2025-08-11 Wrap Up CMBOCC Wrap-Up / County Manager Update
August 11, 2025
9:02 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, Becky Butler, Meja Handlen, David Bailey, Angie Hodge, Geoff Soderquist, Rudy Rodriguez, Matt
Patana, Mindy Brooks, Natalie Mauermann, Sherri Dokken
Guest(s): Unnamed guest
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to add Christensen tort claim to the day’s agenda. Commissioner
Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to approve Resolution 25-218: Approve an interlocal agreement
between Lewis County and the City of Centralia for the construction of the Westside Connector
Corridor Project Phase 1, Stage 1 - North Scheuber Road improvements between Mt. Vista Road and
Galvin Road. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Executive session: At 9:05 a.m., Commissioner Brummer announced that the Board would be going into
executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) until 9:15 a.m. to discuss two topics: Benson litigation and
Christensen tort claim.
At 9:15 a.m., Commissioner Brummer extended executive session until 9:18 a.m.
Executive session ended at 9:18 a.m. Commissioner Brummer noted that no decisions had been made.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to authorize the PA’s Office to proceed with settlement
discussions regarding the Benson litigation as discussed in executive session. Commissioner Swope
seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to not approve the proposed tolling agreement regarding the
Christensen tort claim as discussed in executive session. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion
passed 3-0.
Lodging tax grant 2026 allocation amount: The commissioners directed staff to schedule a workshop
during which they can discuss future funding as well as guidelines for funding.
Relocation appeals process: The commissioners discussed the proposed relocation appeals process.
Rieva Lester noted it would be back on the agenda Aug. 18 and again Aug. 19.
Aug. 18 Fire Commissioners Association meeting in Toledo: Commissioner Pollock said she would
attend.
Correspondence: Commissioner Swope discussed information from the Department of Fish and Wildlife,
which has indicated it plans to acquire land in Packwood. Commissioner Swope said he is against the
idea. Commissioner Swope also discussed correspondence from an individual suggesting the county
waive fees for disposal of yard waste.
Commissioner Swope encouraged his seatmates to look into House Bill 2015 to get revenue for law
enforcement and directed the County Manager to reach out to the Sheriff’s Office to discuss the topic.
Commissioner Brummer noted the Sheriff’s Office would require to be in compliance with the
Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) to be eligible to receive the funding.
Meeting ended at 9:39 a.m.