Morrow County, OR

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Fair Board

Planning Commission

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Parks Committee

Fair Board

Fair Board

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Fair Board

Fair Board

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Fair Board

Fair Board

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Fair Board

Fair Board

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Fair Board

Fair Board

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Fair Board

Fair Board

Board of Commissioners

Fair Board

Fair Board

Fair Board

Fair Board

Fair Board

Fair Board

Fair Board

Fair Board

Fair Board

Fair Board

ASA Advisory Committee

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding a proposed solar project north and east of the City of Ione. The board must decide on a Comprehensive Plan Amendment and a Conditional Use Permit for the project.

• Comprehensive Plan Amendment for a 6,352-acre Well Springs Solar Project (AC-167-26)
• Conditional Use Permit application CUP-N-397-26 for Well Springs Solar Project, LLC

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will review quarterly department reports and various payment authorizations. The board is considering a funding agreement for Phase II of the county courthouse and a request to make the Fair Manager a full-time position.

• Morrow County Courthouse Phase II Funding Agreement
• FTE Request to transition Fair Manager to a full-time position
• Payment authorization for Bouten Construction Circuit Courthouse Project Invoice L-145-13
• Rejection of invoice for Morrow County Health District
• Consideration of tax foreclosed properties in Ione

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss the Weed District. No other specific business items are listed on the agenda.

• Weed District Discussion

Clean Water Consortium

The Morrow County Clean Water Consortium will meet to select an engineering firm for Boardman Phase 1. The body will also consider atmospheric water generation units and review water requests.

• Engineering firm selection for Boardman Phase 1
• Consideration of Air2O atmospheric water generation units
• Boardman Municipal Water Request update
• Clean Drinking Water Solutions recommendation form and evaluation matrix
• Invoice approval for Managing Director Services

Fair Board

The Fair Board will review the 2026 fair and discuss preparations for the 2027 event, including the theme and Grand Marshal. The board is also considering a rental discount for the Element Dance Company.

• Rental discount request from Paige Counsell (Element Dance Company) for Dance Hall use: $900 plus $200 deposit (50% off $1,800)
• Selection of 2027 Grand Marshal and 2027 Theme
• Fair Manager position update
• Premium Book Contract
• Review of the 2026 Fair

Wolf Depredation Advisory Committee

The committee will meet to review minutes from February 10, 2026, and receive agency updates. The agenda consists primarily of procedural items.

• Review of February 10, 2026 minutes
• Agency updates

General

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss business items. The primary item for consideration is a PILOT agreement with Passage Solar.

• Passage Solar PILOT Agreement

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners holds a work session on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 1:30 PM at the Bartholomew Building in Heppner. The single substantive agenda item is a work session discussion of an ordinance permitting use of ATVs on selected county roads. No votes or final decisions are listed on the agenda; the notice states the Board may also consider additional subjects.

• Work session item: Ordinance Permitting Use of ATVs on Selected County Roads
• Meeting held at Bartholomew Building Upper Conference Room, 110 N. Court Street, Heppner, Oregon
• Public may attend in person or via Zoom (Meeting ID 821 6670 2024)
• Agenda notes the Board may consider subjects beyond those listed, per ORS 192.640

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners meets Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 9:00 A.M. at the Bartholomew Building in Heppner. The board will hold a public hearing on the FY2026-27 supplemental budget and take up business items including a second reading of Ordinance 2026-10 on a Comprehensive Plan amendment for the Kilkenny Goal 5 Significant Aggregate Resource, a Bouten Construction change order for the Circuit Courthouse Project, and a notice of policy and FY2026 budget violation. Department reports, a consent agenda, correspondence, and commissioner reports are also scheduled, along with two executive sessions on labor negotiations and real property transactions.

• Public hearing on the FY2026-27 Supplemental Budget (Kevin Ince)
• Second reading of Ordinance 2026-10 to adopt a Comprehensive Plan amendment adding the Kilkenny Goal 5 Significant Aggregate Resource (George Cress)
• Consideration of Bouten Construction Contract Change Order #001 for the Circuit Courthouse Project
• Notice of Policy Violation and FY2026 Budget Violation (Matthew Jensen)
• Consent agenda includes Amendment #10 to the Oregon Health Authority 2025-2027 Intergovernmental Agreement for Public Health Services financing (Agreement #185824), Seubert Excavators Invoice 8333 for Ella Quarry Crushing, a multi-county weed abatement agreement, and VOCA & CFA Grant Amendment #1

General

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners holds a work session on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 1:00 PM in the Bartholomew Building Upper Conference Room in Heppner. The agenda lists business items on minutes and recordings, review of prioritization of CIP (capital improvement project) projects, assignments for department projects, and other business. No specific projects, dollar amounts, or decisions are listed in the agenda text.

• Review prioritization of CIP (capital improvement project) projects
• Assignments for department projects
• Minutes and recordings
• Other business

Planning Commission

The Morrow County Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two conditional use permits: a home occupation permit for a retail Christmas tree lot and a comprehensive plan amendment with a conditional use permit for the 6,352-acre Well Springs Solar Project. The commission will also consider approving the draft minutes from August 25, 2026, and discuss a joint management agreement. Action is required on the public hearing items.

• CUP-N-400-26: Home Occupation Conditional Use Permit for retail Christmas tree lot, Tax Lot 1300, Map 5N26E23A, zoned Rural Residential, off Washington Lane west of West Fourth Road, outside Irrigon UGB
• AC-167-26: Comprehensive Plan Amendment for exception to Statewide Planning Goal 3 (Farmland Protection) for Well Springs Solar Project
• CUP-N-397-26: Conditional Use Permit for Well Springs Solar Project, 6,352 acres, north/east of Ione, east of Highway 74, south of Interstate 84
• Approval criteria include MCZO Article 3, Section 3.040; Article 6, Section 6.050.G; Article 3, Section 3.010(M)(3); Article 8; ORS 197.732(2)(c)(A)-(D)
• Other Business: Joint Management Agreement discussion

General

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to review the status of the adopted Capital Improvement Plan, assign department responsibilities for reviewing capital needs, and consider contracting for pricing assistance. This is a working discussion, not a final decision-making meeting.

• Review status of adopted Capital Improvement Plan
• Assign departments to review capital needs
• Consider contracted assistance for pricing
• Next meeting scheduled for October 1, 2026

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners is holding a work session with a single agenda item: discussion on a policy for the use of artificial intelligence. No decisions are listed; the item is framed as discussion only. The meeting is open to the public via in-person attendance or Zoom.

• Discussion on Policy for Use of Artificial Intelligence

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting with public comment, department reports, and a consent agenda. Key business items include a proposed $400,000 grant to Heppner Rural Fire District, a second reading of a transient lodging tax ordinance, and a solar payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement. The board will also consider a contract for community mental health programs and may enter executive session for real property negotiations.

• Consideration of $400,000 grant to Heppner Rural Fire District
• Second reading of Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) Ordinance
• Passage Solar Payment In Lieu of Taxes Agreement
• Budget adjustment for JUB Engineers scope of work
• Contract with Community Counseling Solutions for mental health programs

The Board approved a new transient lodging tax and a grant for wildfire equipment for the Heppner Rural Fire District. They also approved a mental health programs contract and authorized a data center public information meeting. Two items regarding a solar tax agreement and a budget adjustment for JUB Engineering were tabled.

• Adopted Ordinance ORD-2026-11 implementing a 5% Transient Lodging Tax (2-1)
• Approved $300,000 grant to Heppner Rural Fire District for wildfire equipment (2-1)
• Approved contract with Community Counseling Solutions for mental health programs (Unanimous)
• Authorized Industrial/Data Center Public Information Meeting (Unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including Veterans grant and courthouse invoice (Unanimous)
• Tabled Passage Solar Payment in Lieu of Taxes Agreement (2-0, 1 recused)
• Tabled budget adjustment for JUB Engineering scope of work (Unanimous)
• Directed Tax Collector to finalize ZeaChem property foreclosure for transfer to Port of Morrow (Unanimous)

Parks Committee

The Morrow County Parks Committee is meeting to discuss routine updates and decide whether to continue holding quarterly meetings. The agenda includes reports on park projects, a parks master plan update, and an ATV ordinance, but no major decisions or public hearings are scheduled.

• Discussion on whether to continue quarterly Parks Committee meetings
• Update on Parks Master Plan with Nexus Planning Service Team
• ATV Ordinance update
• Announcement of Ride Over Cancer Event at OHV Park on October 3, 2026
• Youth Elk Hunt November 7-15, 2026

The Morrow County Parks Committee met on September 8, 2026, but the minutes contain no substantive decisions, only a placeholder for agenda files and signature lines. No actions, approvals, or discussions are recorded.

Clean Water Consortium

The Morrow County Clean Water Consortium will review financial statements and the Managing Director's invoice. The meeting includes presentations on whole-home filtration and atmospheric water generation, alongside discussions on a pilot project for individual home solutions.

• Presentation on Whole-Home Filtration System by International Pure Water
• Presentation on Atmospheric Water Generation by Air2O Water
• Update on RFQ for Boardman Phase 1/West Glen Area
• Discussion on Individual Home Solutions Pilot Project
• Review of Social Media Policy and Resolution

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding a Comprehensive Plan amendment for a Large Significant Site. The meeting also includes discussions on intergovernmental agreements for sheriff's services and a first reading of a Transient Lodging Tax ordinance.

• Public hearing for Goal 5 Comprehensive Plan Amendment (John & Diane Kilkenny)
• First reading of Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) Ordinance
• Intergovernmental Agreements for Sheriff's Services with Heppner and Irrigon
• Construction contract award for Bartholomew Building Standby Power System
• Approval of Chaparral Park Subdivision, Phase II plat

The Board approved a Comprehensive Plan amendment designating the Kilkenny Rock Quarry, about 43 acres on Assessor Map 2S280 tax lot 1300, as a large significant Goal 5 resource site, with the first reading of Ordinance ORD-2026-10. Commissioners also approved a one-year sheriff services agreement with the City of Heppner, an IGA for sheriff services with the City of Irrigon, and a first reading of a 5% Transient Lodging Tax ordinance (ORD-2026-11) that would take effect January 1, 2027. A motion to refer the lodging tax to voters died for lack of a second. The Board authorized an employment offer for Public Works Director above Grade 31, Step 4 with a sign-on bonus, and approved adding one FTE Regional A&D Prevention Specialist contingent on grant funding.

• Approved Comprehensive Plan amendment and first reading of Ordinance ORD-2026-10 designating Kilkenny Rock Quarry as a Goal 5 large significant site (unanimous)
• Approved one-year IGA for sheriff services with City of Heppner, correcting 'personal' to 'personnel' (unanimous)
• Approved IGA for sheriff services with City of Irrigon (unanimous)
• Approved $2,500 Eastern Oregon Counties Association FY 2026-27 dues from Board budget, invoice 2026-10 (unanimous)
• First reading by title only of Transient Lodging Tax Ordinance ORD-2026-11, 5% tax effective January 1, 2027 (2-1, Sykes opposed)
• Motion to refer transient lodging tax to voters died for lack of second
• Approved one FTE Regional A&D Prevention Specialist contingent on continued ADPEP grant funding and regional cost-sharing with Gilliam and Wheeler Counties (unanimous)
• Approved title change from Lay Health Promoter and Translator to Bilingual Community Outreach Coordinator, no change to grade or pay (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss two items: a proposed ordinance permitting ATV use on selected county roads, and a draft drinking water investigation roadmap and action plan for Morrow and Umatilla counties. No final decisions are scheduled; the session is for discussion only.

• Ordinance permitting ATV use on selected county roads
• Review of draft Morrow-Umatilla Counties Drinking Water Investigation: Roadmap and Action Plan

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will consider several business items, including a second reading of an ordinance adopting the Tower Road Interchange Area Management Plan (IAMP) and zoning amendments, a Tower Road improvement agreement with Amazon Data Services, Inc., and a task order for a County Bridge Master Plan. They will also discuss a county clerk resignation and appointment, official comments on the Blue Mountains Forest Plan, and various intergovernmental agreements.

• Second reading of ordinance adopting Tower Road IAMP and zoning amendments
• Tower Road Improvement Agreement with Amazon Data Services, Inc.
• Task order for Keller Associates to develop County Bridge Master Plan
• County Clerk resignation and appointment
• Intergovernmental agreements with Wheeler and Gilliam counties for substance abuse prevention coordinator

The Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted Ordinance OR-2026-06, legalizing a portion of Immigrant Lane (CR #550) and Morgan Road (CR #537) to correct the right-of-way to match the roads as physically established. The Board also accepted County Clerk Bobbi Childers' resignation effective August 19, 2026, and reappointed her through January 4, 2027. Other actions included approving a Tower Road improvement agreement with Amazon Data Services (up to $375,000 reimbursement), a $10,000 tentative seed commitment to the Umatilla Basin Water Quality Committee, and a $20,700 rodeo grant with a fiscal sponsor. An executive session on labor negotiations was held with no action taken.

• Adopted OR-2026-06 legalizing a portion of Immigrant Lane and Morgan Road (3-0)
• Accepted County Clerk Bobbi Childers' resignation effective August 19, 2026 (unanimous)
• Reappointed Bobbi Childers as County Clerk through January 4, 2027 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda: August 5 minutes, courthouse invoice, jail use agreement, grant 5311 amendment (unanimous)
• Approved comment letter supporting Option 2 in the Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revision (unanimous)
• Adopted ORD-2026-08 amending the Comprehensive Plan and zoning for the Tower Road IAMP (unanimous)
• Tentatively committed $10,000 in seed funding for the Umatilla Basin Water Quality Committee (unanimous)
• Approved Tower Road Improvement Agreement with Amazon Data Services, up to $375,000 reimbursement (2-0, one recused)

Clean Water Consortium

The Morrow County Clean Water Consortium Board will hold a regular meeting to discuss water quality and infrastructure projects. Key items include updates on contaminated wells within city limits, the Drinking Water Roadmap Project, and a request for qualifications (RFQ) for the Boardman Phase 1 - West Glen Area. The board will also consider a resolution amending bylaws regarding the advisory board and an option for whole-home reverse osmosis systems.

• RFQ for Boardman Phase 1 - West Glen Area
• Resolution 2026-05 Amending Bylaws regarding Advisory Board
• Update on Contaminated Wells within City Limits
• Update on the Drinking Water Roadmap Project
• Whole-Home RO System Option

Fair Board

The Morrow County Fair Board will consider proposed RFPs for flood mitigation, a master plan, and an annex/dorm remodel. They will also review the fair schedule and confirm board member availability. The meeting includes reports from 4-H, maintenance, and the administrator.

• Proposed RFPs for flood mitigation, master plan, and annex/dorm remodel
• Review of fairgrounds master plan
• Review of fair schedule and board member obligations
• Reports from 4-H, maintenance, and administrator

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will hold a land use hearing. The session focuses on a Transportation System Plan Amendment regarding the Tower Road Interchange Area Management Plan.

• TSP-164-26: Tower Road Interchange Area Management Plan Transportation System Plan Amendment

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding a Planning Department fee schedule surcharge. The body is also considering several equipment purchases and intergovernmental agreements.

• Public hearing on Planning Department fee schedule surcharge
• Purchase of 2026 Caterpillar 938 Small Wheel Loader, CS10 GC Single-Drum Compactor, and 309 Mini Excavator
• Law Enforcement Service Agreements with Ione School District and Morrow County School District
• Intergovernmental Agreement with Port of Morrow for Rural Strategic Investment Program (SIP) Joint Coordination Framework
• Intergovernmental Agreement with Morrow Soil and Water Conservation District

The Board approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Port of Morrow creating a joint committee to coordinate negotiations on Strategic Investment Program agreements, after the County Administrator said its confidentiality clause follows state law rather than being a non-disclosure agreement. Commissioners also approved a fee schedule clarifying a $500-per-megawatt surcharge on energy facilities, an order directing the Sheriff to sell tax-foreclosed properties with minimum bids set at taxes owed, and ratified a $429,844 IMPACTS Grant agreement dated May 18, 2026. Discussion of an $80,000 annual funding agreement with the Morrow Soil & Water Conservation District was tabled, and no action was taken on the County Clerk's succession request or a data center listening session date.

• Approved IGA with Port of Morrow for Rural Strategic Investment Program joint coordination (unanimous)
• Approved planning fee schedule clarifying $500-per-megawatt energy facility surcharge (unanimous)
• Approved Order OR-2026-03 directing Sheriff to conduct foreclosure property sale, minimum bid set at taxes owed (unanimous)
• Ratified IMPACTS Grant agreement for $429,844 dated May 18, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including July 15 and July 22 minutes, Holly Heights Subdivision, two law enforcement service agreements, three Caterpillar equipment purchases, out-of-state travel for two planners, and ambulance services invoice (unanimous)
• Tabled IGA with Morrow Soil & Water Conservation District pending $80,000 annual agreement with quarterly reports
• No motion made on creating a regional prevention specialist position; Board consensus to proceed with negotiations
• No action taken on County Clerk succession request to vacate and be reappointed for November 3, 2026 ballot

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a continued hearing regarding a Comprehensive Plan Amendment for a 43-acre aggregate site. The body will also hold a work session to discuss commercial trucking businesses in residential zones.

• Continued Hearing AC-168-26: Comprehensive Plan Amendment to add a Goal 5 Significant Resource (aggregate site) on Tax Lot 1300, Map 2S28E Section 21
• Work session on commercial trucks in Residential Zones

ASA Advisory Committee