The Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved a slate of resolutions covering transportation projects, capital planning, fee changes and the county’s 2026–27 biannual budget.

In a series of motions made from the dais, commissioners adopted the 2026–2031 six‑year Transportation Improvement Program (item 8) and the 2026 annual construction program and fixed asset purchases (item 9). The board then approved a five‑year capital plan (item 10); a resolution dissolving the CMH substance abuse administration fund and transferring activity to the Human Services fund (item 11); amended equipment rental fee rates effective Jan. 1, 2026 (item 12); and a 4% increase to the water and sewer rate schedule (item 13). Finally, commissioners adopted the county’s 2026–27 biannual budget (item 14).

Speakers on these agenda items included Kathy Buck Baxter, finance director, and other department staff who presented the budget narrative and fee analyses. Baxter told the board the general fund proposed expenditures are $74.7 million for 2026 and $80.2 million for 2027, and that the budget as presented does not seek a levy increase.

The board’s action on the budget follows staff warnings about rising costs. Baxter described an approximately $800,000 increase in risk management costs billed through the county’s risk pool; she also said ARPA funds are expected to be fully expended by 2026 and that several positions will shift funding sources (including opioid settlement dollars covering two sheriff’s office positions for 2026–27). Commissioners expressed concern about deferred maintenance and rising insurance costs as pressures on future budgets.

Most motions were moved from the dais and approved by voice vote. Public comment during the hearing urged exploration of annual (instead of biannual) budgeting and suggested leasing rather than owning some county facilities to reduce long‑term liabilities.

The board’s approvals now allow staff to proceed with funding applications and project design as outlined in the adopted plans; commissioners said they will return to budget amendments and grant strategies over the coming year to address shortfalls.