2025-07-07 Wrap-Up County ManagerBOCC Wrap-Up / County Manager Update
July 7, 2025
9 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, John Abplanalp, Meja Handlen, Kirsten Wecker, Bill Teitzel, Jason Matson, Caroline Garibay,
Undersheriff Kevin Engelbertson, Chief Chris Sweet, Great Rivers Behavioral Health Administrative
Services Organization (GRBH-ASO) Chief Executive Director Trinidad Medina, Recovery Navigator
Administrator Lisha Coates, Gabe Anzelini, Geoff Soderquist, Jeff Landrum, Kendra Garrison, Mindy
Brooks, Sherri Dokken, David Bailey, Joey Bannish, Robin Cozad, Centralia Police Chief Andy Caldwell,
Daniel Miller
Guest(s): Unnamed guests
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
Executive session: At 9:01 a.m., Commissioner Brummer announced that the Board would be going into
executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) until 9:16 a.m. to discuss jail medical and the Estrada tort
claim.
At 9:16 a.m., Commissioner Brummer extended executive session until 9:19 a.m.
Executive session ended at 9:19 a.m. Commissioner Brummer noted that no decisions had been made.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to authorize outside counsel to proceed with settlement
discussions in the Estrada tort claim as discussed in executive session. Commissioner Swope
seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Destination Hope and Recovery funding for Recovery Navigator program: Joey Bannish, Robin Cozad
and Daniel Miller outlined the Recovery Navigator program, noting that a loss of funding has prompted
them to request funding totaling $100,000 from Lewis County. Centralia Police Chief Andy Caldwell,
Chief Chris Sweet, Meja Handlen and others outlined the benefits the program brings to the area.
Becky Butler discussed the possible funding sources the county could use, noting that the county would
need a detailed written request for the funding. The group discussed having Recovery Navigator reach
out to the cities as well for potential funding.
The commissioners directed Meja Handlen to work with DHR to present a formal request for the one-
time funding.
Historical Museum update: Bill Teitzel and Jason Matson reviewed the museum’s visitor counts (7,000
annually), operational costs (roughly $7,000 per month), exhibits, fundraising efforts, etc.
Water lab data review: Meja Handlen and Kirsten Wecker said staffing and material costs have created
a budget deficit of $62,000 for 2025, troubles compounded with a decrease in the number of water lab
samples processed.
Options:
• Supplement with General Fund dollars.
• Decrease to half-time work, which would decrease the General Fund request.
• Close the water lab.
Kirsten provided year-to-date sample numbers. The commissioners discussed the possible timeline
should they choose to close the water lab.
Facilities maintenance services / budget amendment: Not discussed.
Proposed DNR Alder Creek land exchange in Lewis County: The commissioners said they will not object
to the land swap.
Minute folders: Commissioner Pollock made a motion to approve minute folders for the weeks of May
5, 12, 19 and 26 as well as June 2, 9, 16 and 23. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Meeting adjourned at 10:26 a.m.