Commissioners, public debate proposed private behavioral-health facility and capacity concerns in Cowlitz County

An extended exchange at the Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners meeting focused on a proposed private behavioral-health facility (referred to in the meeting as Emerald City) and the county—onsequences of hosting a voluntary treatment center. No formal action was taken; commissioners and members of the public discussed capacity, repatriation of nonlocal clients, and whether the county should permit or otherwise support the facility.

Commissioners and public commenters said negotiations over the Monticello Hospital sale had halted and that Emerald City had asked whether the county would allow it to take over…