2026-03-11 Directors' UpdateDirectors’ Update
March 11, 2026
9 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Becky Butler,
Geoff Soderquist, Hal Blanton, Brian Mittge, Angie Hodge, Amanda Price, Wes Anderson, Preston
Pinkston, Ross Nielson, Matt Patana, John Abplanalp, Nathaniel Barr, Sarah Hensley, Tom Stanton,
Fionna Velaquez
Guest(s): Brian Greene, Mary Beth Harrington
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
Timberland Regional Library (TRL): Lewis County TRL representatives Brian Mittge and Hal Blanton
discussed the TRL’s financial challenges. Brian said the State Auditor’s Office audits the Timberland
Regional Library annually. He said he and other members of the TRL Board of Directors have discussed
whether a forensic audit would be warranted, especially considering the cost, which could lead to
additional TRL layoffs.
Resolution recap
Becky Butler discussed a resolution to adopt the updated Lewis County Risk & Safety Handbook.
Geoff Soderquist discussed a resolution to update parameters and anticipated uses of $10.2 million in
funding for the North Lewis County Industrial Access.
Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to appoint Maree Lerchen to the Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency
on Aging (LMTAAA) Advisory Council.
Preston Pinkston discussed a resolution to rescind and replace Resolution 25-355 to Disband the
Boundary Review Board.
Wes Anderson and Geoff Soderquist discussed a hearing for Traffic Ordinance No. 225 - An ordinance
fixing the maximum speed at which vehicles may be operated over certain roads in Lewis County,
Washington: defining offenses, and providing penalties for the violation thereof. The commissioners
directed staff to update the vicinity map to reflect the area for which the speed limit change will be
considered.
Commissioner Swope made two consent items, four deliberation items and one hearing to the
Tuesday, March 17, 2026, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Pollock seconded. Motion passed 2-0.
Announcements / new business
Becky said a budget amendment is planned for April. She said Munis training will be offered March 12.
Geoff Soderquist said mild flooding is predicted for the weekend.
Matt Patana provided updates regarding funding requests and the jail boiler project.
Wednesday Workshop
Law and Justice Council: The commissioners directed staff to conduct outreach regarding city and
county appointments. Commissioner Pollock said she’ll serve as the BOCC’s representative.
Calendars: Commissioner Swope said Onalaska schools will hold their salmon hatchery efforts March 31.
Becky noted that Juvenile holds its court proceedings at 9 a.m. Tuesdays. Commissioner Pollock said
Hope Alliance is presenting “The Vagina Monologues” as a fundraiser later in the day.
Meeting adjourned at 9:59 a.m.