2025-12-17 Aud TreasAuditor / Treasurer Update
December 17, 2025
10:45 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, Arny Davis, Noah Hudson, Grace Jimenez, Graham Gowing, Larry Grove, Becky Butler
Guest(s): None
Recorder: Tammy Martin
Public comment: None
Treasurer’s Office Update:
Arny Davis presented year-to-date investment earnings, noting that the investment balance remains
near $3 million. Noah Hudson shared historical earnings data for the County and Arny explained that the
Local Government Investment Pool (LGIP) was introduced to Lewis County in 2022. Arny explained that a
decline in interest rates would result in lower earnings on long-term investments.
Arny reported that Sales and Use Tax revenue showed an overall year-to-date increase, although
November collections declined by 2%. Lodging Tax receipts increased by 3.8% through November.
Arny also explained that two large payments were issued on behalf of Lewis County while funds were
intentionally kept at minimal levels to maximize higher interest earnings. These payments were returned
as non-sufficient funds due to a banking miscommunication. To prevent this from occurring in the
future, Arny stated he is working with Umpqua Bank to establish a secondary money market account
that will serve as a backstop for outgoing payments.
Auditor’s Office Updates:
Grace Jimenez said there aren’t any offices or departments that exceed 92% of their budgets. Grace said
overall budget expended for the County was 89% year-to-date.
Graham Gowing shared that keeping current with insurance and benefit changes has been challenging.
He expressed appreciation for payroll staff for the significant time and effort they have dedicated to
managing these updates. Graham suggested reconvening after all changes are finalized to reassess how
updates are communicated and implemented. He also noted that the overtime tax deduction presents
several challenges the office is currently working through.
Larry Grove said there was a hand recount for Fire District 5. Boistfort, Centralia, and Onalaska will have
school levies on the next ballot.
Announcements:
Arny noted Thurston County has agreed to use Tyler’s assessment and tax software and two other
counties are considering utilizing it.
Larry said Grace passed the final testing component for the CP exam.
Meeting adjourned at 11:31 am