2021-09-14 Auditor- Treasurer UpdateAuditor / Treasurer Update
September 14, 2021
2:03 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, Arny Davis, Grace Jimenez, Rodney Reynolds,
Austin Majors, Becky Butler
Recorder: Tammy Martin
Treasurer:
Arny Davis said the Treasurer’s Office is in the process of wrapping up the debt fund. There were some
general increases due to inflation and these will be presented during budget meetings. Most monetary
needs for Lewis County are paid for by bond funds and Arny said he feels Lewis County should invest
more of the liquid dollars in long-term investments. Rodney Reynolds said approximately $200 million is
invested for Lewis County and approximately $150 million of that is invested in short-term investments
for special purpose districts. Long-term investments have a higher interest return rate.
Rodney feels based on earnings, there is more money to invest. This is countrywide and is evidenced by
low return rates nationally. Rodney said lodging tax has generated considerable dollars in the Packwood
and Mossyrock areas due to AirBNB rentals this year.
Auditor:
Grace said her office is currently behind in processing inter-fund billings. They are currently at 44% of
billings compared to being 66% through the year. This is due to being short staffed. These are items
adopted in the normal budget that need to be processed. There have been difficulties finding a senior
analyst. This position has been open since May 2021. Grace said the State Auditor’s Office (SAO) is still
actively auditing for 2020. Grace has been working with the SAO to fulfill any documentation requests.
She expects to be done in the next two weeks.
Grace said Larry Grove was preparing the next ballot. There will be a 60-page pamphlet due to the
amount of elections.
Becky Butler is attending a conference. She is looking forward to working with the SAO and risk group.
Meeting adjourned at 2:31 p.m.