Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the County Finance And Contracts topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Cowlitz County commissioners approve consent agenda, health contract amendment and public defense agreement
Summary
The board approved a consent agenda that included canceling uncollected personal property tax, a consolidated contract amendment with the Washington State Department of Health adding several funding streams, and continued funding for conflict public defense attorneys.
Cowlitz County commissioners voted unanimously to approve the consent agenda, accept an affidavit to cancel uncollected personal property taxes and to approve two contract actions during a Tuesday public meeting.
The actions recorded on the consent agenda included a resolution accepting the county treasurer’s affidavit to cancel uncollected personal property taxes and refunds for 2024. Commissioners also approved an amendment to the county’s consolidated contract with the Washington State Department of Health that adds multiple funding allocations, and they approved a renewal of funding for conflict public defense attorneys under a contract with Morgan Law.
The treasurer’s affidavit covered two categories discussed at the meeting. One item was described by staff as “a little over $86,000,” described as taxes on property the county cannot collect (for example, closed businesses or destroyed mobile homes). A second set of cancellations largely consisted of senior tax exemptions and corrections and was described as totaling about $844,000.
Separately, the board approved a contract amendment with the Washington State Department of Health that added roughly $31,000 for public health emergency preparedness activities, about $25,000 for Group B (onsite) systems permitting and testing work, and approximately $1,400,000 in foundational public health services funding. Health and Human Services Director Gina James told commissioners the $1.4 million is an annual allocation that must be reconciled at the end of the state fiscal year; unused funds are returned to the state.
The board also approved funding for conflict public defense attorneys under a long-standing contract managed by the county Office of Public Defense. Ian Marr, director of the Cowlitz County Office of Public Defense, told the board the contract pays $1,200 per felony case when conflicts require appointment of outside counsel and that the three contracted attorneys average about $12,000 per month — roughly $144,000 annually — for the county.
All three motions were called for votes and were recorded as approved by voice vote.
