Lewis County commissioners approve routine resolutions, right‑of‑way actions and short indigent defense contract

The Lewis County Board of County Commissioners approved a series of routine resolutions and administrative items during its Jan. 20, 2026 meeting.

Resolution 26‑022: The board set a public hearing to consider renewal of a franchise with PUD No. 1 of Thurston County allowing installation and maintenance of water system facilities within Lewis County road rights-of-way. Kimberly Edminster of Lewis County Public Works said the franchise renewal is required under county code and state law and that the application had been reviewed and found appropriate for further proceedings. The motion to set the hearing passed 3-0.

Consent calendar: Commissioners approved consent items including resolution 26‑023 and the Jan. 13, 2026 meeting minutes on a 3-0 voice vote.

Deliberation items (resolutions 26‑024 through 26‑026): Public Works presented resolution 26‑024, which declares the board’s intent to consider vacating a portion of Peterson Road in Chehalis after a petition from an abutting property owner. Edminster said the road is an open, maintained right-of-way and directed the county road engineer to review and report back.

Resolution 26‑025 authorizes acquisition of limited additional right-of-way from two adjoining property owners for the Sun Road 'Bridal Scourb' repair project; Edminster said the work is necessary to protect the bridal structure and maintain safe vehicular access.

Resolution 26‑026 authorizes an initial six‑month indigent defense contract with Sarah McFadden for superior court, with review after that period; Rebecca Butler presented the item.

All deliberation items were approved by voice vote 3-0. The motions recorded during the meeting direct county staff (public works, clerk, and county counsel as applicable) to proceed with required notices, right-of-way reviews, acquisitions and contract administration.

Next steps: The county engineer will review the Peterson Road vacation request and report back to the board. Staff will proceed with right-of-way acquisition steps for the Sun Road repair project in accordance with county procedures. The indigent defense contract will run six months and return for review according to its terms.