Lewis County appoints short-term rental advisory group and approves surplus-equipment sale

The Lewis County Board of Commissioners on March 10 approved a package of resolutions that included declaring surplus solid-waste equipment for auction, amending bylaws for a short-term rental advisory group, and appointing the advisory group's first members.

Rocky Lion, representing Solid Waste, described Resolution 26-083 as a declaration of surplus equipment to be sold at a Ritchie Brothers auction March 19–20, 2026. The resolution includes an exhibit listing the items slated for auction.

Mindy Brooks, director of community development, presented two companion resolutions: one to amend the short-term rental advisory group's bylaws so district representation is preferred but not required, and a second to appoint the group's inaugural members. The board appointed Peggy Wrath and Chris Murphy to represent residents; Greg Cole to represent the fire district; Jen Katz, Bristen Minger and Nick Neville to represent short-term rental owners; and Steve Mayor to represent other transient accommodations.

The board also approved Consent Item Resolution 26-082 (including minutes from March 3, 2026) and moved the deliberation items 26-083 through 26-085. The recorded vote for these items is shown in the transcript as "motion carries 3-0." No amendments to the motions were recorded.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 26-081 (notice item): approved, recorded as 3-0.
- Resolution 26-082 (consent item; minutes approval): approved, recorded as 3-0.
- Resolution 26-083 (surplus equipment declaration): approved, recorded as 3-0; items to be sold at Ritchie Brothers auction March 19–20, 2026.
- Resolution 26-084 (short-term rental advisory group bylaws amendment): approved, recorded as 3-0.
- Resolution 26-085 (appointments to advisory group): approved, recorded as 3-0.

The resolutions were adopted by voice vote; the transcript does not record individual commissioners' votes by name.