The Lewis County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is looking to fill vacancies on two of its volunteer boards: the Lewis County Board of Equalization (BOE) and the Lewis County Water Conservancy Board.
Application packets for both are available under the “BOCC News” tab at the bottom right-hand side of the commissioners’ web page at https://tinyurl.com/mtzz3hnj.
A news release from the BOCC provided the following details about the two boards:
• Lewis County Board of Equalization: The BOE is made up of three regular, full-time members and three part-time alternates appointed by the BOCC. It’s designed to provide an impartial and economical forum through which taxpayers can appeal determinations of the Lewis County Assessor’s Office. The board is separate from — and operates independently of — the Lewis County assessor.
BOE members hold semi-formal hearings to adjudicate taxpayers’ appeals. The hearings take place between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. many Thursdays and some Fridays throughout the year, depending on how many appeals have been filed. The hearings are held in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room on the second floor of the Lewis County Courthouse, 351 NW North St., in Chehalis, and BOE members are paid $100 for each day of service.
Members serve three-year terms and must attend training provided by the state Department of Revenue. Training typically takes place over a two-day period in June. Per state law, individuals who hold an elective office or are employed by an elected official cannot serve on the BOE.
For questions about the BOE, call 360-740-1120. To apply, submit an application and a letter of interest in one of the following three ways:
• By mail at 351 NW North St., Chehalis, WA 98532
• Via email at committees@lewiscountywa.gov (include “BOE” in the subject line)
• In person at the Commissioners’ Office in Room 210 of the Lewis County Courthouse at 351 NW North St. in Chehalis.
Applications for the BOE are due by 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15.
• Lewis County Water Conservancy Board The Lewis County Water Conservancy Board processes water-rights applications at the local level.
The Water Conservancy Board, which was established by RCW 90.80, works closely with water-rights applicants and the Department of Ecology to make recommendations regarding applications for water-rights changes and transfers. Each new board member must attend Ecology’s four-day (32 hours) training event in the fall and then receive eight hours of continuing education annually to continue to meet state standards.
The board is made up of three regular members and two alternates.
At least one of the regular positions must be filled by a water right holder who diverts or withdraws water for use within Lewis County.
The current vacancy is for one of the alternate positions.
Residents interested in serving on the board are asked to submit an application, a letter of interest and a brief resume by mail to the following:
Lewis County Water Conservancy Board
Attn. New Board Member
P.O. Box 1345
Chehalis, WA 98532
Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, to be considered. The Water Conservancy Board members cannot be affiliated with any municipal organizations.
For general information about the board, visit the Department of Ecology’s website at https://tinyurl.com/mpnjexah.
For questions about the board, contact member David Hilligoss by phone at 360-880-7016.
