Lewis County approves $6.57 million Commerce grant for homeless services after heated debate; commissioners set workshop to review budgets

Lewis County commissioners voted 2-1 on Aug. 5 to execute a two-year consolidated homeless grant contract with the Washington State Department of Commerce that carries a maximum consideration of $6,571,088.

Major Hamlin, speaking for Lewis County Public Health and Social Services, described the agreement to the board: “This agreement would run 07/01/2025 through 06/30/2027. It is a 2 year agreement with a total maximum consideration of $6,571,088,” he said, and noted the budget is divided by categories and providers in documents staff supplied to the commissioners.

The nut graf: The contract will provide state commerce funding for homeless services in Lewis County over two fiscal years. Commissioners and staff said they will use a scheduled workshop to set local budget guidelines and provider contract terms before providers sign new agreements; debate at the meeting focused on whether accepting the full contract amount would reduce local control and whether the funds as structured by the state allow sufficient accountability.

Discussion and concerns: Misha Hanlon, director of Lewis County…