Volunteer roundup: Law and Justice, Veterans, Solid Waste, Water Conservancy Board

The Lewis County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is looking for volunteers interested in filling vacancies on several of its boards and committees, including the following:

  • Lewis County Law and Justice Council
  • Veterans Advisory Board (VAB)
  • Solid Waste Advisory Board

Individuals interested in any of these positions should submit an application and a letter of interest in one of the following three ways:

  • By mail at 351 N.W. North St., Chehalis, WA 98532.
  • Via email at committees@lewiscountywa.gov (include the committee name in the subject).
  • In person at the Commissioners’ Office in Room 210 of the Historic Courthouse at 351 N.W. North St. in Chehalis.

To apply

For an application, click here.

For a sample letter of interest, click here.

The BOCC also is seeking volunteers for the Lewis County Water Conservancy Board, which will use a separate application process (details follow).

Applications for all of the positions listed above are due by 3 p.m. Thursday, April 16, 2026. Application packets are available under the “BOCC News” tab at the bottom of the commissioners’ web page at https://lewiscountywa.gov/offices/commissioners/. Details about the boards and committees follow:

>> Law and Justice Council

The Law and Justice Council, which the county established in 2008 under RCW 72.09.300, serves as an advisory committee that makes recommendations to the BOCC. It includes individuals from throughout Lewis County, including representatives from law enforcement, the judicial system, social services and city governments. It also includes two citizen representatives.

The BOCC is reconvening the council in an effort to involve multiple voices in discussions regarding Lewis County’s local criminal justice system – including potential revenue options, such as a public safety tax.

The BOCC is seeking two individuals interested in serving as citizen representatives. The group, which likely will begin meeting in April or May, will establish its own meeting schedule.

A complete list of the 24 positions on the committee is available as part of Chapter 9.20.030 of Lewis County Code here.


>> Veterans Advisory Board (VAB)

The Veterans Advisory Board (VAB) helps determine how to best support local veterans. Members weigh in on how the county should allocate money from its Veterans’ Relief Fund, which helps indigent Lewis County veterans and their families with financial resources, shelter, food, utilities and transportation.

The group meets at 11 a.m. the first Wednesday of each month in the Lower Level BOCC Room of the Lewis County Historic Courthouse at 351 N.W. North Street in Chehalis. Honorably discharged veterans residing in Lewis County are eligible to serve. The board includes up to nine regular voting members and two non-voting alternates, all of whom serve two-year terms. The board currently has vacancies for the two alternate positions.

For questions about the VAB, contact Veterans Benefit Specialist George Dodd by phone at 360-740-1417 or via email at george.dodd@lewiscountywa.gov.


>> Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC)

The Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) helps develop programs and policies concerning solid waste handling and disposal.Solid Waste Advisory Committee members weigh in on proposed rules, policies and ordinances, and they help Lewis County Solid Waste Utility staff develop a five-year “Solid Waste Management Plan” to guide how Lewis County manages garbage and recycling. The committee, which is mandated by state law under RCW 70A.205.110, is designed to represent multiple interests, including citizens, public interest groups, business, waste management and agriculture.

The Solid Waste Advisory Committee meets at 1 p.m. the second Wednesday of every other month in the new Lewis County Public Works Building at 57 W. Main St. in Chehalis. Meetings are open to the public and are offered online via Zoom.

For information about SWAC, visit https://lewiscountywa.gov/departments/solid-waste/lewis-county-solid-waste-advisory-committee-swac.

For questions about the committee, contact Solid Waste Services Manager Rocky Lyon by phone at 360-740-1403 or via email at rocky.lyon@lewiscountywa.gov.


>> Lewis County Water Conservancy Board

The Lewis County Water Conservancy Board is a governing board that processes water-rights applications at the local level.The 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. Training is paid for by the Water Conservancy Board.

The Water Conservancy 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

For general information about the board, visit the Department of Ecology’s website at https://ecology.wa.gov/Water-Shorelines/Water-supply/Water-rights/Water-conservancy-boards. For questions about the vacant position, contact Water Conservancy Board member David Hilligoss by phone at 360-880-7016.

Posted: March 31, 2026