Information
Type: Deliberation
Department: BOCC - Board of County Commissioners
Directors' Update: TBD
Business Meeting: Dec. 9, 2025
Summary:Local declaration of emergency in Lewis County
Publications:
Cover Letter To:
Additional Copies To: Geoff Soderquist, Shannon Foister, Grace Jimenez, Becky Butler, Meja Handlen, Sheriff Rob Snaza, Undersheriff Kevin Englebertson
Resolution
DECLARE EMERGENCY IN LEWIS COUNTY
WHEREAS, Lewis County's Department of Emergency Management (DEM), Sheriff's Office and Public Works Department have reported to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) as to conditions beginning on December 8, 2025, created by a series of storm systems and causing widespread flooding and damage in Lewis County; and
WHEREAS, extensive injury has or will likely occur to persons, and there is the potential for considerable damage to property; and
WHEREAS, there is a present emergency which necessitates activation of the Lewis County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) and utilization of emergency powers granted pursuant to RCW 36.40.180 and RCW 38.52.070(2); and
WHEREAS, extensive damage has occurred and still is occurring across Lewis County, resulting in assistance to families, evacuations and numerous emergency operations throughout the county; and
WHEREAS, this emergency has caused and will cause an undetermined amount of damage in Lewis County; and
WHEREAS, the severity and magnitude of this emergency is beyond the capability of local resources.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED SECTION 1. It is hereby declared by the Board of Lewis County Commissioners that, in accordance with the terms and conditions of RCW 36.40.180, there is an emergency due to the above stated conditions in Lewis County; therefore, designated departments are authorized to enter into contracts and incur obligations necessary to combat such emergency, protecting the health and safety of persons and property, and providing emergency assistance to the victims of such emergency; and
SECTION 2. Each designated department is authorized, in accordance with the terms and conditions of RCW 38.52.070(2), to exercise the powers vested under Section 1 of this resolution in the light of the exigencies of an extreme emergency situation without regard to time-consuming procedures and formalities prescribed by law, (excepting mandatory constitutional requirements), including but not limited to:
• budget law limitations
• requirements of competitive bidding and publication of notices
• provisions pertaining to the performance of public work
• entering into contracts
• the incurring of obligations
• the employment of temporary workers
• the rental of equipment
• the purchase of supplies and materials
• the appropriation and expenditures of public funds
SECTION 3. Not withstanding the authorizations set forth in Section 1 of this resolution, designated departments shall endeavor to secure the most competitive price available for goods and services.
SECTION 4. Notwithstanding the authorizations set forth in Section 1 of this resolution, each Lewis County office and department shall endeavor to secure the most competitive price available for goods and services, subject to the terms, conditions and provisions of Lewis County Resolution 11-084.
SECTION 5. Such authorization shall include unannounced entry and access onto and about private property, where such entry and access shall not violate those constitutional privacy and property rights under an emergency declaration.
SECTION 6. The emergency authority granted under this resolution shall expire 21 (twenty-one) days from the date of the adoption of this resolution unless specifically authorized by the BOCC.
SECTION 7. The BOCC declares an emergency and requests the Honorable Governor of the State of Washington to issue a similar declaration and render all required and available assistance vital to the security, well-being and health of the citizens of the State of Washington.
DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 9th day of December, 2025.