Deschutes County

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and subsequent citizen input sessions. One citizen expressed strong support for video lottery funds benefiting nonprofits, citing increased difficulty due to state and federal funding cuts, and detailed the discrepancy between state funding caps and actual service costs for youth programs. Another virtual commenter intended to submit an email regarding alleged abuse by flight schools but deferred formal comment due to audio issues. The board proceeded to remove an item concerning Solid Waste Advisory Committee appointments for later rescheduling. The main agenda included the approval of two annexations into the Redmond Fire and Rescue District. The board also addressed deliberations regarding a remand on a plan amendment zone change request concerning property at 19975 Destiny Court, involving a record objection related to exhibits submitted after the hearing, which the board ultimately proceeded to consider alongside the deliberation matrix.

The meeting centered on introductory remarks and significant updates regarding state grant programs mandated by House Bill 3069 from the 2025 legislative session. Key discussion involved consolidating the review process for four public safety grants (Justice Reinvestment Program, Deflection Grant Program, Impact Program, and Specialty Treatment Courts) under the Council, designating it as the single point for submission. Further discussion addressed the requirement to create a biannual public safety plan, which is broader than the existing Community Corrections Plan. The logistics of the Council submitting the new Public Safety Coordination Grant application were noted as potentially confusing since the Council is an advisory body. An election was held for the new Council Chair, resulting in the nomination and approval of Judge Randy Miller.

The Audit Committee meeting included a review of prior minutes, specifically for the December 12, 2025, and December 10, 2025, meetings, which were approved. The committee received updates on internal audit reports, noting that no reports were completed this month, but two reports—the houselessness audit and the courthouse construction audit—are in progress. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation and discussion of the Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) for fiscal year 2025. Key takeaways from the PAFR presentation included a 10% increase in total assets to $725 million, primarily driven by capital assets and increased cash position, despite a decrease in unearned revenues related to COVID and ARPA funding. The liabilities side showed a 1% increase, with post-employment benefits remaining the largest liability. The report also detailed revenue sources (like property taxes and grants) and expense allocations across major service areas, such as public safety (36%) and health and welfare (27%). Discussions also covered trend reporting, debt status (no new debt in FY25), property tax distribution, and demographics, including population growth versus FTE staffing levels. Finally, an update was provided on the annual global report, noting that out of 37 reports issued over four years, 129 recommendations were resolved.

The meeting focused primarily on the Juvenile Detention 2025 Assessment, which involved a consensus-based process by a 15-participant workgroup to determine an alternate staffing model under a limited budget growth strategy due to County General Fund challenges and declining juvenile admissions. The group analyzed four alternate options, ultimately recommending Option B, which proposes continuing local detention and 24/7 services with a reduced staffing level of 15.8 FTE. This option was favored over the lowest-cost option (eliminating the facility and using transport) because it preserves local control, mitigates transport risks, and maintains crucial family and community connections for the juveniles. The council unanimously approved supporting this workgroup recommendation. Additionally, the transition of the Presiding Judge, effective January 1, 2026, was announced.

The meeting agenda included a call to order, roll call, and public comments. Business items consisted of receiving a budget update from the Deputy Administrator of Deschutes County regarding HB 4123 funding, and a vote on the CHRO RFP funding allocation recommendation from the Independent Review Team. Presentation segments included a data dashboard and Point-in-Time update from the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and Coordinated Entry System (CES) Lead. The session concluded with community announcements and updates.