Tuesday Budget Workshop - 9/29/26

The Cowlitz County Commissioners’ Tuesday Budget Workshop on September 29, 2026, discussed replacing three Sheriff’s Department vehicles in 2027. Each fully outfitted vehicle is estimated at about $105,000, for an approximate total of $315,000; the vehicles are funded through accumulated reserves. Commissioners expressed agreement to proceed, and staff said they would order the vehicles. The discussion noted that the department has six reserve vehicles and that the vehicles proposed for replacement have exceeded their expected six-year service life.

Superior Court staff are considering a 2027 alternate schedule and docket changes to reduce overtime and jail-security costs; commissioners also asked whether schedule changes would require revising the North Enforcement contract, with details to be brought back. Drug Court staff are exploring homelessness grant funding for participant housing and increased CJTA billing for case-management costs. Juvenile Court reported budget-reduction efforts, facility leaks addressed through immediate mitigation, and staffing shortages at detention. No additional contract award or formal procurement vote was reported.