Lake Lawrence Lake Management District seeks 35‑year reauthorization; public hearing set

Lake Lawrence community leaders urged Thurston County commissioners on Dec. 2 to move forward with a public hearing on a proposed 35‑year reauthorization of the Lake Lawrence Lake Management District (LMD No. 26).

Barry Halverson, co‑chair of the Lake Lawrence Lake Management District steering committee, told the Board the committee developed a 35‑year budget intended to finance long‑term harmful algal bloom mitigation and said assessment changes would include a 130% increase for lake and canal front properties and a 10% increase for other parcels if the district is established. Halverson said the extended term was necessary because contractors have told them remediation often requires "a 20 plus year process." He also noted pending changes being pursued in state law (RCW) that would alter how rates and charges are calculated for lake management districts.

County staff said the assessment roll presented prior to the meeting totaled about $340,000; the district president (Mike) said reverting the senior and disabled discount would reduce the total back to $325,000 and that the steering committee is open to adjusting the roll to match the original petition. The Board indicated the matter would move to a public hearing on Jan. 20, 2026, to consider public interest and financial feasibility.

Why it matters: Lake management districts set assessments that affect property owners around the lake and fund long‑term water‑quality projects; proposed changes in assessment policy and the district’s long duration could affect costs for shoreline property owners.

Next steps: The Board will convene a public hearing on Jan. 20, 2026, and staff will return with finalized materials and any updated assessment rolls for consideration.