Lewis County commissioners approve multiple resolutions; property sale, grants and open-space designation among actions
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Summary
At its April 7, 2026 business meeting the Lewis County Board of Commissioners approved a $1.2 million sale of the Kresge Building, awarded several grants totaling more than $700,000, set hearings for a telecom franchise and a budget amendment, and approved an open-space designation for roughly 9.06 acres.
The Lewis County Board of Commissioners approved several resolutions and motions at its April 7 business meeting, carrying a series of notice, consent and deliberation items by unanimous votes.
What passed: A motion to approve notice items Res. 26-105 and Res. 26-106 advanced a public hearing and notice for the county's second budget amendment for 2026. Becky Butler, speaking to the notice agenda, said the amendment reflects a revenue decrease of $13,455, an expenditure increase of $1,824,660 and a net change in fund balance of $1,838,115. Butler said the public hearing will be published in the Chronicle, held April 21, and written comments will be accepted through 10 a.m. on April 19.
The board approved a set of consent and deliberation resolutions (Res. 26-107 and Res. 26-108 through Res. 26-114) that included:
- An extension of the Chehalis urban growth area co-management interlocal agreement (Res. 26-108). - Acceptance and finalization of the sale of the property known as the Kresge Building (2025 Northeast Kresge Avenue) for $1,200,000 (Res. 26-109). County manager Ryan Barrett confirmed the proceeds will be placed into capital infrastructure. - A $237,775 grant to the Napa Bayonne School District for infrastructure at its agricultural mechanics building (Res. 26-110). - A $484,615 grant to the city of Chehalis for the Market Street Pinch Point project to add a water main and fire hydrants (Res. 26-111). - Appointments to advisory bodies: Gail Hakala to Great Rivers Behavioral Health Administrative Services advisory board (Res. 26-112) to finish an unexpired term and then a full three‑year term; and Todd Chaput to the Pac Mountain Workforce Development Council (Res. 26-113). - Awarding the newspaper-of-record contract for July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027 to the Chronicle, which submitted the lowest responsive bid ($3.80 per inch, sample $30.02), over a second bid from the East County Journal.
Franchise hearing: Public Works staff presented Res. 26-107 to set a public hearing on May 5, 2026 for renewal of Lewis County PUD No. 1's telecommunications franchise to continue operating facilities within county road rights-of-way; the resolution directs required notifications.
Open-space approval: The board opened a hearing with the county assessor and then approved Res. 26-115 to designate two parcels (014731009004 and 014731009006) for open-space classification with an assessed-value reduction. Assessor Ross Nielsen said the Public Benefit Rating System committee and the Lewis County Planning Commission recommended approval; total acreage cited in response to a question was 9.06 acres.
Votes and procedure: Multiple motions were made and seconded by commissioners and carried 3–0. The commission chair presided over roll calls and the clerk of the board recorded the items for publication and further notice where required.
Next steps and public participation: The recording clerk noted written public comment from Kyle Wheeler was added to the record. The board set the hearing on the budget amendment for April 21 and encouraged submission of written comments before April 19 at 10 a.m. The board adjourned following announcements, including a grand opening for the Varsity (Oyo) hotel and conversion project in Centralia.
