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Cowlitz County staff present modest equipment-fee changes and propose 4% water‑and‑sewer increase
Summary
County public works presented proposed hourly rates for the equipment revolving fund (ER&R) and recommended a 4% increase to water and sewer base and consumption charges while work continues on a formal rate study and capital plan.
Cowlitz County Public Works on Thursday told county commissioners it will present updated hourly rates for the equipment revolving fund and is recommending a 4% increase to water and sewer base and consumption charges for 2026 while the county completes a formal rate study and capital plan.
The equipment rates shown to commissioners cover vehicle maintenance, reserves and fuel and are calculated using a five‑year rolling average for maintenance, a three‑year average of use hours and a 20‑year replacement projection. Public Works said the adjustments average about 2% across vehicle and equipment categories but vary by type.
County Finance Director Kathy Fung Baxter and Public Works staff said the ER&R matrix is…
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