Cowlitz County schedules public hearing to certify $21.28 million general fund levy and $14.70 million road levy

Cowlitz County staff told commissioners they will recommend certification tomorrow of a $21,281,720 general fund levy and a $14,695,937 road fund levy, both with a 0% increase over last year.

"The certified levy amount will be $21,281,720," a county finance staff member said, adding the figure "includes $362,045 for new construction and $6,954 for state assessed property as well as a refund levy of $79,020." For the road fund, staff stated the total included $289,005.91 for new construction, $3,067 for state assessed value and a $51,028 refund levy.

Commissioners were told two separate resolutions — one for the general fund and one for the road fund — will be returned to the board at a public hearing scheduled for 9:30 a.m. tomorrow. "We are putting the resolution that will be, be, that we're recommending you approve tomorrow," the staff member said.

Why it matters: levy certification sets the property tax limits the county will submit to the state for collection and shapes next year’s budget baseline. The staff emphasized the recommended levies represent no increase in the tax rate from the prior year, with growth driven only by new construction and state‑assessed value adjustments.

What’s next: The board will consider both resolutions at the public hearing. Staff invited commissioners to ask questions during that hearing; no formal vote occurred at this meeting.