495,615 bid award to Grade Works Excavating for the Westside Highway slide repair project and an interlocal agreement with Public Utility District No. 1 to install electrical power and lighting for the Tower Road Bridge project. The consent agenda also included a change to a prosecuting attorney agreement and a letter concerning seepage-monitoring improvements at Swift No. 1. A commissioner noted that the noxious weed agreement with Columbia Land Trust is valued at up to $2,000.

Commissioners also approved a $200,000 contract with Lester Equipment Repair for landfill heavy-equipment maintenance and authorized the Public Services director to execute the contract. Staff said the work was solicited through an RFP and Lester was the sole bidder; the county already has other vendors under contract and sought an additional provider to improve service availability. In related project updates, staff said a river study consultant contract was being finalized, with authorization of up to $190,000 previously given and grant funds expected. Public comment focused on proposed property taxes and emergency evacuation planning; no tax decision was made. The meeting also included Board of Health applicant interviews.