Cowlitz County Commissioners are actively addressing funding challenges for the drug court program, which is set to lose its mental health tax funding after 2025. During the recent business meeting on August 11, 2025, officials discussed the urgent need for alternative funding sources to ensure the program's continuity. The drug court has been exploring various options and is expected to present its plans during upcoming budget workshops starting September 16.

In a proactive move, the commissioners have engaged in discussions with Emerald City regarding potential wraparound services that could integrate drug court into mandatory rehabilitation programs. This approach could allow the program to bill for services through Medicaid, providing a new revenue stream. However, there is concern about a funding gap between the expiration of current funds and the implementation of these new services.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted staffing changes within the county's public works and corrections departments. A sergeant from the corrections department expressed interest in transferring to a less stressful work crew position, despite a significant pay decrease. This transition will create a vacancy that will need to be filled internally.

The commissioners also addressed broader hiring practices, emphasizing the importance of thorough background checks to avoid potential issues with new hires. They discussed the need for improved onboarding processes to ensure that the county attracts qualified candidates, particularly in light of recent challenges faced by other counties in hiring practices.

As the county navigates these critical funding and staffing issues, the upcoming workshops and discussions will be pivotal in shaping the future of essential services like the drug court and ensuring effective public safety operations.