[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6095894,"mediaKeyId","2835790-5554ad4622c1ae209ab0404920554600","parentId",2835790,"title","Public commenters raise concerns about proposed TIFs, state tax bill, voter ID and noncitizen employment in public safety","audioSeconds",336,"startMs",3464000,"endMs",3800000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2835790-5554ad4622c1ae209ab0404920554600&start=3464&end=3800","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2835790-5554ad4622c1ae209ab0404920554600/thumbnail_3464000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6095894/Cowlitz-County/Washington/Public-commenters-raise-concerns-about-proposed-TIFs-state-tax-bill-voter-ID-and-noncitizen-employment-in-public-safety","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6095894-798ad8eb60b8c5fa945429e69fad510d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770506432&Signature=LkNlJCmwtmTyXkcoMJx5--pcHCXdc2JXvnGz7boNajNIHplEdY2fudqC4usZppa~bfrwpGFZMAUaBqspe2z54uwvoM~O2Ax6owZowl6f1yGg1Kn0H42PMAAIyjOQ-plinXcaeW6FBpQ0YqhtYYGw2FFxu7kkYD~K8YQTfVPPNNX81imStTubVi-Et6EUe3zVI-XMWuhQWpw6zlFvxNI9jiWGrSKGa6~AvZJkw80XWVCIgV4yefQ--sCd1nAyk5oLBv~b55maQPD8QfZ0nG2xISaDqrSlwQ7pBAwmjLh2oo8MBsTS-jAnBR8XaCxsQvW-42vPu1fE2bhhRfTgPgM4sg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Cowlitz County Commissioners, Washington","date","2025-04-01T18:16:30.997Z","article","During public comment at the April 2025 Cowlitz County commissioners meeting, several residents raised a range of state- and federal-level concerns, including proposed tax-increment financing (TIF) for port projects, a referenced state bill that commenters said would alter property-tax caps, voter identification and the prospect of noncitizens being employed in law enforcement positions.

Mike Kaiser, a resident, criticized TIF proposals by the Port of Woodland and described the mechanism as transferring tax capacity from other local districts. \"They're taking a piece of your slice and your slice and your slice to make their slice bigger,\" Kaiser said, later calling the measure \"the worst piece of public policy I think I've ever seen in my life.\" He thanked the commissioners for the position they had taken regarding a Woodland project.

Another public commenter referenced \"Senate Bill 57 98\" (as cited during the meeting) and said the bill would eliminate the 1% cap on property-tax increases and tie increases to inflation, possibly increasing taxes by \"8% to 9% annually.\" The speaker urged the county to keep the bill voluntary for counties; a commissioner responded that he remembered the bill as introduced as an opt-in measure but had not reviewed the most current language.

Several commenters also asked whether the county would follow federal executive actions on voter eligibility and whether counties would implement tighter voter identification; commissioners and county staff said they would follow state law and monitor litigation and guidance. One public commenter raised concerns about noncitizens serving in law-enforcement roles, asking how such hiring would be vetted and expressing safety concerns.

Nut graf: Public comment covered fiscal and governance themes — local control over tax tools, concern about statewide tax changes, election administration, and law-enforcement hiring — with several speakers urging the county to resist what they described as state or federal overreach.

Ending: Commissioners responded in general terms, noting legal and litigation questions are unresolved at the state level and that the county would watch developments; no formal direction or policy change was recorded during the meeting as a result of public comment.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Cowlitz County Commissioner Open Public Meetings","oneSentenceSummary","Multiple residents used the public-comment period to criticize proposed tax-increment financing at neighboring ports, raise alarms about a state bill described as removing property-tax caps, call for voter ID and for counties to resist federal or state mandates, and question hiring noncitizens in law enforcement roles.","taxTitle","Cowlitz County, Washington","taxId",5122,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6095899,"Commissioners approve consent agenda including Fish & Wildlife maintenance agreement, landfill gas contract amendment and $2.63M in vouchers",493,1963000,2456000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2835790-5554ad4622c1ae209ab0404920554600&start=1963&end=2456","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2835790-5554ad4622c1ae209ab0404920554600/thumbnail_1963000.jpg","/articles/6095899/Cowlitz-County/Washington/Commissioners-approve-consent-agenda-including-Fish-Wildlife-maintenance-agreement-landfill-gas-contract-amendment-and-263M-in-vouchers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6095899-fe12e4408bb3a279d512cec6f9f8e57e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770506432&Signature=oc-AmeLvYmz~AAvt0ooMZDi3acEXxJoNZNnrbMrYtrcnIGA-D6gT8rExyXwZP9uTtpih4GAImu52zx1tSpANTTLWBAOAcaiMwOP5DPK1X3FMzLhY4-kVU6qryGG3Lo1zzpI7uMv9UhCzHbz4w9EZ7-EgzwYD1PqGamh4DZ7DwoAu8FXwUA8CZ8lhxjt4ImfRS8H-nxlcMg~7uZ2~rQpXYHQmw0axMScnciC-zcjeOk-IOByzbk~UJUW4AUEX3a4VIfHyih286tVb5WtyIqVH-s~5lzTmzhqS-5Flbq2lQKeBh-BgNzdi9fU6xQe0hWpepAaspJ9~sLfRXbmzvX3AXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the consent agenda, which included several contracts and financial items.

Items listed in the consent agenda included:

- A cooperative-maintenance agreement with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife to reestablish cooperative management and maintenance of the Kerr Road public access area at Silver Lake; Public Works staff said the county will maintain the parking lot, picnic area and stormwater infrastructure to keep the boat launch open to the public.

- Amendment No. 3 to the professional services agreement with Energy Nearing Solutions LLC for landfill gas engineering services, increasing the contract by $100,000 to a total not to exceed $450,000. County staff explained the additional $100,000 covers required flare verification testing and third-party validation of gas reporting that has been added under the state's Climate Commitment Act; staff said flare efficiency testing occurs on a five-year cycle and the new requirements add a third-party verification step and an annual component.

- An extension of a personal services agreement with CFM Strategic Communication (federal lobbying); staff said this is an extension with no cost change and that CFM works with the county to pursue tailored federal funding requests.

- A correspondence item to PUD No. 1 regarding electric distribution capacity upgrades along a line between Castle Rock and [location cited]; and vouchers in the amount of $2,633,425.49.

Nut graf: County staff described the landfill contract amendment as driven by new Climate Commitment Act verification requirements and said the Fish and Wildlife agreement formalizes county maintenance responsibilities at the Kerr Road boat launch for the next decade.

During public comment a resident asked whether the $450,000 contract covered routine methane monitoring; Public Works clarified routine well-site monitoring is done in-house and the amendment covers third-party flare verification and reporting validation. Commissioners approved the consent agenda by voice vote.

Ending: Staff said documentation for the agreements would be finalized and routed for signature; no separate budget amendment was recorded for the consent items beyond the contract amendment authority.","The board approved the consent agenda, which included a 10-year maintenance agreement with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife for Kerr Road public access, an amendment adding $100,000 to a landfill gas engineering services contract (bringing total to $450,000) and vouchers totaling $2,633,425.49.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6095904,"County updates road and street design supplement to add Type D private road for small short plats",82,3257000,3339000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2835790-5554ad4622c1ae209ab0404920554600&start=3257&end=3339","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2835790-5554ad4622c1ae209ab0404920554600/thumbnail_3257000.jpg","/articles/6095904/Cowlitz-County/Washington/County-updates-road-and-street-design-supplement-to-add-Type-D-private-road-for-small-short-plats","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6095904-883399408efd1fe20bb157db08e47038/orig.mp4?Expires=1770506432&Signature=M5Sdm82~3P7U0gpcCSL42aZwGHyMPK7CpefFl0h0R7Cs6uRLGA~fD9x~TPebth5EvICmfzP7CFftvRprhKFxKPxL~Zwix5hP6IHpfkOzxpQbfPzqo0xcs0GkhtzKkqYufUeipl9XSQMvCtVW-O~WKOF9v0ULQ2XUnUkzvyS34MvjnEnggtlRxyXFiOImcNmaE~TkHFPBSas8R1u1VhAdVHfePDZDRKaRPtpP7pWhccpQh42yNJ4W7BkcY-ySAFcLoppgvtQDVM22oLJBQJWQkv47irLgUl56Lu2mwf6r-oxeLNGlmNoGEW~xS0VpwK3E6jtlyEkWxLHeZEbz6jEOlw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cowlitz County commissioners approved an amendment and supplement to the county Road and Street Design standards to add a Type D private road definition that aligns with the recent short plat ordinance change allowing Building and Planning to approve certain private fire-access roads for up to four lots.

County Engineer Susan (presenting) described the motion item as \"an amendment and a supplement to the private road section of the road and street design,\" added to follow up the short plat ordinance change and to update the definition of a Type C road to exclude the new Type D road. She said the changes are limited to definitions and standards needed to keep road standards and the short plat ordinance consistent.

Nut graf: The amendment complements the short plat ordinance change and clarifies the county's road classifications so small short-plats that will use Type D fire-apparatus roads are not simultaneously required to meet the higher Type C standard.

A motion to approve the supplement passed on a unanimous voice vote. Commissioners asked staff to coordinate procedure updates between Public Works and Building and Planning to implement the new classification.

Ending: Staff said the amendment is intended to be procedural and align county engineering standards with the newly adopted land-use approval pathway; further, more technical code changes could follow as staff and advisory committees continue work.","Following the short plat ordinance change, Cowlitz County amended the road-and-street-design supplement to add a Type D private road standard to align with Building and Planning review of small short plats; commissioners approved the amendment unanimously.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6095908,"County shifts approval of private roads for small short plats to building and planning director",763,2479000,3242000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2835790-5554ad4622c1ae209ab0404920554600&start=2479&end=3242","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2835790-5554ad4622c1ae209ab0404920554600/thumbnail_2479000.jpg","/articles/6095908/Cowlitz-County/Washington/County-shifts-approval-of-private-roads-for-small-short-plats-to-building-and-planning-director","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6095908-b883f8953d2c10127475ceb0519ca38f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770506432&Signature=oXyk-~e~Lm0wlXJo1W9~AptKv5aoYuKjj~noGbSF9EgaVqeuCcTmc-ES-yRY9W8vFH84iEDtd-fie8bM8orFqSdnVELxCQ0y7JuBZUWBMK1y8GvSVayguV00rgFDBegLE0a~umeEPqtQ7OF6GliTSqJuXZ0llvz4UueKbQktRgHTrpE2dah2cLcchoK4BEyjbdHBG3s9UuqtokxulqEu8VhBHIBD6cpD8pvV9iRzOy4IQj9xbkMNzh47wAe83j863IjxqwqAna8GwbTnA6sC9J1Be2mPddNZNNeXZh2kD0wn2zStTi7bpmXFAdgviHX93T3998xWcatBWpHcnl-egA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners on April 2025 adopted amendments to the county short subdivision (short plat) ordinance to shift approval authority for certain private roads and driveways within short subdivisions from the county engineer (Public Works) to the Building and Planning director.

Tracy Jackson, Building and Planning, told the board the change targets small developments — typically family divisions of one to four lots — and allows those developers to apply for a Type D fire-apparatus road standard through Building and Planning rather than face a more costly Type C private road upgrade reviewed by Public Works. \"The proposal here is to shift approval of private roads and driveways within short subdivisions from the public works engineering department, AKA the county engineer, to the building and planning department director,\" Jackson said.

Nut graf: County staff said the change aims to reduce cost and processing complexity for very small short plats where a full public-works road upgrade can make a lot uneconomical. Staff characterized this as a partial fix; Building and Planning and advisory committees will continue work on broader private-road reforms.

The ordinance includes exceptions: public roads created by a subdivision and private roads that intersect or cross a public road will continue to require county engineer review. Adam Trimble, planning manager, said the Planning Commission held a hearing and unanimously recommended adoption.

After a public hearing that included several resident comments and supportive remarks from BPAC member Nick Massey, the commissioners moved to approve the short plat ordinance amendment. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.

Ending: Staff and commissioners said this amendment is expected to address a majority of the costs faced by small-property developers but is one step in an ongoing rewrite of private-road policies; further code work will be required for additional changes.","Cowlitz County commissioners adopted amendments to the short subdivision (short plat) ordinance to allow the building and planning director to approve private fire-access roads for short plats of up to four lots, with exceptions for public-road connections.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6095913,"Cowlitz County proclaims Crime Victims Rights Week and Sexual Assault Awareness Month",484,1431000,1915000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2835790-5554ad4622c1ae209ab0404920554600&start=1431&end=1915","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2835790-5554ad4622c1ae209ab0404920554600/thumbnail_1431000.jpg","/articles/6095913/Cowlitz-County/Washington/Cowlitz-County-proclaims-Crime-Victims-Rights-Week-and-Sexual-Assault-Awareness-Month","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6095913-26c7e46eb3d01b4b447214dc53c7b4ca/orig.mp4?Expires=1770506432&Signature=FD-DOtNKZq~atTYN77QwkQKw7jF9pO5AqsnHqEUURX80k1nSOzHRs1A6FD5434MvQOla4xEewJMXpThbIwrn~33NGkqVlPa~JjzlmMtu9JITzBUQiZR-lHMbAfunye6Pr49~BcLJfl1LEig66FtRK72ivkC24oP5DXqc-pqRlzEjwTSiI-doyhvYtoWXE3bMfs~FwDQZpiC1NwR4fMIXOTv85BLR-fFLb9XUNZwvqrBSTzoTEeB5dmZebhRvPbpM7JQU4XUjXlcZIlQg8E-EcSaYgj1hN4aO1yM6cG14pX29DD2YhVl07ksaV8neUDkVZ4T~FSYAAdBnBqPcJGBi7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners on April 2025 unanimously approved two proclamations recognizing Crime Victims Rights Week and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The proclamations were read and presented by Tasha, a crime victims advocate with the Emergency Support Shelter, who described the shelter's services and local demand. \"The Emergency Support Shelter was established in 1978 as Cowlitz County's first domestic violence assistance program,\" she said, and outlined programs including emergency shelter, confidential advocacy, legal advocacy and the HOPE project for sexual-assault survivors. She said the victim-advocacy program served about 250 people last year and the HOPE project served more than 320 individuals in Cowlitz County.

The proclamations officially designate the week of April 6–12, 2025 as Crime Victims Rights Week in Cowlitz County and April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. A commissioner moved to approve both proclamations and the motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.

Nut graf: County staff and local advocates said the proclamations are intended to raise awareness of victim services and to highlight the county's victim-advocacy programs, including crisis response in emergency departments and ongoing legal and support services.

In presenting program details, Tasha described services the CVAP program provides, including safety planning, assistance with crime victim compensation and court accompaniment. She also described HOPE's goal of ensuring a trained advocate is available at local emergency rooms within 20 minutes for people reporting sexual assault. \"Together we act, united we change,\" she said.

The board signed the proclamations and staff said signed copies would be provided to the Emergency Support Shelter. No formal follow-up directives or budget actions were recorded in the meeting minutes related to these proclamations.

Ending: County staff told the commissioners they would route signed proclamations to the shelter for distribution and recordkeeping.","The Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners approved two proclamations recognizing Crime Victims Rights Week (April 6–12, 2025) and April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and accepted remarks from local victim-advocacy staff.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public commenters raise concerns about proposed TIFs, state tax bill, voter ID and noncitizen employment in public safety

Commissioners approve consent agenda including Fish & Wildlife maintenance agreement, landfill gas contract amendment and $2.63M in vouchers

County updates road and street design supplement to add Type D private road for small short plats

County shifts approval of private roads for small short plats to building and planning director

Cowlitz County proclaims Crime Victims Rights Week and Sexual Assault Awareness Month