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2026-04-27 DEM position Admin Assistant LEWIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 351 NW. North Street, Chehalis, WA 98532 DEM@lewiscountywa.gov • Phone: (360) 740-1151 • Fax: (360) 740-1471 Follow us on Facebook at Lewis County Emergency Management To: Ryan Barrett, County Manager From: Erika Katt, Emergency Management Date: March 18, 2026 Subject: Request to Convert Administrative Assistant Position from 0.5 FTE to 1.0 FTE Recommendation Approve the conversion of the current 0.5 FTE Administrative Assistant position (Grade 117 – Step 3) to a full-time (1.0 FTE) position in 2026. This adjustment is necessary to meet current operational demands and sustain Emergency Management’s preparedness, coordination, response, and recovery functions. Why This Decision Is Needed Now The need for increased administrative capacity is immediate and ongoing, not a future projection. • Sustained workload from the December 2025 flooding event and ongoing recovery coordination • Increased requirements for state and federal documentation, reimbursement tracking, and compliance • Continued expansion of training, preparedness, and community engagement efforts • Increasing frequency and complexity of incidents, requiring consistent administrative support Additionally, the department has absorbed the loss of a third position in 2024 and implemented operational changes in 2025 that have increased workload demands. Current staffing levels are no longer aligned with the scope of responsibilities. Delaying this request would require the department to continue operating under existing constraints during a period of increased demand and risk. Financial Summary Net Budget Increase: $46,638 Proposed Cost Share: • General Fund: $21,631 • Emergency Management Fund: $25,451 Financial Capacity: • Fund balance after correction: $399,030 • Pending reimbursement (2025): $39,000 • Projected fund balance: ~$438,030 Even under a worst-case scenario, the department maintains more than $62,000 above the $350,000 reserve requirement Based on current projections, Emergency Management can sustain this increase for at least two years while maintaining reserve levels. Revenue growth remains modest and does not independently support expansion, reinforcing the need for a shared funding approach. Consequences of Not Approving If this position is not approved: • The department will continue to fall behind on documentation, compliance, and administrative responsibilities, increasing risk to state and federal reimbursement and program requirements • Current workload, already requiring extended hours, will remain unsustainable • With only 2.5 full-time staff supporting a county the size of Lewis County, our ability to effectively operate, coordinate, and provide countywide support will remain limited • Training, preparedness, and readiness efforts will decline at a time when disasters are becoming more frequent and complex Preparedness, planning, and mitigation directly influence how effectively Lewis County responds to and recovers from disasters. Without adequate administrative capacity, the department will shift toward a more reactive posture with reduced overall resilience. Alternatives Considered Maintain Current 0.5 FTE • Does not meet current workload demands • Continues existing service gaps and operational strain Delay Conversion to Future Budget Cycle • Defers cost but does not address immediate operational need • Increases risk during a period of sustained workload and incident activity Temporary or Contract Administrative Support • Limited effectiveness due to lack of continuity and system familiarity • Does not meet ongoing documentation, coordination, and compliance needs None of these alternatives adequately address the current and ongoing operational demands. Operational Justification Preparedness (Blue Sky): • Increased coordination of trainings, exercises, and outreach • Support for volunteer programs (CERT, ARES) • Expanded compliance and reporting requirements Response & Recovery (Gray Sky): • Ongoing administrative workload from disaster response and recovery, including the December 2025 flooding event • Documentation and reimbursement tracking for state and federal programs • Support for EOC readiness, incident documentation, and interagency coordination Administrative capacity is essential to sustaining both preparedness efforts and effective incident response. Summary Converting this position to full-time is a timely and necessary investment to align staffing with current operational demands. With a strong fund balance, a shared funding approach, and demonstrated need, this request represents a measured and financially responsible step to sustain Emergency Management services and ensure Lewis County remains prepared to effectively respond to and recover from disasters.