Justin Thomas

The board conducted several appointments, approving the addition of two members to the Fair Board and one member to the Mid-Columbia Housing Authority Board of Directors. A law enforcement grant modification for the United States Forest Service was approved, as well as an agreement for weed control services with the Oregon Department of Transportation. Additionally, the board addressed a road use agreement, approved a staffing waiver for the Dufur ambulance service, adopted a declaration for a drought emergency, discussed a new pets in the workplace policy for county facilities, and reviewed the April finance report.

The Wasco County Strategic Plan, developed in 2023 after a SWOTT analysis and financial review, outlines the county's direction, vision, mission, and core values. Its vision is "Pioneering pathways to prosperity," aiming to find innovative ways to create opportunities for the county and its citizens while balancing preservation and progress. The mission is to "Partner with our citizens to proactively meet their needs and create opportunities." The plan is underpinned by core values emphasizing equity, an open mind, kindness, teamwork, excellence in service, strong relationships, and accountability, all within a "100% Love culture."

The meeting agenda includes discussions on various appointments to the Fair Board and Mid-Columbia Housing Authority. Additionally, the commission will review a USFS law enforcement grant modification, an ODOT agreement regarding weed control, a road use agreement with DECH, a staffing waiver for Dufur, a drought declaration, and an animal policy. The session will also feature an April finance report presentation.

The Board of Commissioners discussed several agenda items, including the recognition of the "I Vote" sticker contest winner, the Property Value Appeals Board summary of action, and the implementation of a residential burning and fireworks ban due to extreme fire conditions. Other key topics included the appointment of a new Museum Commission member, the acceptance of a grant from Visit Central Oregon for Fairgrounds infrastructure, a loan request for the Deschutes Rim Health Clinic, a financial report, a grant agreement for wolf depredation compensation, and the annexation of territories for the Pine Grove Rural Water District.

The meeting agenda includes discussion topics such as the I Vote sticker contest recognition, a PVAB summary of action, burn and fireworks bans, a Fort Dalles Museum appointment, and the Visit Central Oregon grant. Scheduled appointments involve a finance report, the Deschutes Rim Health Clinic loan, a 2026 grant agreement for wolf depredation compensation and financial assistance, and an annexation for the Pine Grove Water District.