2023-05-31 Budget UpdateBudget Update
May 31, 2023
2:01 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Becky Butler, Larry
Boehm
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
Broadband: Becky Butler discussed the funding the Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO) is
providing to Lewis County to expand broadband infrastructure in the county. She said the Public Works
Board provided broadband funding to the PUD. Becky said the coverage area overlaps, affecting roughly
88 homes.
Becky said she is recommending the county let the PUD cover the overlap area because its funding was
awarded before the county’s was and its project is further along than the county’s project.
She noted there will be no impact to the county’s archeological work.
Commissioner Brummer made a motion to approve changes to the Winlock Broadband Project service
area so it will not conflict with the PUD’s broadband project area. Commissioner Pollock seconded.
Motion passed 3-0.
The commissioners directed Becky to notify the PUD of the change.
Budget: Becky said offices and departments will be asked to update their rates. She noted that the rates
– especially for IT – likely will increase as a result of COLAs and new technology.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery (SLFRF) allocation and
guidance: Becky said the county can opt to move Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF)
to cover LEOFF 1.
Becky said she is requesting approval to extend BerryDunn’s contract.
Opioid settlement funding: Becky said the county is not interested in managing the city of Centralia’s
settlement funding. She said the city agrees and would like to manage its own funding.
Becky discussed funding for the purchase of Narcan.
Meeting adjourned at 2:52 p.m.