2025-11-25 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update
November 26, 2025
9:02 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, Becky Butler, Mindy Brooks, Gabe Anzelini, Geoff Soderquist, Wes Anderson, Rocky Lyon, Alex
Murray, Sheriff Rob Snaza, Anders Pollman, Chief Rick Van Wyck, Chief Gabe Frase, Chief Chris Sweet,
Deputy Christopher Rubin, Jeff Hursh, Graham Gowing, John Abplanalp, Natalie Kamieniecki, Sarah
Hensley, Sherri Dokken, Matt Patana, Assessor Ross Nielson, Marylynne Kostick, Rachel Lester
Guest(s): Stacy Denham, Greg Rohr, Elizabeth Rohr, Jacob Moore, Alisha Griffith
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment
Elizabeth Rohr shared concerns regarding upcoming budget decisions regarding the Sheriff’s Office.
Greg Rohr shared concerns regarding upcoming budget decisions.
Directors’ Update items
Geoff Soderquist discussed a notice of hearing for the renewal of a franchise to Cardinal FG Company to
install, construct, operate and maintain water utility facilities in Lewis County rights of way.
Becky Butler discussed a notice of hearing for Lewis County 2025 budget emergency and supplemental
appropriations to and transfers within current expense and various funds.
Becky Butler discussed a resolution to approve a Public Defense contract with Joshua House for District
Court.
Mindy Brooks discussed a resolution to establish a Short Term Rental Advisory Group pursuant to
Chapter 2.50, Advisory Groups, Lewis County Code.
Rocky Lyon discussed a resolution to approve a declaration of surplus vehicles and equipment.
Gabe Anzelini discussed a resolution to approve an agreement with Medix Ambulance Services for
technology services.
Gabe Anzelini discussed a resolution to approve Interlocal Agreements Between Lewis County and Area
Emergency Response Agencies Regarding Technology Services.
Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to approve a $250,000 .09 (Distressed Counties) grant to Chehalis
River Basin Flood Control Zone District for its Airport Levee Design project.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to move two notice items, two consent items and six
deliberation items to the Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, BOCC Business Meeting agenda. Commissioner Swope
seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Wednesday Workshop
Legislative liaison contracts: The commissioners said they are in support of continuing the county’s
contract with Columbia Policy Advisors. They said they will further discuss Robert Weidner’s proposed
contract on Dec. 8.
Roads transfer / traffic policing: Commissioner Swope said he is not in favor of reducing the budget for
the Sheriff’s Office. He, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock and Sheriff Snaza all discussed
the need for a public safety tax to cover the ever-increasing costs of law enforcement.
In response to a question from Commissioner Brummer, Sheriff Snaza said a $300,000 decrease the
Sheriff’s Office budget would force the office to cut two patrol deputy positions, noting that two
additional two patrol deputy positions rely on opioid funding and may be cut if that funding is not
available in 2026.
Commissioner Pollock stressed the need to find outside revenue streams to balance the budget. She
suggested selling the Kirkland Road shop to plug the budget gap.
Commissioner Brummer said he too is against the idea of an 11th-hour cut to the Sheriff’s Office budget.
Sheriff Snaza noted that a global discussion with community partners would be needed before the
option of a sales tax to support public safety could be presented to voters.
Water project at Fairgrounds: Matt Patana provided updates on the water project at the Fairgrounds.
Grant opportunity: Anders Pollman provided information regarding a state Department of Health grant
he learned of the previous day.
Commissioner Pollock Motion to direct Public Works to apply for a Department of Health Drinking
Water System Rehabilitation and Consolidation grant and to direct the chair - or his designee - to sign
as such if necessary. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Roundtable
Office and department representatives provided updates, including:
• Gabe Anzelini urged caution regarding cybersecurity.
• Mindy Brooks said Community Development will launch the SmartGov permitting software Dec.
1, and she noted that Community Development will close early Dec. 31. Mindy also noted that
the Tour of Lights Christmas-decorating competition will take place Dec. 19.
• Rocky Lyon said Solid Waste is wrapping up on its comprehensive plan.
Meeting adjourned at 10:06 a.m.