Information

Type: Deliberation

Department: BOCC - Board of County Commissioners

Directors' Update: July 9, 2025

Business Meeting: July 15, 2025

Summary:

Declare Claquato Church property - parcel No. 018520000000 - as surplus real property

Publications:

Cover Letter To:

Additional Copies To:

Resolution

WHEREAS, Lewis County assumed ownership of parcel No. 018520000000 via a Quit Claim Deed recorded with the Lewis County Auditor on December 9, 1948, under File No. 451768; and

WHEREAS, the real property, referred to as the "Claquato Church," located on Water Street, off of Highway 6 in Chehalis, Washington - parcel No. 018520000000 - has been recommended as surplus to the county's needs now and in the foreseeable future by the County Manager; and

WHEREAS, from time to time Lewis County has real property that is no longer needed to support the county's operations; and

WHEREAS, Lewis County Code, Chapter 3.30, Management and Disposition of Property requires that the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) declare such property surplus prior to disposal under said code; and

WHEREAS, parcel No. 018520000000 includes the Claquato Church, which was built in 1858 and is one of the oldest-standing churches in Washington state; and

WHEREAS, the Claquato Church is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and the Washington State Heritage Register; and

WHEREAS, in an effort to prevent any future development that would result in the destruction, loss or damage to the Claquato Church, the BOCC established a covenant on the property under Auditor's File No. 3623607; and

WHEREAS, the Claquato Church has fallen into disrepair and faces costly maintenance and repairs, including the need for a new roof; and

WHEREAS, Lewis County currently is deriving no value from the property.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Claquato Church property - parcel No. 018520000000 - in Chehalis, Wash., is declared surplus by the BOCC; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Manager or his designee is authorized to dispose of Claquato Church property - parcel No. 018520000000 - in compliance with state laws and Lewis County Code Chapter 3.30; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the property will be sold to the highest and best bidder. For the purpose of this sale, the highest and best bid will be determined by the BOCC as the best combination of the following:

• Monetary return to the county, and
• Proposal that best demonstrates how the winning bidder will act to preserve the historic nature of the Claquato Church adhere to the restrictive covenant.

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 15th day of July, 2025.