City Council considers consultant for critical areas planning amid staffing shortages

The Cowlitz County Commissioners held a business meeting on August 4, 2025, where they discussed several key issues, including staffing challenges related to the critical areas piece of the comprehensive plan and updates on the jail budget.

During the meeting, a commissioner highlighted the need for additional expertise to complete the critical areas component of the comprehensive plan, noting that current staff levels are insufficient. The commissioner proposed the idea of contracting out this work to ensure it is completed on time. The discussion included the possibility of bringing this topic back for further consideration in the following week, allowing for input from all commissioners.

In addition, the commissioners reviewed the jail's budget, which includes intergovernmental revenue from federal and state grants totaling approximately $321,000. Of this amount, $235,000 has already been secured, with $19,000 allocated for a nutrition program providing meals at the jail. The remaining funds are designated for a grant aimed at addressing opioid use disorder through medication. The jail's goods and services budget stands at just under $1.5 million, with $828,000 already collected, primarily from charges to cities for room and board. The commissioners expressed optimism that the jail's financial performance is exceeding expectations, as outstanding payments for June and July are still pending.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's ongoing efforts to manage resources effectively while addressing critical planning and public safety needs. The commissioners plan to reconvene next week to further discuss the staffing and contracting issues related to the comprehensive plan.