[{"_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",6226077,"mediaKeyId","3517491-38b5438133a695b09ef1c9adf187b1e6","parentId",3517491,"title","Board of Health: Cowlitz County sees more active tuberculosis cases, offers rabies education; plans follow-up on water fluoridation and vaccine safety","audioSeconds",1232,"startMs",8363000,"endMs",9595000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3517491-38b5438133a695b09ef1c9adf187b1e6&start=8363&end=9595","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3517491-38b5438133a695b09ef1c9adf187b1e6/thumbnail_8363000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6226077/Cowlitz-County/Washington/Board-of-Health-Cowlitz-County-sees-more-active-tuberculosis-cases-offers-rabies-education-plans-follow-up-on-water-fluoridation-and-vaccine-safety","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226077-c6bef806cd709ec10ae7b71608cc86d6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771083556&Signature=R1rxBNsyNeuzIIo7W7XwlcGmxqxbqevr6J23KpYiHHmu1OGXCP42nuMxAzPkhHfBDGE8xFgjG8Ih02vlBQhhUjh0knDjfBgQNatQBIEADCXWTECPxUfbcY8Oh6R-xAu7kf8ZzVP9-rVZdAZbSdI-~kJ2xd4v9Weq996W-fPnJ8aNXn3GEFAJJ8pfDjN0X~pB0rlV7TNttxQgBuPherNViwRLg4oM2szVP5EcYy-di~jPHsd2SRrAKDG1Z3pyfr-ysHFMbKKOeYiE7y1xqfn4KNHJaE1J9WOLLEKU~cjvYiTarFif6beL0uWn4et~~EckesxdqAemt-COhcGC3GL6Cw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Cowlitz County Commissioners, Washington","date","2025-05-27T15:30:20Z","article","Cowlitz County's Board of Health heard an update from public-health staff covering a surge in administrative workload (birth- and death-certificate processing), active tuberculosis cases requiring directly observed therapy, routine food and pool inspections, and rabies-prevention guidance emphasizing bats as the primary local vector.

Public-health staff reported that birth-certificate orders are up about 65% compared with the same time last year—driven by increased demand related to Real ID requirements—and that front-counter processing is taking longer per transaction. Community-health nurses reported they are managing multiple active tuberculosis cases; staff said two active, treated tuberculosis cases are ongoing in the county and that direct observation of therapy (DOT) or video DOT is being used to ensure adherence to multi‑month treatment regimens. \"We have 2 active cases right now,\" public-health staff said, and they emphasized DOT to prevent drug resistance and protect public health.

The board also received a zoonotics/rabies briefing from the health officer. Dr. Kroeger (Health Officer) said rabies remains a serious but rare risk in Washington and that bats are the principal local concern. He urged residents to avoid handling bats and to seek medical guidance immediately if a bite or exposed contact is suspected. \"If you contract rabies and start developing symptoms, things are not good,\" he said, noting that prompt post-exposure prophylaxis (vaccine and immunoglobulin) prevents progression to fatal disease. Staff explained the testing protocol: animals must be euthanized for brain testing, so an intact specimen can speed confirmation and potentially avoid prophylactic injections in exposed people.

Why this matters: tuberculosis treatment requires sustained public-health resources to prevent drug-resistant cases; rabies exposures from bats are time-sensitive and can require painful post-exposure treatment. The health department's ongoing inspection work (about 600 food inspections reported year-to-date) and seasonal pool and temporary-event oversight were also highlighted as high workload items.

The board discussed water fluoridation after public comment and staff noted the EPA and the state board of health are reviewing new studies on fluoride. County staff clarified that Cowlitz County does not fluoridate the small water systems the county operates; Longview and Kelso make their own water-chemistry decisions and Longview recently retained fluoridation because of a contract with Beacon Hill Water District. A resident speaker raised concerns about lack of informed consent when municipalities add medicating agents to drinking water. The board asked the health officer to report back with a state-level update on fluoride in approximately three months.

Finally, board members asked the health officer to prepare a public education session about vaccines and vaccine safety; the health officer said he would develop an educational presentation that could cover vaccine types, clinical-trial processes and post-market safety monitoring.

Ending: The health department will continue TB and rabies case work, maintain seasonal inspection activities, monitor state and federal work on fluoride, and schedule a future vaccine-focused briefing for the board and public.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Cowlitz County Commissioner Open Public Meetings","oneSentenceSummary","Public health staff reported a rise in directly observed tuberculosis cases and offered public education about rabies exposures (primarily from bats). The Board of Health agreed to track state and federal activity on water fluoridation and to schedule a future session on vaccine safety and public information.","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},6226081,"Cowlitz County adopts second-quarter budget amendments; finance director to dissolve purchasing-services fund",749,3541000,4290000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3517491-38b5438133a695b09ef1c9adf187b1e6&start=3541&end=4290","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3517491-38b5438133a695b09ef1c9adf187b1e6/thumbnail_3541000.jpg","/articles/6226081/Cowlitz-County/Washington/Cowlitz-County-adopts-second-quarter-budget-amendments-finance-director-to-dissolve-purchasing-services-fund","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226081-4b6205cd9f67e72a9e6b7d43535c54cf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771083556&Signature=onx9os55Y8k8QcssgsRtAibOJtxuq-X-KGV7izZOmzFghlgeGkJdZdH8NWRixQcMVBwqat5YeKl8jt0qxlMZ-v5-j73zikCi5BQOaXI5npvfDJMtjYVinRfCbBf3KizWcwAf-x72H7d0bBWQZFg2gnRCpBkyYIyPaLyVZPRUOTaKgWTuDi90epQDvgsvwQy~nU4uVfkXrf6NlBxuEdDK9GkP65SNpfQPiSrLvq~kG9Je1e5TnOVxPxCWOuvNtPld8elPOV9IykHGkyotyrz7KeMY7Uc6t-sYqVndcfv-K7c0toL007t2DDiLnsAEre9jynPp163ui-U5vXypEPPb~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cowlitz County commissioners held a public hearing and voted to adopt a set of fiscal 2025 budget amendments that adjust general-fund balances, add revenue and expense authorizations for several departments, and dissolve the county's purchasing-services fund.

Kathy Funk Baxter, the county's finance director, presented the amendment package, explaining the purchasing-services fund (which had supported a county print shop and mail services) was no longer needed and should be closed. She also summarized the largest adjustments affecting the general fund: a $142,482 reduction in ending fund balance tied to three main items, including the sheriff's request for additional security personnel, alarm upgrades to an evidence room, and added vehicle IT costs totaling $114,005.79; an additional $30,227 in the office of public defense for extra-help staffing and travel; and a $46,000 increase for coroner services to purchase additional cameras and forensics assistance. The museum requested $22,000 to replace a nonfunctional electronic sign; parks requested $10,000 for summer help; and striping related to ARPA-funded parks work was listed at $29,006.36 with ARPA revenue offsetting that cost.

Baxter said the county is also adjusting revenues upward by about $80,139 based on grants and ARPA funds and noted a $153,351 insurance recovery that adds revenue and recognizes completed work at the Annex building. For special-revenue funds, Human Services will transition several grant revenues (including six months of funding for the CJTA treatment program) to a new fund; the CJTA portion was listed as $1,257,002.64 and corresponding expenditures were added.

The board opened the hearing for public comment; a member of the public asked clarifying questions about a $5,400 meals-and-lodging amendment for the Office of Public Defense, which Baxter confirmed covered training-related expenses. With no other public testimony the board closed the hearing and approved the amendments by voice vote.

Ending: The finance director will implement the approved transfers and contract-authority adjustments; staff indicated further amendments could follow later in the fiscal year if contracted services (for example, security extensions) are or are not executed.","Following a public hearing, the Board of Commissioners approved a set of budget adjustments for fiscal 2025 that reallocated funds across departments, added revenue and expense lines for Human Services programs, and dissolved the purchasing-services fund.",{"_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},6226084,"County expands on-call architect contract and approves additional facilities design funds amid deferred-maintenance discussion",385,2911000,3296000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3517491-38b5438133a695b09ef1c9adf187b1e6&start=2911&end=3296","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3517491-38b5438133a695b09ef1c9adf187b1e6/thumbnail_2911000.jpg","/articles/6226084/Cowlitz-County/Washington/County-expands-on-call-architect-contract-and-approves-additional-facilities-design-funds-amid-deferred-maintenance-discussion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226084-86af30d308f705b28afb6b8535b3c5ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771083556&Signature=WiIUcsOkWTs~yk~XTGERYLNRs7A1bVvKJ5pj199VCWTPrEhNhs50NMiQYk2FV9aUL6iGR~OOJxz0FPPCaPojB70RhKjnlk7b7N5JThC8CIXVdO1RCAy8nkWCXvYl3YLIDXfPer5EzW~TD95S9C0ii8KZ2fB3lU6XO2H5mISuJUkmyOtYQBxpwv5hRm5qUU9B8Kfi~ecB7uLxxRVIQZrkdBw1cf7M-8BUFNkCKxNaNs7AW9vDnn~1sS6-AEM4LZnN3GJ9b5VDD1Hh792xMlpH0fGt8y-EjhFhofnrMScM3umNwjM4wMh-zIlIsITXsr8jhGvmmoIFFFghsSGg6Zw1Eg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cowlitz County commissioners approved an increase to the county's on-call, countywide architect services contract and separately approved an amendment to professional services for general facilities work.

Savannah Clement of Public Works explained the county opened the on-call architect contract in April 2023 with an original value of $150,000 and asked the board to increase the ceiling by $200,000 to a new total of $350,000. \"The original contract was for $150,000. And so today, we're asking to increase that amount by 200,000 to a total of $350,000,\" Clement said. Staff told the board that about $100,000 of the existing contract had been spent to date on feasibility and design work for several projects, and the requested increase would allow completion of additional tasks ranging from juvenile feasibility and Hall of Justice studies to park and annex projects.

A related facilities amendment (item number 22) was presented as part of the county's strategy to address deferred maintenance across county buildings. Staff described the juvenile-detention roof as a particularly large deferred-maintenance item, with engineering and architectural work estimated at about $100,000 and potential construction costs in the millions. One county official told the board that the Hall of Justice HVAC and electrical upgrades could cost roughly $10 million, and that about 70–80% of the county's five-year facilities plan consists of deferred-maintenance items.

Why this matters: increasing the on-call architect budget and approving facilities design funding gives county staff the contract authority to proceed with design and engineering for multiple high-cost maintenance and capital-improvement projects. Commissioners emphasized the need to prioritize large items and continue presenting options and cost estimates to the board.

Both approvals passed by voice vote; staff will manage individual project scopes and return to the board with specifics and, where required, future contract actions.

Ending: The board approved increased design capacity for facilities projects, and staff said they will proceed with prioritized deferred-maintenance work while tracking potential capital needs and future budget requests.","Cowlitz County extended and increased an on-call architectural services agreement and approved an amendment for facilities professional services to address deferred maintenance and planned capital projects, including a high-cost juvenile-detention roof replacement.",{"_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},6226086,"Cowlitz County awards $2.5 million pavement overlay and $538,508 countywide striping contracts",244,2449000,2693000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3517491-38b5438133a695b09ef1c9adf187b1e6&start=2449&end=2693","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3517491-38b5438133a695b09ef1c9adf187b1e6/thumbnail_2449000.jpg","/articles/6226086/Cowlitz-County/Washington/Cowlitz-County-awards-25-million-pavement-overlay-and-538508-countywide-striping-contracts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226086-7905af038d2c7662eae5508ae5f75fa2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771083556&Signature=QP1TC-8w4AeVmolrOh75IR-50hg~4uaPLLXXhzePLBQfbq4V5DgjCLQ3n~Oy~rdHONUVk~TRcmmsgsEtRo5yi15BkZ0DXmZbReMwaQLQ06iDeWc7EszvLbqyxrBzr-fo5WwSIAjsLOZl6c6SsMX4i1pi6TU8~V45kGyoq-YAfvTC5JZTuGIvow0nZz4mUSpAi55A0SiRkT0sKsLIa7pEbFE2U2BxPyBailaOfs3S413iusBVNVfXOM3KCQjTFW~CMTCP~RUOqhIZb5-QRYYLqhY8EQSaOdPnQkV0bqGSpY8lp-vn6rKL2LFUaidrBlCtKYuB6xPBmN11aTHgQ26uWg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners voted to award two transportation contracts: a roughly $2.5 million 2025 pavement overlay to Lakeside Industries and a $538,508 countywide pavement striping contract to All Stripes LLC.

County Engineer Susan Eugenis told the board the pavement overlay bid from Lakeside Industries was the lowest of three bids and about $200,000 below the engineer's estimate: \"This total is about $200,000 below the engineer's estimate,\" she said. The board approved the bid award by voice vote.

Why this matters: pavement overlay and striping preserve the county's road network and affect routine travel safety and operations. The striping contract was roughly $100,000 below the engineer's estimate; county staff said this was in part because the county will supply more traffic control this year after vendor problems last season, which both reduced bid cost and is intended to help crews meet specifications during striping operations.

During discussion commissioners and members of the public asked whether the striping budget included bike-lane paint. Susan Eugenis replied that the county currently does not have marked bike lanes and that the striping funds are for standard roadway markings. A commissioner asked whether the county had any projects in the six-year transportation plan to add lanes to county roads; engineering staff responded there were no lane-expansion projects listed on the current six-year plan.

The board approved the striping contract and overlay bid in separate votes; both motions carried by voice vote.

Ending: With contracts approved, staff will schedule the overlay and striping work. Commissioners requested continued attention to the county's six-year transportation plan as population growth and traffic demand increase.","The Board of Commissioners accepted low bids for the county's 2025 pavement overlay and striping projects, approving Lakeside Industries for the overlay and All Stripes LLC for countywide striping; commissioners questioned bike-lane spending and long-term road expansion planning.",{"_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},6226088,"Cowlitz County approves lengthy consent agenda including state-funded human services contract amendments and interlocal agreements",582,1866000,2448000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3517491-38b5438133a695b09ef1c9adf187b1e6&start=1866&end=2448","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3517491-38b5438133a695b09ef1c9adf187b1e6/thumbnail_1866000.jpg","/articles/6226088/Cowlitz-County/Washington/Cowlitz-County-approves-lengthy-consent-agenda-including-state-funded-human-services-contract-amendments-and-interlocal-agreements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226088-a937e2782fc5ea501dd77c88b994143c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771083556&Signature=AlulrJE2ltna56SRKwtOcxjPndgG4K5vk9RMcu0T0T~YVY3nVWsQ60sp1SoWEckYLEARHxAZX4dRU1nBwfJkffw2uaS7l9Lp~Z0d1QQwcfcnmHDwr2YDW8SKmjPhZ1bcC-jEPjElB6YePz5fU4MkIvduT-p1zrSCBYHoExlQ8ARfJNwQFdRyTo2trV0fZ9qrKdb0DFwmxdXHf8Jf1FqA9IVRaWrAOJqO9SCVE8tW8H12PSzp6xXZ6OdkBaFueG~74ne9-tY9sME1fbs3A10Yo5sZoxjO9Wypgwlicb4e1pwcajt6LTu6GoD--NbK-Gy8s8LB478AaKC03jQVAc39eg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cowlitz County commissioners on Tuesday approved a lengthy consent agenda that included amendments to state-funded human-services contracts, interlocal agreements with local cities and utilities, and construction contracts for county road projects.

The consent agenda consolidated dozens of routine and substantive items. Gina, a county staff member who reviewed the packet for the board, said the dollar figures shown in the agenda are the new contract totals, not the amounts being added: \"The dollar amounts that are listed on here are the new contract total. It's not what they're being increased by.\" That clarification came during commissioners' questions about several human-services amendments funded through state agencies.

Why this matters: the amendments adjust the county's spending authority for services the county delivers through state grants and contracts; they also authorize capital projects and intergovernmental agreements that move county road and utility work forward. Changes approved on the consent agenda included: amendments to human-services agreements funded through the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and the Washington State Health Care Authority; a reduction in funding to an existing Department of Commerce contract; interlocal agreements with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and local cities to support right-of-way and utility relocation work for a South Cloverdale Road improvements project; and bid awards and contracts for culvert replacement and a fish-passage road project. The agenda also moved forward a resolution setting a public hearing on a proposed nonexclusive telecommunications franchise application from LS Net Networks to use county rights-of-way.

Most items were described briefly by staff during the meeting. Staff noted three amendments tied to delivery of developmental-disability employment and day services (Compass Career Solutions and Goodwill of the Olympics and Rainier Region) and an amendment tied to criminal-justice-related substance-use treatment delivered by Cowlitz Family Health Center, funded through state agencies. One Department of Commerce contract was reduced by roughly $140,000 because the identified funds were not fully used during the contract period. Engineering and public-works items included contract execution for the Italian Creek Road culvert replacement (bid: $434,003.55) and authorization for the Garlock Road/Delameter Creek fish passage project (budgeted at approximately $2,349,000.20), among others.

The board had no further debate and approved the consent agenda by voice vote.

Ending: The consent agenda vote concluded without individual roll-call tallies recorded in the public discussion; staff will proceed with contract amendments and execute interlocal agreements as authorized by the board.","The Board of Commissioners approved a broad consent agenda that amended multiple state-funded human-services contracts, ratified interlocal agreements with cities and utilities, and authorized several construction contracts and bid awards.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board of Health: Cowlitz County sees more active tuberculosis cases, offers rabies education; plans follow-up on water fluoridation and vaccine safety

Cowlitz County adopts second-quarter budget amendments; finance director to dissolve purchasing-services fund

County expands on-call architect contract and approves additional facilities design funds amid deferred-maintenance discussion

Cowlitz County awards $2.5 million pavement overlay and $538,508 countywide striping contracts

Cowlitz County approves lengthy consent agenda including state-funded human services contract amendments and interlocal agreements