County schedules Oct. 20 hearing on interlocal annexation agreement with Chehalis

The Board of County Commissioners approved a notice of public hearing for an interlocal agreement (ILA) between Lewis County and the City of Chehalis concerning annexation of territory within the urban growth area. Mindy Brooks, director of community development, said the notice will be published Thursday and the hearing is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 20 at 5 p.m.

Brooks said testimony on the ILA may be submitted directly to her office; she noted the Chehalis City Council had voted in favor the night before. Commissioner follow-up asked whether the council vote raised specific concerns; Kip (speaker on the record as representing the city) said the council attendees asked for additional information on potential funding, financials and population growth but had not objected to the annexation itself.

A motion to approve the notice for Resolution 25-260 was moved, seconded and carried 3-0. Brooks and Stacy Dunham (City of Chehalis) were available to answer commissioners' questions during the staff report.

Brooks emphasized the hearing date and the county’s change from the usual meeting schedule for that item; the public may submit written testimony to the community development office as noted in the county staff announcement.

The notice approval was recorded as Resolution 25-260 and will be followed by the public hearing on Oct. 20.