Grays Harbor County Commissioner's Meeting 09/22/26

At its September 22, 2026 meeting, the Grays Harbor County Commissioners approved a county supplemental budget adjustment that uses $715,862 in ending cash; the budget manager reported revenue of about $47.9 million, expenditures of about $52.3 million, and a current deficit of roughly $5.1 million. The commissioners also approved a $91,000 supplemental adjustment for the fair fund to cover payroll and operating costs, while continuing a separate $13,600 recreation-fund hearing for further reconciliation. They approved the capital asset inventory resolution and several agreements and funding items, including a $171,313 HUD Continuum of Care grant agreement, a $174,682 amendment to Department of Health contract CLH32051, a $56,000 youth cannabis and tobacco prevention grant agreement with Capital Region ESD 113, and in-kind matches of $6,000 for the Domestic Violence Center and $18,900 for New Horizons Federal Credit Union. They also approved a cash-match letter for the consolidated home grant and an interlocal agreement for home visiting services; the transcript’s amount for that agreement is unclear. The board approved an extension of the cable television franchise agreement with Coast Communications, with no changes to the current agreement while the county completes required steps and negotiates a future agreement. No new bids were considered.

The commissioners discussed the Hope pellet mill’s request for infrastructure support, particularly an electrical substation. No funding commitment was made; the chair will work with staff on arranging a discussion with the public utility district and other potential partners. The board also voted to prepare a letter thanking businesses visited during an economic development tour and inviting them to identify barriers to growth. An Olympic National Forest presentation covered road and recreation investments, plans for about 10 timber sales in the county over five years, and progress toward removing a sustained-yield designation that the Forest Service said adds administrative burden to timber sales. The commissioners adopted updates to the county’s food-enforcement policy, including revised inspection thresholds and a six-month revocation waiting period. Other approved items included surplus and auction of two vehicles and tower-climbing and rescue training.