Monday Business Meeting - 9/28/2026

Cowlitz County Commissioners’ Monday business meeting on September 28, 2026, included a budget review of risk management, workers’ compensation, and liability funds. Officials reported about $3.5 million spent from a $3.7 million risk-services budget and $630,000 spent from a $786,000 workers’ compensation services budget, noting active claims are rising and may require a budget adjustment. Commissioners were told the risk pool could raise premiums by at least 45% for 2027, while the county’s preliminary budget estimate assumes a 30% increase. The county also expects a $100,000 liability deductible payment in October on a claim nearing settlement. No formal vote on these budget items is captured in the transcript.

Public Works presented a joint agreement with Cowlitz Public Utility District, capped at $25,000, to install poles and electrical service for bridge lighting on the Tower Road project, and discussed a landslide repair project estimated at $495,615. For landfill equipment repairs, staff recommended awarding a one-year contract to Lester for up to $200,000; the county received one bid, and the proposed agreement includes two optional one-year extensions. The transcript does not capture a formal award vote. Commissioners also discussed filling a vacant court position and agreed to consider road-fund transfers and property-tax questions earlier in the budget process; these discussions did not include a procurement decision.