The Lewis County Board of County Commissioners voted 3-0 on Dec. 2 to approve Ordinance 1368, authorizing the county manager to enter an interlocal agreement (ILA) with the City of Chehalis to annex territory within the Chehalis urban growth area.

Public testimony before the vote included a mix of support and concern. "I am not necessarily against the annexation," said Greg Cole, who identified himself as a fire commissioner for Fire District 6, but urged better planning for roads, water and service coordination so UGA residents can join the city without disruption. Fire District 5 Commissioner Mike Goodwillie warned of local impacts, saying, "The day that this annexation goes through, the taxes of the people in that area are gonna go up 23%." Several other residents raised staffing and equipment concerns for police and fire services.

County staff and legal counsel told commissioners the annexation process follows state law and that common social-media figures circulating about tax increases and a purported $61,000,000 package reflect a wish list rather than a binding tax plan. Mindy Brooks, director of Community Development, said there is "no option for referendum or petition" under the specific RCW process being used and explained that the ILA path relies on RCW 35A.14.472. County counsel told the board the statute "has been looked at by both Chehalis and the county and is being followed."

Staff answered questions about tax timing and service trade-offs. A staff speaker said some charges could fall for homeowners and that timing matters: general-tax transfers would not occur until 2027 because an August deadline had passed, while road-tax transfers happen upon annexation. Staff also noted that some line items in social-media posts were a chief's wish list and that the county had already purchased a ladder truck and ordered an ambulance.

After commissioners discussed the issue and acknowledged community concerns about pace and outreach, a motion to approve Ordinance 1368 was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. The board closed the recessed hearing and adopted the ordinance; the next steps are for the county manager to execute the interlocal agreement with the City of Chehalis and for staff to continue coordination on service staging and tax transition details.