Brian Johnson

This document outlines the strategic goals of the Board of Commissioners for Umatilla County. Its primary purpose is to ensure the transparent, effective, and efficient allocation of resources to serve the county's residents, with a focus on fulfilling the Board of Commissioners' strategic objectives and adhering to the County Charter.

The meeting covered several business items, beginning with the recommendation to award the contract for 2026 weed control products to the lowest proposer, Nutrien, following a request for proposals. The Board approved the renewal of the Sheriff's Office annual Lexipol subscription fee for 2026. Approval was also granted for the purchase of materials and labor for constructing a fence around the community garden. Furthermore, the Commissioners approved the liaison assignments for 2026. A public hearing was held regarding a supplemental budget, resulting in the adoption of Order No. Budget2026-34. Finally, the Board considered and adopted eight separate budget transfer orders, ranging from Order No. Budget2026-26 through Budget2026-33.

The meeting commenced with the unveiling of the new official County seal, marking a vision set forth in 2023. Employee of the Quarter, Michael Ellwood, and recognized employee, Michelle Hall, were acknowledged for their service. Key business items included the adoption of Order No. BCC2026-001 establishing Commissioner Dorran as the 2026 Chair and Commissioner Shafer as Vice-Chair, succeeding Chair Timmons. The Board approved a contract with Northwest Management to update the West Umatilla County Community Wildfire Protection Plan for $44,000.00. The purchase of a Canon ImageFORCE C5140 copier was approved for $5,183.60 plus monthly fees. The reappointment of Robbie Curry to the Umatilla County Fair Board was approved. Payment of $6,190.00 to Creative Signs for vehicle decals and approval for construction of community garden elements totaling $7,606.12 were authorized. Orders BCC2026-002 and BCC2026-003 concerning annual law enforcement and non-law enforcement employee commute authorizations were adopted. Approval was granted for the Community Development Department to attend the Data Center World Conference utilizing Economic Development funds and partner contributions. The reappointment of Molly Tucker Hasenbank to the Budget Committee was approved. A public hearing was held regarding four supplemental budget orders, all of which were subsequently adopted, alongside the adoption of a budget transfer order. Finally, approval was given to utilize the NOWA/Brownstein contract for $8,500 per month to seek federal legislation related to Columbia River access easements.

The meeting commenced with acknowledgments, including recognition for the Employee of the Quarter, Wayne Dennis from Community Correction, and commendation for staff who organized a large garbage pickup along River Road. Key agenda items included the approval of a contract for the Community Wildfire Protection Plan with Northwest Management, set to run from December 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024. The Commissioners voted to lift the countywide non-agricultural burn ban instituted in early July, effective immediately, while agricultural burning continued under existing designations. A resolution was adopted to uphold federal and state constitutions, receiving support during public comment. Appointments were made to the Board of Property Tax Appeals, reappointing three members for two-year terms. The board also approved the reappointment of two individuals to the Umatilla County Housing Authority board. Additionally, the board approved an amendment to a Community Development Block Grant agreement for improvements at the Gypsy House, authorizing the purchase of remaining items, including a hydraulic lift trailer and shelving, utilizing the remaining $67,000 in grant funds. Finally, the Board set a public hearing for November to consider a petition to annex the Depo property into the Umatilla County Fire District Number One.

The meeting commenced with an awards recognition, including a challenge coin award for Sandra Chapman who has served the county since 1993. The Board then conducted a public hearing to consider forming a Umatilla County Road Service District, intended solely to receive federal SRS and other payments without imposing new taxes. The Board approved the recommendation to award the contract for chemical products for FY 2024-2025 to Nutrien, based on the lowest unit cost evaluation. Authorization was given to solicit bids for a roof replacement at the Guardian Care Center. Approval was granted to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for upgrading the jail HVAC control system due to outdated software. The Board approved sealing and crack-filling work for the Courthouse and Public Health parking lots, awarded to Clicker Enterprises LLC. Funding approval was sought for the county's share ($88,500) of the facilitator payment for the coordination of state agency and local entities regarding a challenging project. Finally, the Board appointed George Murdoch to the Budget Committee, replacing Beth O'Handland who termed out after eight years. Approval was also granted for Umatilla Electric Cooperative to obtain an easement across county property for utility services related to the PATH project site.