Wasco County

The Board of County Commissioners' regular session agenda included discussion items on potential refund credits arising from property tax appeals involving Charter Communications, Lumen Technologies, PacificCorp, and an industrial appeal settlement, with significant funds set aside pending outcomes. Another key discussion point was the Enhanced Remake Intergovernmental Agreement with the Oregon Secretary of State for acquiring an Enhanced Voting Ballot Remake Station, funded by a federal grant, which requires County approval of the IGA. The Board also addressed appointments to the Wolf Compensation Committee. Consent agenda items included draft minutes from a previous meeting. Sheriff's Office matters involved a request for a fee waiver and an amendment to the Low Deschutes River Law Enforcement IGA. Finance reports covered the December 2025 financial status and budget changes for County Project & Specialty Court. Emergency Management items included an extension of the State of Emergency declaration and approval of the Emergency Operation Plan. An update on the Code Compliance Program was also presented.

The agenda for this session includes potential Executive Session discussions regarding employment, discipline, labor negotiations, real property transactions, legal counsel consultation, performance evaluations, public investments, and security programs. Key discussion items include an EDC Appointment, a Fireworks Display Permit, the HB5204 DAS Grant for the CGRC Agreement, and an appointment to Wasco County Planning Commission Position #6. Public hearings are scheduled regarding a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) matter, an Outdoor Mass Gathering for SOAK, the Land Use and Development Ordinance, and a Code Compliance Restrictive Covenant. Later items address Owned Land Sales via Sealed Bid Auction, an IGA & Contract for Services Proposal, an ODHA Grant Agreement, and a Contracting Rule Exemption.

This document introduces 'Circles of Peace,' a pilot restorative justice program launched by Six Rivers Dispute Resolution Center, designed as a new option for survivors of harm in The Gorge. The program is an evidence-informed model focusing on restorative justice principles, centering the needs of those harmed and holding offenders accountable for repair. Key goals include supporting accountability, safety, healing, and lasting behavior change, tailored to survivor needs. Developed after a 2023 community readiness assessment, it aims to provide improved outcomes for victims, offenders, and the wider community.

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) Regular Session addressed several significant agenda items. Discussion items included initiating the process for a road vacation of a portion of Lily Way, declaring certain Public Works equipment (a damaged Ford flatbed truck and an old crack sealer) as surplus, and approving a sublease agreement for space on the county-owned radio tower at Signal Hill with SeaSound Broadcasting LLC. The Board also reviewed and took action on the annual in-lieu tax payments due to the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife. Furthermore, an Intergovernmental Agreement (#15415) with the Oregon Youth Authority for Juvenile Crime Prevention Basic Services and Diversion Services was approved, as was a Resolution to apply for an Oregon Parks & Recreation County Opportunity Grant for rehabilitation at Hunt Park. The session concluded with the approval of rate increases for both Waste Connections/The Dalles Disposal and the Wasco County Landfill, intended to offset rising staff costs.

The meeting agenda covered several substantive items and ongoing operational matters. Discussions included the State of Emergency related to a windstorm, which prompted a resolution to declare an emergency, request state assistance, and authorize emergency procurements. The Board also addressed support for the Mid-Columbia Center for Living (MCCFL) in ongoing contract renegotiations with PacificSource, concerning mental health services funding. Appointments were made to the Wasco County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC) and the Wasco County Forest Collaborative Steering Committee. The Board denied protests related to the emergency procurement for the Rowena debris cleanup contract. Operational matters included approving a lease update for The Dalles disposal facility, selling a foreclosed property parcel, amending the Uniform Fee Schedule Policy to address a shortage of pennies by rounding cash transactions to the nearest nickel, and hearing departmental reports from Youth Services and others.