2023-02-27 BOCC Wrap-County ManagerBOCC Wrap-Up / County Manager Update
February 27, 2023
9:05 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, County Manager Erik
Martin, Steve Wohld, Eric Eisenberg, Lee Napier, Barbara Russell, Amber Smith, Josh Metcalf, Doug
Carey, Eric Eisenberg, Nic Scott, Josh Weiss, Troy Nichols, Graham Gowing, Meja Handlen, Mindy Brooks,
Undersheriff Wes Rethwill, Kristen Wecker
Guest(s): John Christian, unnamed guests
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
>> BOCC Wrap-Up
2023 legislative session, including jail proviso:
Josh Weiss gave the following updates:
• State economic forecast is March 20.
• Pressure in capital budget regarding homeless, housing and mental health.
• Rep. Orcutt’s bill to use state sales tax for seniors did not move forward.
Commissioner Swope said he opposes HB 1670, the floating cap for property taxes. He noted that the
state will ask counties if they’ve exhausted all funding opportunities before providing state funding,
essentially forcing counties to increase taxes before state funding would be available. The
commissioners said they oppose HB 1670.
The commissioners said they also oppose the road / gas tax.
.09 committee application / bylaws / policy / CEDS list: The commissioners said they would review the
topic March 1.
Winlock annexation / Boundary Review Board invocation: Erik Martin noted that a group of citizens
submitted a petition Feb. 24. The group discussed the petition and noted it had not yet been reviewed
for completeness.
Commissioner Brummer made a motion to invoke the Boundary Review Board and to direct the
County Manager to sign a letter invoking the Boundary Review Board regarding the Winlock
annexation, highlighting concerns about general services, including fire, police and utilities, and
concerns about new roads and the ability to maintain them. Commissioner Pollock seconded. Motion
passed 3-0.
Congressionally Directed Spending: Erik said Josh has requests for federal funding: Packwood Sewer
and West Connector. He said the federal representatives have urged the county to work with one
federal rep as the lead. Commissioner Pollock suggested adding Rush Road as an ask. The commissioners
said they’d like to work with Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s office on the Packwood project, Sen. Cantwell’s
office on the West Connector project and Sen. Murray’s office on the Rush Road project.
Eric Eisenberg said the group Homes First has expressed an interest in expanding into Lewis County and
has requested a letter of support.
Youth Advocacy Center request for letter of support: The commissioners agreed to sign the letter.
Approval of minutes: Commissioner Brummer made a motion to approve minutes for the week of Jan.
30, 2023. Commissioner Pollock seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Calendars: Commissioner Pollock said she will attend the March 1 afternoon meeting virtually.
Opioid litigation: The commissioners said they would delay the opioid discussion.
>> County Manager items
County Manager recruitment / succession planning: Erik said Columbia has agreed to a $24,000
contract for recruitment. The commissioners said they are fine with the amount and will ratify the
decision via resolution after the fact.
Meeting ended at 9:53 a.m.