Information

Type: Deliberation

Department: BOCC - Board of County Commissioners

Directors' Update: Dec. 6, 2023

Business Meeting: Dec. 12, 2023

Summary:

A resolution adopting Lewis County's 2024 State Legislative Agenda

Publications:

Cover Letter To: Josh Weiss - jweiss@gth-gov.com Troy Nichols - troy@thenicholsgroupgr.com

Additional Copies To: Ryan Barrett

Resolution

WHEREAS, Lewis County has a long, successful history of working with its legislative representatives on issues of importance to local residents, such as tax reform, public safety, and other issues; and

WHEREAS, these partnerships, along with statewide partnerships among rural counties and with statewide associations, are the best way to serve local residents’ interests on issues of regional or statewide importance; and

WHEREAS, in contrast, when an issue uniquely benefits Lewis County’s interests, such as the working or funding of Lewis County government services, it can be helpful for Lewis County to spearhead legislative action on its own; and

WHEREAS, the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has identified legislative priorities that directly improve operational and financial sustainability of the county; and

WHEREAS, Lewis County has retained the services of contract lobbyist to assist with its efforts with the Washington State Legislature; and

WHEREAS, the BOCC requests the attention of its elected representatives to these issues; and

WHEREAS, Lewis County asks our legislative delegation to assist in legislative reform to support the county’s needs and for the benefit of the residents; and

WHEREAS, the five operational and financial priorities the county has identified are as follows and included in the attached 2024 Legislative Agenda:

• North Lewis County Highway Interchange & Associated Improvements Funding
• Senior Services
• Bedrock Tax & Assessment Capability
• SW Washington Fair Equestrian Upgrades
• Lewis County Historical Museum Roof Replacement

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the attached 2024 Legislative Agenda is adopted.  A frequently asked questions document accompanies the agenda to explain its purpose; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners and County Manager are directed to communicate, with the assistance of the contract lobbyist, items included in Lewis County’s 2024 Legislative Agenda to the elected representatives of the 19th and 20th Districts, the members of the State Legislature in general, and/or to appropriate legislative committees, committee members and others as appropriate.

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 12th day of December, 2023.