Wasco County

The Board of Commissioners conducted a regular session that included the conveyance of the Friend Historic Cemetery to a local nonprofit organization, the approval of a final subdivision plat for RW Estates Phase 1, and the review of the February finance report. Additionally, the Board discussed supporting litigation regarding federal Biological Opinion mandates, held a second hearing to repeal and replace an ordinance concerning the Land Corner Preservation Fund, received an update from the District Attorney's office regarding crime statistics and center developments, and approved the vacation of undeveloped roads within the Columbia Crest Addition.

The board discussed several operational and administrative items, including the procurement of Artificial Intelligence software for accounts payable processing from Shamrock Solutions, the Statewide Automated Victim Notification System intergovernmental agreement, and the renewal of the L3 Harris Technologies agreement. The session also covered a request for proposals for public transportation services, the approval of noxious weed control services, a proclamation regarding dark sky preservation, and the authorization of a lease and development agreement for Basalt Commons. Additionally, the meeting included an executive session for real property transactions and conferring with legal counsel.

The meeting agenda includes discussions on an AP AI software purchase, the SAVNS intergovernmental agreement, an L3 Harris contract renewal, a request for proposal for public transportation services, and noxious weed control services. Administrative authority for operations procedures will be affirmed under the consent agenda. The session also features presentations on a Dark Sky Proclamation and Basalt Commons, followed by an executive session regarding real property transactions and consultation with legal counsel.

The agenda for the regular session includes several discussion items such as the Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Intervention Grant, an Iteration Evaluation Contract, and amendments/IGAs related to Gambling Prevention. The session also covers support for H.R. 655, The Dalles Watershed Development Act. Scheduled public hearings include repealing and replacing Ordinance #94-376 regarding the Land Corner Preservation Fund, an amendment to the LUDO, and discussion of the Deschutes Solar and BESS Facility. Updates are also scheduled from the Rowena Recovery Report and the Columbia Land Trust.

The Board of Commissioners Regular Session addressed several key items. Discussion topics included a grant agreement with the Youth Development Division for the "What's Strong with you" program, which received unanimous approval. The Board also discussed an Oregon Health Authority Agreement necessary for continued funding under Measure 110, and approved the related Security and Access Agreement. The Finance Report was reviewed, including discussion on the PERS side account. Action was taken on two Oregon Department of Emergency Management Grants (SP25-114 and SP25-143) related to purchasing a drone and an emergency generator. Further discussion involved an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Wasco County Soil & Water Conservation District concerning Community Wildfire Defense Grant funds previously assigned to Wamic Rural Fire Protection District, and the subsequent purchase of a Morbark wood chipper to support mobile chipping operations. The annual Victims of Crime Act ("VOCA") and Criminal Fine Account ("CFA") Grant Agreement was also unanimously approved. The Board heard public comments regarding a dog ordinance, a forthcoming Gorge Commission vote, and community awareness about ICE activity.