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Cowlitz County reviews insurer'premium shock, weighs leaving risk pool
Summary
Commissioners were told the county'wide liability portion of the Washington counties risk pool is slated to rise roughly 35'38% for 2026; staff are exploring alternatives, a Dec. 31 notice deadline looms, and commissioners voiced concern about the financial burden and governance of the pool.
Cowlitz County commissioners were briefed on Nov. 3 about a steep increase in the liability portion of the county risk pool and on staff efforts to evaluate alternatives.
Shelley Pierce, the county's risk and safety manager, told the board the pool expects to issue invoices in early January and that preliminary information indicates a county'level increase could be large. Marissa Hutchison, risk and safety analyst, said the pool'wide increase “does look like it's going to be between 35'38% increase for '26,” and staff have begun cost comparisons and talks with alternative providers.
Commissioners pressed for the county'specific…
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