Cowlitz County commissioners approve $60,000 contract for on-site case management at Sunrise Village

The Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners voted to approve an agreement with Housing Opportunities of Southwest Washington to fund on-site case management services at Sunrise Village, a new 60-unit affordable housing development, under a contract not to exceed $60,000 over three years.

Gina James, Health and Human Services, told the board the $60,000 is a one-time funding package for supportive services at Sunrise Village, which opens this month. "This contract is, as I mentioned, not to go above the $60,000. It will run over a 3 year period, and that's the total contract amount. That's not 60,000 each year," James said.

Commissioners and members of the public pressed for details on rent levels, tenant eligibility and reporting. James said Sunrise Village includes set‑asides for lower‑income households: about 24 units are designated for households at or below 30% of area median income and additional units for those at or below 60% of area median income. She said some units will use HUD vouchers but that she did not have exact rent figures available at the meeting.

Several commissioners and public speakers expressed concern that the term "permanent supportive housing" could be interpreted as an entitlement to stay indefinitely. James explained the terminology: permanent supportive housing generally refers to units without a forced exit date, and tenants must still meet lease obligations and pay a portion of rent. "As long as they're being good tenants and following the boundaries in place at Sunrise Village, and are able to pay their portion of their rent... they'll be allowed to continue to stay there," she said.

Members of the public raised practical concerns about move‑in costs and deposits. A resident noted application and security deposit amounts discussed by staff: application fee $46; security deposits listed in the project materials of $300 for one‑bedroom, $400 for two‑bedroom and $500 for three‑bedroom units; and a $200 pet deposit. James confirmed the $60,000 in this contract covers case management only and does not cover move‑in fees or deposits.

Commissioner discussion led to a requirement for annual reporting. Commissioner Ron asked for an annual report to the board. James said the contract will be updated in the DocuSign version to require an annual report by June 30 each year; the county will seek flexibility in what the report includes and expects it to cover the physical condition of the building as well as client services and outcomes.

The board approved the consent agenda and later approved the Sunrise Village agreement by voice vote. The motion on the Sunrise Village item was recorded as "approval of motion item number 8, agreement with the Housing Opportunities of Southwest Washington to provide permanent supportive housing and case management services at Sunrise Village." No roll‑call vote totals were recorded in the public transcript.

The board and staff emphasized that the county funding is intended to support supportive services and that other funding sources (including HUD vouchers and other partners) are expected to support operations beyond the three‑year contract.