2023-12-04 Levies and budgetsLevies and Budget
December 4, 2023
11 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, Becky Butler, Lee Napier, Josh Metcalf, Meja Handlen, Tom Stanton
Guest(s): Julie Balmelli-Powe, Paul Crowner, Patty Howard
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
Resolution 23-377: Certify the property tax levies for junior taxing districts for collection in 2024.
Clerk of the Board Rieva Lester discussed proposed Resolution 23-377. Rieva noted that junior taxing
districts are required to submit their levies and budgets to the county legislative body as provided by
state law. She noted that because the Assessor’s Office did not certify values to taxing districts at least
12 working days before Nov. 30, the Nov. 30 deadline for junior taxing districts did not apply as per RCW
84.48.130. Rieva said a follow-up resolution to capture corrections and / or late filings would go before
the commissioners later in the month.
Resolution 23-378: Adopt the annual budget of Lewis County for the calendar year of 2024.
Commissioner Swope introduced the hearing for Resolution 23-378.
County Manager Ryan Barrett gave the staff report.
Commissioner Pollock said she feels the commissioners should strive for a zero-dollar increase in
General Fund expenditures, down from a projected $300,000-plus increase. She suggested the Sheriff’s
Office make staffing adjustments to decrease expenditures for mid-level management.
Commissioner Swope asked if there were any questions. There were no questions.
Commissioner Swope then closed the question-and-answer portion of the hearing.
Ryan asked that his previous comments be adopted into the record.
Commissioner Swope asked if anyone wanted to speak for or against the resolution.
No one chose to speak.
Commissioner Swope closed the hearing.
Commissioner Brummer made a motion to approve Resolution 23-378. Commissioner Swope
seconded. Motion passed 2-1, with Commissioner Swope and Commissioner Brummer voting in favor
and Commissioner Pollock opposed.
Resolution 23-379: Property Tax Budgets and Levies for Current Expense and Road Fund for 2024.
Commissioner Swope introduced the hearing for Resolution 23-379.
County Manager Ryan Barrett gave the staff report.
Ryan said the resolution sets a zero-percent increase for the General Fund and Road levies.
Commissioner Swope asked if there were any questions. There were no questions.
Commissioner Swope then closed the question-and-answer portion of the hearing.
Ryan asked that his previous comments be adopted into the record.
Commissioner Swope asked if anyone wanted to speak for or against the resolution.
No one chose to speak.
Commissioner Swope closed the hearing.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to approve Resolution 23-379. Commissioner Brummer
seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Meeting adjourned at 11:15 a.m.