Boards and Commissions                                     Application Form

The Cowlitz County Commissioners appoint members to various Boards and Commissions.  Each Board and Committee has a specific purpose and is governed by operating statutes.  Serving on a Board or Committee affords citizens the opportunity to participate in the countywide effort to address important issues.

Applications are available in the Commissioners Office, Administration Building, 207 4th Avenue North, Kelso, or you can download it here.   Applications for vacancies may be faxed, mailed, or delivered to the Commissioners' Office unless otherwise noted.   All members must be registered voters, residents of Cowlitz County, and if applicable, reside in the area they represent.  Members serve without compensation unless otherwise noted.

The following Boards and Committees are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners unless otherwise noted:

Board of Equalization 
Terms are 3 Years - Expire in January - Meet during July, August, September, October, November and December 
Hears property tax appeals and complaints regarding Assessor’s determination of property value.  Should be knowledgeable about property values.  RCW 84.48.010

Boundary Review Board 
Terms are 4 Years - Expire in January - Meet  as needed 
Reviews, upon request, (RCW 36.93.100) and makes decisions concerning boundary changes, including annexation, specific water sewer extensions, incorporations, dissolutions and disincorporations of jurisdictions and creations, partial mergers and consolidations of special purpose districts (RCW 36.93).   

Civil Service Commission for Sheriff’s Department 
Terms are 6 Years - Expire in December - Meet Last Wednesday 7:30 P.M.
A quasi-judicial position. Sets rules and regulations for examinations, gives tests and certifies eligibility lists. Keeps records. Makes sure Sheriff’s Dept. has sound personnel practices. Hears and determines appeals of complaints.  RCW 41.14.060

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee
Terms are 4 Years -
Consists of no more than fifteen (15) voting members.  Responsibilities include bringing together the views of various stakeholder groups and the public at large regarding the comprehensive plan, determining methods of public involvement, and providing direction for implementing the comprehensive plan work program. 

Developmental Disabilities Board 
Terms are 3 Years - Expire in December - Meet 3 times per year
Advises on matters pertaining to the needs to persons who have developmental disabilities and review, evaluate needs, services, and facilities for these persons.  

Fair Board 
Terms are 4 Years - Expire in October - Meet 1st Monday 6:30 P.M. Responsible for making recommendations for the general development, production and operation of the fair.   

Food Advisory Committee
Terms are 3 Years - Expire In December - Meet Quarterly, 2nd Wednesday 1:30 P.M.
Advises on matters pertaining to developing and sustaining a pro-active food advisory committee to promote and protect the health, safety, and well-being of the public and prevent the spread of disease by food.  

Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
Advises on new lodging tax, increase in rate of lodging tax, repeal of an exemption from lodging tax, or a change in the use of revenue received from lodging tax. Committee consists of at least five members.  Two members who are representatives of businesses required to collect tax under RCW 67.28; two members who are involved in activities that can be funded by revenue received under RCW 67.28, and one elected official of the county who serves as chair. Membership on the committee will be reviewed annually and adjustments made accordingly.

Mosquito Control District 
Terms are 2 years - Expire in February - Meet 2 to 4 times per year 
Operates, maintains, and supervises the services and facilities necessary to control mosquito populations.  RCW 17.28.160

Noxious Weed Control Board 
Terms are 4 Years - Expire in February - Meet 3rd Thursday 7:00 P.M. 
Assists in educating the public concerning all types of control of noxious weeds.  Applications must have some knowledge of noxious weeds.  RCW 17.10

Open Space Advisory Committee 
No Term Length - Meet once a year at call of the Assessor 
Represents the active farming community to serve in an advisory capacity to the Assessor in implementing assessment guidelines as established by the Department of Revenue for the assessment of open space, farms and agricultural lands, and timer lands classified.  RCW 84.34.145

Park & Recreation Advisory Board 
Terms are 6 Years - Expire in June - Meet 2nd Tuesday 5:30 p.m. 
Advises on acquisition, improvement and maintenance of county parks, playgrounds and  facilities.  

Planning Commission 
Terms are 4 Years - Expire in January - Meet 3rd Wednesday 7:00 P.M. 
Reviews land use related applications for development in unincorporated areas of the county.

Public Facilities District Board
Terms are 4 Years  - Expire in February - Meet 2nd Wednesday 3:00 P.M. at Regional Conference Center
To govern the Cowlitz County Public Facilities District which will promote the best interest of the citizens of the county by facilitating the potential future development of sports facilities, entertainment facilities, convention facilities, or regional centers. RCW 36.100.010 

Public Health Advisory Committee
Terms are 3 Years - Expire December - Meet 5 times a year
Represents broad public, community and environmental health interests within the county.  The Committee is advisory regarding public health related needs and issues, mandated programs, and community collaboration.

Regional Support Network Advisory Board 
Terms are 3 Years - Expire in December - Meet 2nd Wednesday 3:30 P.M.
Reviews and provides recommendations on mental health plans, policies, and programs to ensure all services are complementary and provided in an effective and efficient manner. 

Rodeo Board
Terms are 4 Years - Expire October - Meet 4th Tuesday 7:00 P.M.
Responsible for making recommendations for the general development, production and operation of the rodeo which takes place during the annual fair.

Rural Partial-County Library District Board of Trustees 
Terms are 5 Years - Expire in December - Can Serve No More than Two Consecutive Terms
West Longview, Lexington, Columbia Heights area.  Manage and control the district and finances, submit a budget annually and set the tax levy.  Applicants must reside in the district. 

Solid Waste Advisory Committee 
Terms are 2 Years -  Expire in March - Meet 2 - 4 times a year. 
Assists in the development of solid waste handling programs and policies, review and comment on proposed rules, policies or ordinances prior to adoption. RCW 70.95

Substance Abuse Advisory Committee 
Terms are 3  Years - Expire in December - Meet 1st Wednesday at 4:00 P.M. 
Advises on matters pertaining to the needs of persons who have alcohol or other drug abuse problems and the needs of the community for substance abuse prevention programs. 

Yale Valley Library District Trustee 
Terms are 5 Years - Can serve no more than two consecutive terms.
Manage and control the district and finances, submit a budget annually and set the tax levy.  Applicants must reside in the district. 

Veterans Advisory Board
Terms are 4 Years - Expire in October - Meet Quarterly 
Advises the Board of Commissioners on the needs, the resources available, and programs that could benefit the needs of local indigent veterans and their families.  Only veterans are eligible to serve as board members and should belong to a nationally recognized veteran service organization.  

Updated November, 2008