Todd Richmond

The meeting included recognition of employees with milestone anniversaries and introductions of new hires across various departments. The board discussed and approved an intergovernmental agreement between Lincoln County, Benton County, Lane County, and Lane Council of Governments to obtain an Economic Development Administration grant for rural broadband. The grant aims to fund feasibility studies to identify broadband gaps and develop solutions for improved internet access in the region.

The meeting addressed a case file regarding a comprehensive plan map amendment and zone change request. The discussion included the reasons for a second hearing due to a procedural error related to a notice, and the applicable criteria for the zone change. The commission reviewed the history of land use plans, the factual circumstances enabling a positive recommendation for the zone change, and the characteristics of the property in question.

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting for a public hearing concerning Goal 18 exceptions. The hearing addressed requests related to amendments to the Lincoln County Comprehensive Plan, specifically regarding exceptions to statewide planning Goal 18 implementation requirement 5, which pertains to the placement of beachfront protective structures. The meeting involved discussions on hearing procedures, staff reports, and potential testimony from applicants and opponents.

The meeting included introductory remarks and updates on the America Rescue Plan. The financial officer provided a financial update, and decision packages and narratives for the budget were discussed. There was a discussion of frustration in balancing the budget due to COVID-19 and the need to meet virtually. While the budget is balanced, one-time sources of revenue and expense reductions were used, indicating structural issues. The meeting also covered vacancy savings, ARP revenue, and adjustments to contingency reserves. There was also a discussion of the general fund budget, tax revenue, and the impact of retirements on the budget.

The meeting discussed the county budget, including transportation, solid waste disposal, animal services, and extension service districts. Key discussion points included the downward departure grant, the allocation of ARPA money, and the sheriff's contract. The committee also reviewed the increase in FTE across the county, focusing on public safety, and discussed the impact of COVID-19 on the Health and Human Services budget.