Cowlitz County commissioners weigh one‑tenth‑percent public‑safety sales tax as budget gaps loom

Commissioners at a Cowlitz County meeting discussed whether to place a one‑tenth‑percent local sales tax before voters to shore up public‑safety budgets and reduce pressure on the general fund.

The chair raised concerns about raising taxes and repeatedly framed the choice as one between increasing taxes and restraining spending, saying in part, “I cannot in good conscience place government wants ahead of the needs of our citizens,” and arguing that incremental tax increases strain households. Another commissioner pushed back that cutting alone would not solve structural liabilities — citing rising insurance costs, contractual obligations and a multi‑million‑dollar juvenile detention expense — and said the board needed revenue options in addition to cuts.

Staff explained that the county is pursuing a certification from the Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) as part of the procedural path under House Bill 2015. That certification requires submission of written policies and training plans that staff said largely reflect existing state mandates; the board was told items E, F and J on the next meeting consent calendar will require signatures to begin the CJTC review. Staff said CJTC certification also enables the county to apply for grants tied to the same work; Clark County and Ridgefield were cited as local examples that secured grants after completing similar steps.

Sheriff Brad Thurman urged the board to consider the tax, saying the county has among the lowest tax rates in the state and warning that deep cuts could degrade essential services. “You can cut yourself to failure,” Thurman said, urging commissioners to weigh the risk to roads, public safety and services that attract residents and business.

No formal vote was taken. Commissioners agreed to place the CJTC‑related documents on the next meeting’s consent items for signature so the certification review can proceed; if the CJTC application is approved, the resolution and any ballot measure would return for formal action by the board.

What happens next: staff will present the CJTC package (items E, F and J) for signatures at the next meeting to start the certification and associated grant application processes; any final decision to place a tax on the ballot requires a later formal vote by the board.