Cowlitz County weighs exit as risk pool plans steep premium hikes

Cowlitz County officials on Monday were warned that the county's liability insurance premium through the joint risk pool could spike sharply in 2026, and staff said they are preparing options that include seeking alternate coverage.

Kathy Funk Baxter, the county's finance presenter, reported that risk-management services are budgeted at about $2.8 million and that the county has already paid nearly all of the current year premium. Shelley Pierce, the county's risk and safety manager, and Marissa Hutchison, risk and safety analyst, told commissioners they've begun cost comparisons and outreach to alternative providers after the pool announced a substantial increase at its recent member meeting.

"We're hearing rumors of 38%, which is $1,100,000," Pierce said, summarizing information shared at the pool…