Kelso Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Kelso, Washington government websites.

  About Kelso City Government
Annual Budget $16.5 million
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

The city government of Kelso, Washington, operates under a Mayor-Council system, specifically known as the Kelso City Council. This governing body consists of seven elected members, including the Mayor, who serves as the presiding officer. Council members are elected at-large for four-year terms, with elections occurring in odd-numbered years. The current council members include Mayor Cody D. Dull, and council members such as Mary E. McGowan and David A. B. Hinton.

For the fiscal year 2023, Kelso's approximate annual operating budget is $16.5 million. This budget encompasses various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives, reflecting the city's commitment to maintaining and improving the quality of life for its residents.

The Kelso City Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Kelso City Hall, located at 203 S. Pacific Avenue, Kelso, WA 98626. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.

  About Kelso, Washington

Kelso, Washington, located in Cowlitz County, has a current population of approximately 21,330 residents, according to the 2020 U.S. Census data. This city is situated along the Cowlitz River and is part of the Longview, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area. Notable neighborhoods within Kelso include the historic downtown area, which features a variety of shops and restaurants, and the residential neighborhood of West Kelso, known for its family-friendly environment.

Key landmarks in Kelso include the Kelso-Longview Junction, a significant transportation hub, and the Cowlitz County Historical Museum, which showcases the region's rich history and cultural heritage. An important economic fact about Kelso is its historical role as a timber industry center, which has shaped the local economy for over a century. The city has diversified its economic base in recent years, with retail and service industries becoming increasingly prominent. Kelso's annual budget for 2023 is approximately $20 million, reflecting the city's ongoing commitment to infrastructure and community services.

  Kelso, Washington Public Records & Government Resources

About Kelso

The city government of Kelso, Washington, operates under a Mayor-Council system, specifically known as the Kelso City Council. This governing body consists of seven elected members, including the Mayor, who serves as the presiding officer. Council members are elected at-large for four-year terms, with elections occurring in odd-numbered years. The current council members include Mayor Cody D. Dull, and council members such as Mary E. McGowan and David A. B. Hinton. For the fiscal year 2023, Kelso's approximate annual operating budget is $16.5 million.
This budget encompasses various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives, reflecting the city's commitment to maintaining and improving the quality of life for its residents. The Kelso City Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Kelso City Hall, located at 203 S. Pacific Avenue, Kelso, WA 98626. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Cowlitz County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Longview Police Department, Kelso Police Department, and Woodland Police Department. Each department has jurisdiction over its respective city, while the Sheriff's Office covers unincorporated areas. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies to ensure comprehensive law enforcement coverage across the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Cowlitz County Jail, located in Kelso, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting the personal information of the detainee. Inmate lookup is available through the county's official website, where residents can find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and require prior scheduling. The bond and bail process follows Washington state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees under certain conditions.

Court Records

The Cowlitz County Superior Court, located in Kelso, handles major civil and criminal cases, including felonies and family law matters. The Cowlitz County District Court, also in Kelso, deals with misdemeanors, traffic violations, and small claims. Court records, case filings, and criminal dockets can be accessed through the court's administrative office or online portals, ensuring transparency and public access to judicial proceedings.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Cowlitz County includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic, and sex offender registry records. The Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Washington State Patrol's Criminal History Records Section. The Washington Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for accessing statewide criminal information.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Cowlitz County are maintained by the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, adhering to the Washington Public Records Act. An arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, charges, and the circumstances of the arrest. The Sheriff's Office ensures that these records are accessible while maintaining privacy and legal standards.

Public Records Access

Public records in Cowlitz County are accessible under the Washington Public Records Act. The Cowlitz County Clerk's Office provides access to court records, marriage licenses, and other legal documents. The County Auditor's Office handles property records, voter registration, and business licenses. These offices offer online portals for convenient access, with typical turnaround times varying based on the complexity of the request.

Economy & Demographics

Cowlitz County's economy is driven by industries such as manufacturing, timber, and agriculture. The Port of Longview is a significant economic asset, facilitating trade and transportation. Major employers include Weyerhaeuser, NORPAC, and PeaceHealth. The county's economic character is distinct due to its strategic location along the Columbia River, providing unique opportunities for trade and industry compared to neighboring regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Kelso, Cowlitz County, Washington to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Kelso, Washington, you will be transported to the Cowlitz County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Cowlitz County Court. Under Washington law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Washington State Patrol. The Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.doc.wa.gov/information/offendersearch.aspx where you can look up current detainees.
The Kelso School District is located in Cowlitz County, Washington. According to the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, the district's overall performance rating for the 2018-19 school year was "Good." The district's graduation rate was 81.3%, and the district's average score on the state's standardized tests was 3.2 out of 4.0.
According to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, the crime rate in Kelso, Cowlitz County, Washington for 2019 was 1,845.7 per 100,000 people. This is higher than the national average of 2,476.7 per 100,000 people. The most common crimes reported in Kelso were larceny/theft (1,039.3 per 100,000 people), burglary (541.2 per 100,000 people), and motor vehicle theft (265.2 per 100,000 people).
The Kelso Public Library in Cowlitz County, Washington provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Washington government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56), which governs access to government documents in Washington. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Kelso Washington Archives and Genealogy at https://www.sos.wa.gov/archives/Genealogy.aspx. Contact the Kelso Public Library reference desk at (360) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Kelso, Cowlitz County, Washington Library is located at:

Kelso Public Library
203 S Pacific Ave
Kelso, WA 98626
Fingerprinting services for Kelso, Washington residents are provided at the Kelso Police Department, which serves Cowlitz County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Kelso Police Department at (360) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Washington State Patrol for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Washington State Patrol at https://www.wsp.wa.gov/crime/criminal-history/.
To obtain vital records from Kelso, Cowlitz County, Washington, you must contact the Cowlitz County Auditor's Office.

The vital records available from the Cowlitz County Auditor's Office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. To obtain any of these records, you must provide a valid photo ID and proof of your relationship to the person named on the record. You may also be required to provide additional documentation, such as a court order or a notarized affidavit.
A background check in Kelso, Cowlitz County, Washington typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Washington. Criminal background checks are processed through the Washington State Patrol, which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Washington residents. The Washington State Patrol provides official criminal history checks at https://www.wsp.wa.gov/crime/criminal-history/. Under the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56), individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
  Nearby Cities in Cowlitz County, Washington

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Castle Rock Kalama Longview Woodland