2025-08-20 Finance Committee Auditor Treasurer UpdateFinance Committee/Auditor/Treasurer Update
August 20, 2025
10:31 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Brummer, Becky Butler, Graham Gowing, Grace Jimenez,
Larry Grove, Arny Davis, Noah Hudson
Guest(s): None
Recorder: Tammy Martin
The Finance Committee portion of the meeting began at 10:31 a.m.
Arny Davis provided an overview of the following financial documents:
• Lewis County Investment Summary
• Investment Detail Reports
• Direct Investment Reports
The Finance Committee meeting adjourned at 10:40 a.m.
Auditor/Treasurer Update
Began at 10:40 a.m.
Arny Davis provided updates on the County’s budget, investment performance, and revenue status.
Commissioner Pollock asked about the status of property tax collections. Arny confirmed that property
tax collections are currently on track for the year.
Arny also reported that lodging tax revenues continue to trend upward. He noted challenges in
pinpointing the location of some lodging tax revenue, often referred to as the "unknown area," which
are tied to Airbnb and VRBO.
Grace provided an update on general fund expenditures. Grace stated there have been no major
fluctuations. She noted the Assessor and Treasurer departments are slightly over budget due to costs
associated with new software implementation. Grace said District Court expenses are higher due to
increased jury payments and court security. Overall, the County has expended 55% of the annual budget
to date.
Grace said Flood Control was higher due to annual payment. She also noted Distressed Counties Fund
had spent 71% of its budget due to significant payments made to the City of Centralia. Grace said the
Crime Victims Fund was also higher but would be back to normal on next month’s reports due to a
correction from a prior journal entry. Grace said the Covid 19 fund is in the process of closing out and
will be dissolved at the year end.
Becky Butler reported that a budget amendment is forthcoming, which will address funding needs for:
• 911 Services
• Broadband
• Distressed Counties Fund
• Potentially other areas
Larry reported that 27.29% of registered voters returned ballots for the most recent election. Larry said
there was some misreporting in the Chronicle. The number two person leading the elections for Fire
District 5 will be the person voted into position.
Meeting ended at 11:01 a.m.