Tuesday Regular Public Meeting - 9/29/26

Cowlitz County Commissioners’ Tuesday regular public meeting on September 29, 2026, included approval of a $200,000 contract award to Lester Equipment Repair for landfill heavy-equipment maintenance, with the director of public services authorized to execute the contract and related documents. Staff said the work was solicited through an RFP and only one bid was received; the contract is intended to supplement existing vendors when they are unavailable. Commissioners approved the consent agenda, which included an update to the prosecutor’s workers’ compensation agreement following a change in provider and an interlocal agreement with Public Utility District No. 1 for electrical power and illumination facilities for the Tower Road Bridge project. The meeting also noted that the Columbia Land Trust noxious-weed agreement is valued at up to $2,000. No vouchers were presented.

Commissioners reported that funding had been secured for a river study, with proposals received and a consultant contract being finalized; final deliverables are due by June 30, 2027. Public comments focused largely on property taxes and county budget pressures, as well as emergency evacuation planning, river and fish management, and public health. The commissioners discussed pursuing a regional emergency-planning effort and a letter of support for a grant application, but no related spending or procurement vote was recorded. Board of Health candidate interviews were also held, with appointments scheduled for discussion on October 20.