Haley Huffman

The Board discussed updates on the Hub project, including grant eligibility challenges and unforeseen asbestos abatement costs, leading to an approved increase in project contingency funds. A proposal for a 2.9% rate increase from Republic Waste Services was reviewed and accepted based on 2025 financial performance. Additionally, the Board heard a presentation regarding a requested contribution for a stadium canopy project at Oregon Tech, which will be further evaluated in a future finance meeting.

The Board discussed a funding request for a public art project involving the redirection of funds to a bronze owl sculpture at Oregon Tech. Updates were provided by Oregon Water Resources regarding water rights, sustainable water delivery to the Lower Klamath Wildlife Refuge, snowpack conditions, and restoration projects. The Klamath Water Users Association provided a legislative update concerning water-related bills and managed aquifer recharge efforts. Sky Lakes Medical Center discussed legislative priorities related to rural health and workforce recruitment. Additionally, the Board conducted interviews for positions on the Budget Committee and the Developmental Disabilities Services Advisory Committee, and reviewed a request for a rate increase from Republic Services.

The agenda for the work session includes a discussion regarding a waste service rate increase proposal by Allied/Republic Waste Services. Additional agenda items involve a presentation concerning the John and Lois Stilwell Stadium Canopy Project as well as an update on the Night to Shine and CityFest community events.

The board discussed several department requests, including salary adjustments for leadership positions in community corrections, the approval of hiring a Finance Budget Manager and Grant Specialist at step 4, and an overlap hiring request for a Heavy Equipment Operator in public works. Additionally, the board reviewed updates regarding the 'The Hub' property, youth ATV safety class locations, and a grant application. They also considered revisions to administrative leave and whistleblower policies, including discussions on training requirements and legal reviews. The board additionally reviewed recommendations from the Tourism Grant Review Panel and issued a letter of support for the Town of Bonanza's 2026 Small City Allotment grant application.

The meeting includes department requests for a Fair step 4 hire and a Public Works Heavy Equipment Operator hire. The board will review an update on The Hub, discuss the site location for a Youth ATV Safety Class, and address a CAFFA grant application. Additional items include a Bureau of Land Management resource management plan memorandum of understanding, a letter of support for the Town of Bonanza small city allotment grant application, and interviews for Budget Committee alternate positions.