2025-03-24 Wrap-Up CMBOCC Wrap-Up / County Manager Update
March 24, 2025
9 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, Becky Butler, Josh Weiss, Troy Nichols, Mindy Brooks, Gabe Anzelini, Angie Hodge, Tina
Hemphill, Rocky Lyon, Geoff Soderquist, Devin Gayton, Linda Mastin, Meja Handlen
Guest(s):
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
2025 Legislative Session updates: Josh Weiss and Troy Nichols provided a briefing on bills and proposals
– and budget projections – at the state level. Josh said it’s likely the only way the county will get its
North Industrial Access funding restored is if the state includes it in a proposed new state revenue. Josh
and Troy noted that a gun bill appears likely to pass. In response to the commissioners’ concerns
regarding the EFSEC proposal in 5317, Josh and Troy recommended proposing an amendment to the bill.
Agenda change: Commissioner Pollock made a motion to add to the March 25, 2025, BOCC Business
Meeting agenda Resolution 25-086: Amend contract with Gordon Thomas Honeywell (GTH)
Governmental Affairs for lobbying services. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Solid Waste lease agreement: Rocky Lyon and Geoff Soderquist discussed the lease agreement. They
said the agreement would extend the agreement 24 months and would leave the lease amount
unchanged.
Port of Chehalis Southwest Washington Grain Storage Facility groundbreaking: Commissioner Pollock
said she will attend as a presenter.
America250: Commissioner Brummer discussed the U.S. semi-quincentennial celebration planned for
2026.
Natural gas discussion: Commissioner Swope suggested the BOCC issue a resolution that states Lewis
County will follow international code regarding natural gas – and not the state building code – in
response to a King County judge’s invalidation of a voter-approved initiative on natural gas, ruling it
violates the state constitution.
The commissioners also discussed concerns regarding potential .09 / Distressed Counties funding for a
proposed natural gas pipeline project.
Meeting adjourned at 9:47 a.m.