Hood River County public meetings in 2025

Board of Commissioners Work Session Business

The Board of Commissioners will interview and appoint volunteers to several boards, including the Planning Commission and Fair Board. The meeting also includes votes on a 2026 fee schedule and a new land corner preservation fee ordinance.

• 2026 County Fee Schedule Resolution
• 1st Reading of Public Land Corner Preservation Fee Ordinance
• Contract for 911 Motorola Radio
• Letter of support for Ken Jernstedt Airfield Terminal Building/Back-up Emergency Operations Center Project
• Appointments for Columbia River Gorge Commission, Fair Board, and Planning Commission

Planning Commission

The Hood River County Planning Commission will hold public hearings regarding a land annexation request and an appeal of a farm stand permit modification. The commission will also review previous meeting minutes.

• Annexation request by Mike and Debra Standly for a 7.53-acre parcel into the West Side Fire Protection District
• Appeal by Tammi Packer regarding the conditional approval to modify the Packer Orchards & Farm Place Farm Stand permit

Board of Commissioners Work Session Business

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on a proposed garbage rate increase effective January 1, 2026. The meeting includes a work session on courthouse planning and a business meeting to address various contracts and property transactions.

• Public hearing on garbage rate increase effective January 1, 2026
• Legalization of Evans Creek Drive
• Purchase and sale agreement for Partlow Property
• Award of Middle Mountain Salvage 2025 Timber Sale #25-7 to J.W. Logging, LLC
• Seasonal closure of Gilhouley, Post Canyon and Riordan Hill Roads

Board of Commissioner

The Board of Commissioners conducted a work session to gather community input for updating the Forest Management Plan, which was last published in 2015. No formal decisions were made; all comments will be considered in January prior to policy review and plan updates.

Board of Commissioners

The Boards of Commissioners from Clackamas, Hood River, Multnomah, and Wasco counties will meet to fill a vacancy in State Senate District 26 caused by the resignation of Senator Daniel Bonham. The body will hear statements and vote to appoint one of three nominees.

• Nominees for appointment: Christine Drazan, John Grant, and Jeffrey Helfrich
• Voting weights based on registered electors: Clackamas (69), Hood River (17), Wasco (15), and Multnomah (9)

Planning Commission

The Commission held a work session to determine policy directions for zoning code amendments regarding alternative housing. They reached consensus on several options for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), manufactured homes, and RVs to guide staff in drafting a formal ordinance.

• Consensus to allow ADUs consistent with state law (Option A)
• Consensus to allow historic home conversions into ADUs (Option A)
• Consensus to allow single-wide manufactured homes with updated design standards (Option C)
• Consensus to allow permanent and modular tiny homes as ADUs (Option A)
• Consensus to deny RV-type tiny homes as ADUs
• Consensus to not allow long-term RV residency beyond existing allowances (Option C)

Board of Commissioner

The Board of Commissioners adopted an ordinance to comply with FEMA's 2020 flood hazard model and 2024 compliance measures. They also determined that the legalization of Evans Creek Road is in the county's best interest. Additionally, the Board approved a resolution regarding Urban Growth Boundary septic systems and appointed Timothy Wear to the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council.

• Adopted FEMA Model Flood Hazard Ordinance (5-0)
• Approved legalization of Evans Creek Road (5-0)
• Approved Resolution for UGB septic systems (5-0)
• Appointed Timothy Wear to Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including two timber sale closures and various budget adjustments (5-0)
• Approved IGA with Oregon Judicial Department (5-0)
• Approved Willis Family Non-Residential Subdivision plat (5-0)
• Authorized Health Department and Parole & Probation to submit grant applications (5-0)

Board of Commissioners Work Session Business

The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings on a FEMA Model Flood Hazard Ordinance and the legalization of Evans Creek Road. The meeting also includes a work session on the Fir Mountain Road project and various budget adjustments.

• 2nd Reading: FEMA Model Flood Hazard Ordinance affecting floodplain development
• Public hearing regarding the legalization of Evans Creek Road
• Selection of Baker Tilly for Organizational Assessment and Fiscal Sustainability Analysis
• Approval of Willis Family Non-Residential Subdivision plat
• Closure of Owen Timber Sale #25-0 and Quokka Timber Sale #25-4

Board of Commissioner

The Board of Commissioners approved the removal of the Powerdale Powerhouse with a focus on biological remediation and historic preservation. They also scheduled a public hearing for October 20 to consider a FEMA Model Flood Hazard Ordinance and the legalization of Evans Creek Drive.

• Approved removal of Powerdale Powerhouse prioritizing biological remediation (4-0)
• Approved $22,200 BPA easement payment (4-0)
• Approved Westside Salvage - 2025 Timber Sale #25-6 to J.W. Logging (4-0)
• Closed Quentin and Quinoa Timber Sales and released bond funds (4-0)
• Approved first reading of FEMA Model Flood Hazard Ordinance; hearing set for Oct 20 (4-0)
• Approved public hearing for legalization of Evans Creek Drive on Oct 20 (4-0)
• Authorized Parks Department to apply for Oregon Parks and Recreation District grant (4-0)
• Approved liquor license for Rhodesian Mountain Ranch (4-0)

Board of Commissioners Work Session Business

The Hood River County Board of Commissioners will decide on several timber sales, easement agreements, and grant applications at this meeting. A work session will discuss next steps for the Powerdale Powerhouse and property, including potential removal and site improvements.

• Accept $22,200 BPA easement compensation for access road easements
• Approve Westside Salvage Timber Sale #25-6 to J.W. Logging
• Close Quentin Timber Sale #25-3 and Quinoa Timber Sale #25-5, releasing bond funds
• Authorize Parks Department to apply for Oregon Parks and Recreation District County Opportunity Grant
• Direct staff on Powerdale Powerhouse removal and property next steps

Board of Commissioner

The Board of Commissioners adopted the County Bridge Condition Improvement Plan and approved several timber sale contracts and intergovernmental agreements. They also authorized multiple grant applications for behavioral health, emergency management, and transportation projects.

• Adopted County Bridge Condition Improvement Plan
• Approved letter of support for NACO transportation reauthorization bill
• Approved Regan Timber Sale #26-4 and Radiata Timber Sale #26-5
• Closed Peach Timber Sale #24-6 and Mutt Timber Sale #24-5
• Approved IGA with ODOT for Sno-Park Parking Permit Enforcement
• Approved contract for rapid mental health assessments at NORCOR
• Appointed Councilor Amanda Goeke to the MCEDD Board
• Confirmed OLCC license for Costarossa Farms

Board of Commissioners Work Session Business

The Board of Commissioners will discuss a study by Portland State University regarding land annexation to potentially increase housing supply. The meeting also includes a vote on a bridge improvement plan and several timber sale contracts.

• Adoption of the County Bridge Condition Improvement Plan
• Approval of Regan Timber Sale #26-4 and Radiata Timber Sale #26-5
• Closure of Peach Timber Sale #24-6 and Mutt Timber Sale #24-5
• Resolution to initiate legalization of Evans Creek Drive
• Budget adjustments for the Health Department Veterans Division and Tuberculosis Case Management

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider draft model code and comprehensive plan language. These updates aim to comply with FEMA’s Flood Hazard Model Ordinance for Oregon and Pre-implementation Compliance Measures for lands zoned Floodplain (FP).

• Public hearing on FEMA Flood Hazard Model Ordinance and Pre-implementation Compliance Measures (PICMs) for Floodplain (FP) zoned lands

The Planning Commission unanimously recommended that the Board of County Commissioners approve amendments to Zoning Ordinance Article 44 and Goal 7 of the Comprehensive Plan. These changes align county rules with FEMA's 2020 model floodplain ordinance and 2024 compliance measures.

• Recommended approval of amendments to Zoning Ordinance Article 44 (Floodplain Protection) and Goal 7 (Natural Hazards) (5-0)

Board of Commissioner

The Board of Commissioners adopted Ordinance 308 to allow unpaid fines to be sent to collections and approved Ordinance 318 to update the county's civil fines schedule. The Board also approved two subdivision plats and closed two timber sales. A request for a proclamation recognizing Somos Inmigrantes was discussed but not decided.

• Approved Ordinance 308 to allow unpaid fines to be assigned to collections (4-0)
• Approved Ordinance 318 to update the civil violations fine schedule (4-0)
• Approved Bronco Meadow subdivision plat for recording
• Approved Lilac Village subdivision plat for recording
• Closed Papaya Timber Sale #24-8 and authorized release of bond funds
• Closed Queen's Cup Timber Sale #25-2 and authorized release of bond funds
• Nominated candidates to the Region 1 Area Committee on Transportation (R1ACT)
• Approved meeting minutes as presented

Board of Commissioners Work Session Business

The Board of Commissioners will hold a second reading and vote on amendments to the Code Enforcement and Civil Violations Fine Schedule. The meeting also includes approvals for two new subdivisions and several intergovernmental agreements.

• Second reading of Amending Ordinance No. 308 and Repealing/Replacing Ordinance No. 318 (Fine Schedule)
• Approval of Bronco Meadow and Lilac Village subdivision plats
• Award of Ricardo Timber Sale #26-3 to Rosboro Company, LLC
• Initiation of road legalization for Evans Creek Drive for ODOT culvert replacement
• Authorization for BLM Fuels Management and Community Fire Assistance grant application

Board of Commissioners Business

The Board of Commissioners is deciding on several budget adjustments for Public Works, the County Fair, and the Health Department. The body is also considering the appointment of the County Administrator as an alternate voting member for the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council.

• Budget adjustment of $15,580 for a new waste oil furnace in Public Works
• Budget adjustment for the Hood River County Fair including a $48,000 decrease in Capital Outlay
• Budget adjustment for Health Department Family Planning to cover personnel expenses
• Appointment of the County Administrator as an alternate voting member for the LPSCC
• Budget adjustment for the Health Department Babies First Program

Board of Commissioner

The Board of Commissioners approved several budget adjustments for Public Works, the HRC Fair, and the Health Department. They also approved a letter of support for the Columbia Area Transit. Commissioner Weathers was designated as the alternate for the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council July 8th meeting.

• Approved Budget Adjustment - Public Works - Non Departmental
• Approved Budget Adjustment - HRC Fair
• Approved Budget Adjustment - Health Department
• Approved Budget Adjustment - Health Department Babies First Program
• Approved letter of support for Columbia Area Transit
• Designated Commissioner Weathers as alternate for LPSCC July 8th meeting

Board of Commissioner

The Board approved the FY 25.26 budgets for Hood River County, the 911 Communications District, and the Windmaster Sewer and Urban Renewal districts. Commissioners also adopted amendments to the County Building Code and Fee Schedule. The meeting included discussions on budget cuts to the Parole & Probation division and the Hood River-White Salmon Bridge Authority vacancy.

• Adopted Building Code and Fee Schedule amendments (5-0)
• Adopted Windmaster Sewer District budget with no taxes levied (5-0)
• Adopted Windmaster Urban Renewal district budget with no taxes levied (5-0)
• Adopted HRC 911 Communications District budget with permanent Rate Levy (5-0)
• Adopted HRC budget with permanent Rate Levy and Local Option Levy (5-0)
• Authorized Administrator to add County logo to joint letter regarding HB 2725
• Agreed to retain Mike Fox on the HRWSBA project until his departure

Board of Commissioners Work Session Business

The Board of Commissioners will conduct public hearings to adopt budgets for the County and several districts for FY 25.26. The board is also considering amendments to the County Building Code and Fee Schedule.

• FY 25.26 Budget Hearings for Hood River County, 911 Communications, Windmaster Sewer, and Windmaster Urban Renewal districts
• Second reading and vote on Building Code and Fee Schedule Amendments
• Award of Roll Splice Timber Sale #26-2 to High Cascade, Inc.
• Approval of a $150/month pay increase for bilingual language pay
• Approval of the Union Building P.U.D. Phase 2 plat

Board of Commissioner

The Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to use a design-build contracting method for the Mt. Hood Town Hall Solar Plus Solar Storage Microgrid project. The board also approved several consent items including a health department budget adjustment and a residential subdivision plat.

• Approved resolution to use design-build contracting for Mt. Hood Town Hall solar project (5-0)
• Approved Porter Residential Subdivision plat
• Approved Health Department budget adjustment
• Authorized application for US DOT Safe Streets and Roads for All program
• Authorized signing of Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Memorandum of Agreement
• Approved resolution to update County Administrative Code
• Approved agenda additions including a Kingsley Campground fee increase (5-0)

Board of Commissioners Work Session Business

The Board will hold a public hearing and vote on a resolution to exempt the Mt. Hood Town Hall Solar Plus Solar Storage Microgrid project from competitive bidding and authorize a design-build RFP. During the work session, they will review the draft Ambulance Service Area Plan and interview a fair board applicant. The business meeting includes a large consent agenda with items such as a timber sale award to Hampton Tree Farms, a liquor license for Tacos Mi Lindo Colima, and budget adjustments, plus first readings of building code and civil violations fine amendments.

• Public hearing on Mt. Hood Town Hall Solar Plus Solar Storage Microgrid alternative contracting method
• Award Redwood Timber Sale #26-1 to Hampton Tree Farms, LLC
• First reading of Building Code and Fee Schedule Amendments
• Livestock claim for $500 for loss of one sheep killed by dog (Cheryl Thomas)
• Liquor license application for Tacos Mi Lindo Colima

Budget Committee Info

The Hood River County Budget Committee is meeting for the fourth and final time to approve the FY2025/26 budget. Discussion includes proposed amendments to achieve $500,000 in contingency/unappropriated ending fund balances, including cutting a parole and probation staff position ($114,000 savings), reducing sheriff overtime ($50,000), and exploring a retirement incentive program. The committee will vote to approve the county budget, 911 communications budget, Windmaster Sewer District budget, and Windmaster Urban Renewal District budget.

• Proposed $114,000 savings from cutting a staff position in Parole and Probation due to lower state funding.
• $50,000 reduction in Sheriff's overtime after levy passage allows full staffing in Patrol.
• Exploration of a short-term retirement incentive program; 16% of employees have over 20 years of service.
• Amendments to Medical Examiner Contracts for cost adjustments going before the Board of Commissioners in May.
• Approval of budgets for FY2025/26: Hood River County, 911 Communications, Windmaster Sewer District, and Windmaster Urban Renewal District.

Budget Committee Info

The Hood River County Budget Committee holds its third meeting to review and vote on the proposed FY 2025/2026 budgets and property tax levy. The committee will also discuss responses to earlier budget questions, including updates on the Forest Carbon Project, which could generate an estimated $17.1 million in net revenue. A public comment period is scheduled, and the next meeting is set for May 14, 2025.

• Approve proposed/amended FY 25/26 budgets and levy taxes
• Review of questions and responses from department heads, including Forestry
• Discussion of Forest Carbon Project amendment (estimated $17.1 million net revenue to county)
• Public comment limited to 3 minutes per speaker
• Next budget committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 14, 2025 at 3pm

Budget Committee Info

The Hood River County Budget Committee holds its second meeting to discuss the FY 2025/2026 budget. The committee will hear presentations from the Records and Assessments Director and the Budget & Finance Director, who will review attachments and lead the budget discussion starting on page 26. Future meeting dates are scheduled for May 8, 15, and 22.

• Introduction of Brian Beebe, Records and Assessments Director
• Budget discussion led by Sheri Patterson, Budget & Finance Director
• Public comment period (3 minutes per speaker)
• Future meeting schedule: May 8, 15, and 22
• Attached background document: Policy Maker’s Guide to Compression

Board of Commissioner

The Board approved a letter of testimony regarding SB 427 and SB 1153 concerning water rights transfers. They also approved several grant applications, a non-residential subdivision, and an intergovernmental agreement for tactical response. The Board discussed potential new regulations for taxicabs to reduce DUII incidents.

• Approved Letter of Testimony for SB 427 and SB 1153 (5-0)
• Approved Heirloom Orchards Non-Residential Subdivision (5-0)
• Approved NORTAC Intergovernmental Agreement (5-0)
• Approved budget adjustment for Forestry Timber Projects FY24/25 (5-0)
• Authorized application for DOJ Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Intervention Grant (5-0)
• Authorized application for DOR County Assessment Function Funding Assistance Program (5-0)
• Approved liquor license for Odell Cafe (5-0)
• Reappointed Commissioner Arthur Babitz to Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee (5-0)

Board of Commissioners Work Session Business

The Hood River County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session and business meeting to discuss and act on multiple items, including a proposed letter of testimony opposing state water rights bills SB 427 and SB 1153, an amendment to a forest carbon project, and approval of a non-residential subdivision at Heirloom Orchards. Consent agenda items include travel requests, intergovernmental agreements, budget adjustments, grant applications, and a liquor license for Odell Cafe.

• Heirloom Orchards (Angostura Farms, LLC) Non-Residential Subdivision plat approval
• Letter of Testimony opposing SB 427 and SB 1153 concerning water rights transfers
• Forest Carbon Project Update and Amendment agreement
• Northern Oregon Regional Tactical Response Team (NORTAC) Intergovernmental Agreement between Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, and Gilliam Counties
• Budget Adjustment for Forestry Timber Projects FY24/25

Board of Commissioners Special Business

The Board of Commissioners will review a policy framework for the 2025-2026 budget and consider a grant application for the Justice Reinvestment Program. The meeting also includes an executive session for labor negotiations.

• Justice Reinvestment Program grant application for 2025-27 biennium to support peer mentors, NORCOR Re-Entry Programs, and two motel rooms at Lone Pine
• FY 25/26 Budget Strategy review including a proposed 13% increase in Personnel Services
• Executive session for labor negotiations per ORS 192.660(2)(d)

Budget Committee Info

The Budget Committee Elected Officials’ Compensation Sub-Committee will meet on April 3, 2025, to review compensation data and approve salary and cost-of-labor figures for county elected positions for the upcoming fiscal year. Actions include setting the Sheriff’s salary and labor cost, Justice of the Peace salary and labor cost, District Court Attorney stipend, and the cost of labor for County Commissioners and the Commission Chair (citizen members only). The meeting begins with election of a chair and vice chair.

• Election of sub-committee chair and vice chair
• Review of elected officials’ compensation data by HR Director Cheryl Berger
• Approval of County Sheriff salary and cost of labor for FY 2025/2026
• Approval of Justice of the Peace salary and cost of labor for FY 2025/2026
• District Court Attorney stipend approval; County Commissioners and Chair cost of labor discussed by citizen members only

Board of Commissioners Work Session Business

At the work session, commissioners discuss the USDA Wildlife Services budget, interview Planning Commission candidates, and accept a proclamation for Minoru Yasui Day. The business meeting acts on the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, bridge replacement funding, and consent items such as budget adjustments, grants, and a subdivision plat.

• Adopt the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan as presented
• Provide direction on proposed USDA Wildlife Services budget request
• Authorize state legislative request for Lost Lake Road Bridge replacement
• Authorize ODOT Transportation Safety Grant application for DUII prosecution
• Approve final Windsong Terrace Plat for recording

Board of Commissioner

The Board of Commissioners approved a supplemental budget to transfer $500,000 in construction excise tax funds to the City of Hood River for the Rand Road project. The Board also granted the County Administrator authority to issue letters of support for legislation aligned with county priorities.

• Approved $500,000 supplemental budget adjustment for Rand Road project (5-0)
• Authorized County Administrator to submit letters of support for legislation aligned with county priorities

Board of Commissioners Work Session Business

The Board of Commissioners will discuss FEMA flood hazard maps and housing policy for the Odell unincorporated community. They are also deciding on several grant applications, budget adjustments, and a request for federal funding to replace the County Courthouse and Administration buildings.

• Request for FY26 funding to replace the County Courthouse and Administration buildings
• Contract award to Singer Lewak for Independent Single Audit (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027)
• Approval of the Rock Creek subdivision plat
• Adoption of the 2025 Hood River County Community Wildfire Protection Plan
• MOU to pre-position a climate resilience trailer in Cascade Locks

Board of Commissioner

The Board of Commissioners approved a resolution establishing the 2025 'Hood River County Reads' program featuring the book 'The Beadworkers: Stories' by Beth Piatote. The meeting also included a work session on FEMA flood hazard maps and housing policy options for the Odell Unincorporated Community.

• Approved resolution establishing 'Hood River County Reads' (5-0)
• Approved Rock Creek Subdivision plat
• Authorized Forestry Department to apply for Oregon Parks and Recreation Department grant
• Authorized Public Works to apply for DOT Build America Bureau Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program
• Declared Public Works vehicles #0074, #0103, #0138 and truck canopy #0186 as surplus
• Approved out-of-state travel for Public Works staff to Illinois and Forestry staff to Wisconsin
• Awarded Singer Lewak the Independent Single Audit contract for July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027
• Authorized MOU with ODHS OREM for a climate resilience trailer in Cascade Locks

Board of Commissioners Work Session Business

The Board of Commissioners will discuss updating the County Forest Management Plan and related trail plans. The body is also considering a legislative request to replace the Hood River County Courthouse and the creation of a Technology Services Director position.

• Legislative request for Hood River County Courthouse replacement
• Authorization to create and hire a Technology Services Director
• Proposed updates to the Forest Management Plan, Trail Management Plan, and Trail Master Plan
• Intergovernmental Agreement with Wasco County for the Behavioral Health Deflection Program
• Intergovernmental Agreement with MCEDD for Mt Hood Town Hall Microgrid Installation

Board of Commissioner

The Board of Commissioners approved the use of the county logo to support a legislative concept (HB 3209) to fund the removal of abandoned RVs. The meeting also included reports on the 2024 fiscal year audit and staffing shortages in the District Attorney's office.

• Approved use of county logo for legislative concept concerning RV disposal (5-0)