Christina Fitzsimmons

This document details the Gilliam County's Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget, which was adopted on May 7, 2025. It outlines the appropriations for various departments and funds, the imposition of taxes, and includes individual departmental narratives. These narratives describe program purposes, goals, and work plans for the fiscal year, covering areas such as law enforcement, public health, road maintenance, and senior services.

The meeting involved several key discussions and actions. The agenda was revised to include a funding request from Arlington Community Childcare. The Treasurer presented the December 2025 financial report, noting a potential resolution to a reconciliation issue. The Court mandated that the Veterans Services Department present quarterly reports, starting February 18, 2026. The consent agenda, including approval of an ODOT grant amendment, bills pending review for January 2026, and the CAPECO meal service agreement, was approved. New business included a discussion regarding local requirements for the Saddle Butte Energy Facility Project and the adoption of Resolution 2026-01 to initiate proceedings for selling foreclosed properties under HB 2089, which was amended to allow advertising on multiple websites. The Court also adopted revised competitive grant guidelines, establishing a staff committee for review. A significant portion of the meeting addressed the Cedar Springs Lane relocation project, including approval of a contract amendment for mitigation efforts related to wetlands and floodplains, and discussions involving state officials to prioritize the project due to economic impact and safety concerns. Finally, the Court discussed the impending termination of the Intergovernmental Agreement for planning services with the City of Boardman, noting regional difficulties in recruiting experienced planners, and decided to put finding a path forward on the next agenda.

Key discussions included the City of Arlington's receipt of a $200,000 construction grant for an RV park and an update from Arlington Childcare regarding full enrollment, waiting lists, and plans to apply for a State child infrastructure grant, including seeking county support for documentation. A significant topic was the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) grant awarded to the Arlington School District, totaling $7,354,057 in project costs with a required 25% county match, aiming for county-wide broadband coverage. The Court also clarified that centrally assessed utility properties are legally assessed by the Department of Revenue, not locally. Unfinished business involved adopting a resolution revising the Custodian Job Description to reflect a .75 FTE requirement and inclusion in the local bargaining unit. New business focused heavily on equipment purchases, including a used 2023 Caterpillar 420 Backhoe and a new 2023 Caterpillar 140 AWD Grader to replace an older unit damaged in a fire response. The Court also approved an industrial ground lease agreement with Leaning Juniper Wind Power II, LLC for 11 acres at the industrial park and the first amendment to their Road Use Agreement. Finally, the agreement with Weatherford Ranches for a water line crossing Tree Lane was approved, and appointments were made to the Cultural Trust Coalition. The discussion concluded with announcements regarding a delayed triennial review for Public Health, an upcoming fence tour, and the near completion of renegotiations for the Waste Management host fee agreement.

The meeting included consideration and approval of a Consent Agenda covering various agreements, including an amendment for Medical Examiner Services with Hood River County and agreements for Public Health funding with the Oregon Health Authority, as well as mental health services with Community Counseling Solutions, Inc. Discussion focused heavily on operational support grant applications under the Economic Enhancement Ordinance, particularly regarding the Condon Early Learning Center (CELC) and North Gilliam County Health District, leading to the partial funding of competitive operational grants. New business addressed the approval of new position descriptions and salary schedules transitioning positions from hourly to salary, and the approval of a bid for the Event Center at the fairgrounds, awarded to Kirby Nagelhout Construction Company contingent upon finalization. Further topics included an update on the BEAD funding process showing significant reduction in potential build costs and a discussion on updating the County vehicle surplus resolution.

The key discussion item scheduled for the Gilliam County Budget Committee meeting is the discussion regarding the Economic Enhancement Ordinance, specifically focusing on the Early Learning Sustainability Line Item. The agenda also includes provisions for establishing a quorum and opening the floor for public comment.