The Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved multiple resolutions to fund transportation projects, update county fees and adopt the 2026–27 biannual budget.

County engineer Susan Eugenis presented the 2026–2031 six‑year transportation improvement program, which lists roughly $151.9 million in projected capital projects over six years and a 2026 construction program of about $24.4 million. Eugenis said the county expects roughly $77.4 million in federal funds, $30.7 million in state funds and would need about $43.8 million in local dollars to complete the full six‑year list.

The board voted to adopt the transportation plan (resolution item 8) and the annual construction program and fixed asset purchases for 2026 (item 9). Eugenis highlighted immediate 2026 projects that include a multi‑million‑dollar South Cloverdale Road intersection and reconstruction effort and a federally funded Allender Road bridge replacement.

The commissioners also approved the five‑year capital plan presented by Finance Director Kathy Buck Baxter and adopted fee updates for equipment rental rates and a 4% water and sewer rate increase effective Jan. 1. Baxter told the board the general fund proposed expenditures are $74.7 million for 2026 and $80.2 million for 2027 and warned 2027 could require an $8 million–$9 million adjustment to reach a two‑month reserve target.

The board considered and adopted the county’s 2026–27 biannual budget (item 14). Baxter said the budget reflects one‑time uses of reserve and shifts some positions to opioid settlement funds; she also noted insurance and risk pool premium increases that added roughly $800,000 more than originally anticipated.

Separately, the board approved amendment No. 1 to a grant agreement with Lower Columbia School Gardens. Gina James of Health and Human Services said, “What we're doing in this amendment is adding $75,000 and extending it through 06/30/2026,” and confirmed the money comes from foundational public health services dollars from the state.

Public comment during the hearings emphasized connectivity, road striping and fiscal priorities; Stephanie Clark McNally, co‑founder of Humanistic Hope, urged more prevention‑focused spending for homelessness and stronger interagency coordination.

Votes at a glance:
- Item 8 — Resolution adopting the 2026–2031 six‑year transportation improvement program: approved.
- Item 9 — Resolution adopting the 2026 annual construction program and fixed asset purchases: approved.
- Item 10 — Resolution adopting the five‑year capital plan: approved.
- Item 11 — Dissolution of the CMH substance abuse administration fund (transfer to Human Services fund): approved.
- Item 12 — Amendment to equipment rental fees, effective 01/01/2026: approved.
- Item 13 — Resolution adopting amended water and sewer rates (4% increase), effective 01/01/2026: approved.
- Item 14 — Resolution adopting the 2026–27 biannual budget: approved.
- Grant amendment — Amendment No. 1 to grant agreement with Lower Columbia School Gardens (add $75,000; extend to 06/30/2026): approved.

What's next: staff said several transportation projects will proceed to bidding in early 2026, and finance recommended a task force to identify revenue or expense changes to address the 2027 reserve shortfall.