2025-02-10 BOCC Wrap-up CM updateBOCC Wrap-Up / County Manager Update
February 10, 2025
9 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, Mindy Brooks, Tina Correia, Geoff Soderquist, Meja Handlen, Angie Hodge, Becky Butler,
Amanda Price, Natalie Mauermann, Josh Weiss, Troy Nichols, Graham Gowing, Guilherme Motta, Jenn
Libby-Jones, Sherri Dokken Tom Stanton, David Bailey, Scott Gripp, Linda Mastin, Rudy Rodriguez
Guest(s): Rachel Hunt, Don Blair, unnamed guests
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
2025 Legislative Session updates: Josh Weiss and Troy Nichols reviewed the county’s legislative
requests. They said the county’s requests have been submitted, and they noted that Rep. Abbarno said
he is not optimistic about the request for Packwood Sewer Project funding.
The commissioners provided the following stances on upcoming bills:
• Mileage tax: Opposed
• SB 1195: Opposed
• HB 1380: Opposed
• SB 5154: Opposed
• SB 5679: Opposed
• Misdemeanors: No stance yet – will review
Business Meeting change: Commissioner Pollock made a motion to add to the Feb. 11, 2025, Business
Meeting agenda Resolution 25-040: Authorize placement of casual Public Safety Telecommunications
Officer on the current Lewis County Salary Grid (Grade 120 Step 6) for Non-Union Extra Help.
Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Public defense contracts: Becky Butler reviewed proposed amendments to the county’s public defense
contracts.
61 in 2023, 51 in 2024.
Becky said she has touched base with Jonathan Meyer regarding Drug Court. She said he indicated the
program currently is maxed out at its cap of 35 participants
The commissioners directed Becky to continue working with the attorneys on the contract as proposed.
Middle Fork water / Fund 4100 budget amendment request: Tina Correia said Public Works is seeking a
$25,000 transfer to cover a 2024 budget shortfall. She said Public Works wants to create a rate structure
for the water system. The commissioners directed staff to add the transfer to the upcoming budget
hearing.
Executive session: At 9:37 a.m., Commissioner Brummer announced that the Board would be going into
executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) until 9:52 a.m. to discuss the following three topics:
• Hardel BTA case
• Bellacosa v. Lewis County
• Troit tort claim
At 9:52 a.m., Commissioner Brummer extended executive session until 9:55 a.m.
Executive session ended at 9:55 a.m. Commissioner Brummer noted that no decisions had been made.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to deny the settlement offer on the Bellacosa case as discussed
in executive session. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Fire Commissioners’ Association meeting: Commissioner Pollock and Commissioner Brummer said they
plan to attend the Feb. 17 Fire Commissioners’ Association meeting at the Winlock Senior Center.
Correspondence: Commissioner Swope said he will have a job shadow in March.
Announcements: Commissioner Swope said he has reached out to Rep. Abbarno regarding funding for
repairs at the 4-H barn.
Meeting adjourned at 10 a.m.