Sherman County public meetings in 2025
23 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Special Transportation Funds / Statewide Transportation Improvement Funds
The STIF Advisory Board will meet to review financial reports and transit updates. The body will discuss the Bus Barn and an RVHT grant.
- Quarter 1 Financial Report
- Bus Barn updates
- RVHT Grant
County Court
The commissioners approved Amendment No. 001 to HECC Grant No. 24-072X, allowing an increase up to $52,500 and authorizing Judge Dabulskis to sign. They also approved the Personal Services Contract between Northwest Forensic Institute LLC and Northern Oregon Regional Corrections (NORCOR) on behalf of the Sheriff’s Oversight Committee. Both motions passed unanimously with a 3‑0 vote.
- Approved Amendment No. 001 to HECC Grant No. 24-072X, up to $52,500 (3‑0)
- Authorized Personal Services Contract between Northwest Forensic Institute LLC and NORCOR (3‑0)
County Court
The Court voted 3‑0 to add $41,303 to the Victim Assistance Director’s salary and benefits, contingent on the VOCA grant. It also approved partial housing reimbursements, destroyed unissued checks, voided returned incentive checks, upheld the resident‑incentive ordinance, and agreed to sign two support letters—one for Marion County’s legal‑clarity request and one for the City of Rufus’s T‑Mobile grant.
- Approved $41,303 VOCA funding for Victim Assistance Director (3-0)
- Approved roof and HVAC portion of Petersen housing rehab, up to $6,367.40 (3-0)
- Approved $3,400 Pfeifer rehabilitation housing grant waiver (3-0)
- Authorized Finance Director to destroy unissued county checks (3-0)
- Authorized Finance Director to void returned Resident Incentive checks (3-0)
- Upheld Ordinance 10-2009 for single incentive payment per address (3-0)
- Consented to sign Marion County legal‑clarity letter (unanimous consensus)
- Consented to write a support letter for Rufus’s T‑Mobile Hometown Grant (unanimous consensus)
County Court
The commissioners voted 3‑0 to accept the low bid from Roy Houck Construction for the Scott Canyon Road Overlay project, costing $1,213,931.60. They also approved authorizations for the District Attorney to sign VOCA/CFA applications, adopted the whistle‑blower protection statute, and approved several inter‑agency agreements and budget transfers. All motions were adopted unanimously.
- Accepted low bid of $1,213,931.60 for Scott Canyon Road Overlay (3-0)
- Authorized District Attorney to sign VOCA/CFA applications (Oct 1 2025–Sep 30 2027) (3-0)
- Adopted whistle‑blower protection statute requirements (3-0)
- Approved Intergovernmental Agreement with OSMB up to $23,029 per year (3-0)
- Authorized budget transfers to Community Development, Emergency Services, Senior Center, and SIP Income Tax Distribution funds (3-0)
- Authorized $2,000 Planning Department credit card for Amy Phelps (3-0)
- Approved MOU with Bio Management Northwest for crime‑scene cleanup services (3-0)
- Approved MOU with Peachey Davies and Myers for legal consultations (3-0)
County Court
The court approved a $13,167 quote to fix the CU‑2 compressor, solenoid and inverter board for the new courthouse heating system (vote 3‑0). They also appointed Meinrad Kuettel to the MCEDD Board for a two‑year term (vote 3‑0), authorized a $1,000 work credit card for Administrative Assistant Tammi Gaskey (vote 3‑0), and approved a $5,000 Young Memorial Planning Assistance Grant through April 2027 (vote 3‑0). No other substantive actions were taken.
- Approved $13,167 CU‑2 compressor repair contract (3‑0)
- Appointed Meinrad Kuettel to MCEDD Board (3‑0)
- Authorized $1,000 work credit card for Tammi Gaskey (3‑0)
- Approved $5,000 Young Memorial Planning Assistance Grant (3‑0)
County Court
The Court approved the Master Mutual Law Enforcement Assistance Agreement with a 3‑0 vote. It also approved a $25,000 quote to replace HVAC compressors and re‑pipe equipment, a decision to end the free Blue Mountain Networks service and begin paying for county services starting July 1, 2025, and a $650 payment to print 100 Emergency Preparedness Guidebooks. All motions passed unanimously.
- Approved Master Mutual Law Enforcement Assistance Agreement (3-0)
- Approved LG compressor replacement and re‑pipe quotes up to $25,000 (3-0)
- Approved ending free Blue Mountain Networks service; county to pay for services starting July 1 2025 (3-0)
- Approved printing of 100 Emergency Preparedness Guidebooks, up to $650 (3-0)
County Court
The court approved the transfer of funds among county departments by a 3‑0 vote. It then moved through first, second, and third readings of Ordinance #03‑2025, each approved 3‑0, and gave final approval of the ordinance, also 3‑0. No public comments were recorded.
- Approved transfer of funds within County General, Community Transit, Ambulance, Prevention, Emergency Services, General Road, County Fair and Senior Center (vote 3‑0)
- Approved first reading of Ordinance #03‑2025 (vote 3‑0)
- Approved second reading of Ordinance #03‑2025 (vote 3‑0)
- Approved third reading of Ordinance #03‑2025 (vote 3‑0)
- Approved final passage of Ordinance #03‑2025, authorizing County Court to sign (vote 3‑0)
County Court
The court voted 3-0 to dissolve the Eastern Oregon Human Services Consortium. It also approved several agreements and a housing grant, each with a unanimous 3-0 vote. Employee salary rates for 2025-2026 were adopted, and the May 2025 consent agenda items were accepted. A yard sale plan was set, directing most surplus items to the sale and storing wooden chairs.
- Approved dissolution of Eastern Oregon Human Services Consortium (3-0)
- Approved amendment to Medical Examiner Services Agreement (3-0)
- Approved Intergovernmental Services Agreement for map maintenance (3-0)
- Approved $10,000 housing incentive grant to Jason and Marissa Earl (3-0)
- Approved 2025-2026 Sherman County employee salary rates (3-0)
- Approved minutes of May 7, 2025 (3-0)
- Approved May 2025 revenue/expenditures report (3-0)
- Decided yard sale items: surplus items for garage sale, wooden chairs stored
County Court
The court approved the 2025‑2026 county budget totaling $100,838,525 and established a tax rate of $8.7141 per $1,000 of assessed value. It also approved a 2.08% rate adjustment for The Dalles Disposal effective July 1, 2025. Additional approvals included payments to SAIF, a work cell phone for the Weed District Supervisor, a $2,000 work credit card, fund transfers, an Oregon Youth Corps agreement, and a Mid‑Columbia Economic Development District intergovernmental agreement. All motions passed unanimously.
- Approved 2025‑2026 budget of $100,838,525 and tax rate $8.7141 per $1,000 (3‑0)
- Approved 2.08% rate adjustment for The Dalles Disposal effective July 1, 2025 (3‑0)
- Approved SAIF payment of $34,727.79 for 2025‑2026 (3‑0)
- Authorized work cell phone and line through T‑Mobile for Weed District Supervisor (3‑0)
- Authorized $2,000 work credit card for Weed District Supervisor (3‑0)
- Authorized resolution to transfer funds among county departments (3‑0)
- Authorized Oregon Youth Corps agreement up to $15,000 for 2025‑2027 (3‑0)
- Authorized MCEDD intergovernmental agreement up to $50,000 for 2025‑2026 (3‑0)
County Court
The commissioners voted 3‑0 to approve a $10,000 grant for a new housing construction project submitted by Charley and Cindy Brown. They also approved a new waste‑management price of $31.70 per ton, a 2.7% CPI adjustment effective July 1, 2025, with a 3‑0 vote. The Revenue/Expenditure Summary and Treasurer’s Report for April 2025 were each approved unanimously (3‑0). No other substantive actions were taken.
- Approved $10,000 housing construction grant for Brown (3-0)
- Approved waste‑management price $31.70 per ton, 2.7% CPI adjustment (3-0)
- Approved April 2025 Revenue/Expenditure Summary (3-0)
- Approved April 2025 Treasurer’s Report (3-0)
County Court
The County Court voted 3‑0 to appoint Eric Nerdin to the Planning Commission and to name Meinrad Kuettel to the North Central Public Health Budget Committee. It also approved a proclamation of EMS Week (May 18‑24, 2025), authorized District Attorney Wade McLeod to sign the CAMI grant award, and amended the Outdoor Burn Ordinance to add the Fire Chief’s signature page. A county‑wide burn ban will begin on June 1, 2025, and the court approved the April 2025 claims and the previous months’ meeting minutes.
- Appointed Eric Nerdin to Planning Commission (3‑0)
- Proclaimed May 18‑24, 2025 as EMS Week (3‑0)
- Appointed Meinrad Kuettel to North Central Public Health Budget Committee (3‑0)
- Authorized District Attorney Wade McLeod to sign CAMI grant documents (3‑0)
- Amended Outdoor Burn Ordinance to include Fire Chief’s signature page (3‑0)
- Approved Sherman County burn ban effective June 1, 2025 (no vote recorded)
- Approved April 2025 claims as presented (3‑0)
- Approved minutes of March 5, March 19, April 16, and April 22, 2025 (each 3‑0)
County Court
The court voted 3-0 to accept the bid from Klein & Associates, Inc. for special inspections and material testing on the bus barn project, authorizing Judge Dabulskis to sign the contract. The restrictive covenant for the bus barn was discussed, noting it must be signed to receive ODOT funding, but no further action was taken.
- Approved $15,380 special inspection contract with Klein & Associates, Inc. (3-0)
County Court
The court voted 3-0 to adopt a certification pay policy that adds 3% to the base salary of employees who obtain approved certificates or licenses. It also approved a Life Flight membership policy, providing reimbursement for household members, with a 3-0 vote. The court decided not to implement retention bonuses at this time. No decision was made on the mass gathering permit application.
- Approved Certification Pay Policy (3-0)
- Approved Life Flight Membership Policy (3-0)
- Decided not to implement retention bonuses (no vote recorded)
Special Transportation Funds / Statewide Transportation Improvement Funds
The Sherman County Community Transit STIF Advisory Board will hold a public meeting to approve previous minutes, review the third-quarter financial report, and receive updates on the bus barn and Title VI plan. The board will also discuss updates to its advisory board bylaws. The agenda consists of routine administrative and oversight items.
- Approval of minutes from January 21, 2025
- Quarter 3 financial report review
- Update on bus barn project
- Discussion of Title VI plan
- Update on STIF Advisory Board bylaws
County Court
The special session of the Sherman County Court approved several employee compensation measures, including one-step salary increases for a group of staff and a separate increase for Tammy Bartlett. The court also declined a classification change for Jennifer Lenz, a 10% raise for Sheriff’s Office staff, and approved a 4.0% cost‑of‑living adjustment, Life Flight membership for all employees, and a classification change for Magee Kennedy. Additionally, the court authorized Judge Dabulskis to sign a grant letter for the ODOJ CVSSD Trauma Informed Response Training program.
- Approved one-step salary increases for Dana Pursley-Haner, Deanna Christiansen, Steve Biagi, Cody Callahan, Kyle Burnett, Kyle Pfeifer, Clemmer Peck, Bob Erickson, Breck von Borstel, Travis Bailey, Kristi Lesh, Kar] Ihrke and Audrey thrke (vote 3-0)
- Approved one-step increase plus PERS increase for Tammy Bartlett (vote 3-0)
- Declined classification change for Jennifer Lenz (vote 3-0)
- Declined 10% salary increase for Sheriff’s Office staff (vote 3-0)
- Approved a 4.0% COLA for planning the 2025/26 fiscal year budget (vote 3-0)
- Approved Life Flight membership for all county employees (vote 3-0)
- Approved classification change for Magee Kennedy from class 7 to class 8 (vote 3-0)
- Authorized Judge Dabulskis to sign ODOJ CVSSD Trauma Informed Response Training grant letter (vote 3-0)
County Court
The court approved a $1,150,586 bus barn construction contract with Bunch Construction and a $53,250 supplemental loan to Sherman County Transit. It also authorized a $126,977.40 land purchase for senior housing in Moro and a $19,472.06 property sale to Moro Rural Fire Protection Services. Three proclamations were approved, and a $10,000 rental housing grant was awarded to Apex NW, Inc. The court also approved several smaller contracts and reports.
- Approved $1,150,586 bus barn contract with Bunch Construction (3-0)
- Authorized $53,250 loan to Sherman County Transit for bus barn (3-0)
- Approved $126,977.40 senior housing land purchase in Moro (2-0, Miller abstained)
- Approved $19,472.06 property sale to Moro Rural Fire Protection Services (2-0, Miller abstained)
- Approved $10,000 rental housing grant to Apex NW, Inc. (3-0)
- Approved $20,496 for courthouse HVAC repairs (3-0)
- Approved three proclamations: Child Abuse Prevention, Crime Victims' Rights, Sexual Assault Awareness (3-0 each)
- Approved Library IGA and CAPECO contract amendment (3-0 each)
County Court
The Sherman County Court discussed the Housing Incentive Program and directed staff to update applications, removing references to the defunct Grant Review Committee and adjusting eligible rehabilitation items. It also approved appointments of Justice of the Peace Pro Tem and a three-year maintenance agreement with Long Mechanical Services. The February 2025 claims were tabled to the next meeting.
- Approved appointment of Mia R. Moore and Robin Ordway as Justice of the Peace Pro Tem for 2025 (3-0)
- Approved three-year Building Technologies Maintenance Agreement with Long for $28,440 (3-0)
- Approved minutes of January 22, 2025, as corrected (3-0)
- Approved Treasurer's Report for December 2024 (3-0)
- Tabled February 2025 claims until March 19, 2025 meeting
- Directed updates to Housing Incentive Program applications, removing 'Grant Review Committee' references and adjusting eligible rehabilitation items
- Decided not to create a new commercial property grant application at this time
- Will revisit housing grant dollar amounts next year
County Court
The Sherman County Court reached consensus to move forward with a 3-inch asphalt overlay on Scott Canyon Road from Medler Lane to Herin, estimated at about $1.7 million. The Court also approved moving Sheriff's Office photos, paying monthly county bills, and appointing Jenny Anglin to the NCPH Budget Committee. Commissioner Bird was authorized to submit a Congressional Spending Funding request for up to $2 million for the Resolution Center and NCPH building. All votes were unanimous (3-0).
- Consensus to proceed with 3-inch overlay on Scott Canyon Road (Medler Lane to Herin)
- Approved moving Sheriff's Office photos to lobby wall (3-0)
- Authorized payment of regular monthly county bills (3-0)
- Appointed Jenny Anglin to NCPH Budget Committee (3-0)
- Approved minutes of Jan 8 and Feb 5, 2025 (3-0 each)
- Approved January 2025 Revenue/Expenditure Summary and Treasurer's Report (3-0 each)
- Consensus to allow OSU Extension to install security cameras at Burnet Building
- Consensus to support County Yard Sale on June 28
County Court
The Sherman County Court approved a pause on new housing program applications for up to 90 days, except for new housing construction and new rental housing construction grants. The court also appointed Dean Dark to the Weed Control Advisory Board, authorized the surplus and sale of a Sheriff's Office vehicle, and approved several other routine actions. All votes were unanimous (3-0).
- Approved pause on new housing program applications for up to 90 days (3-0)
- Appointed Dean Dark to Weed Control Advisory Board, term ending Dec 2027 (3-0)
- Authorized surplus and sale of 2018 Dodge Durango, funds to Sheriff's Vehicle Reserve Fund (3-0)
- Approved removal of 'Reserved for Law Enforcement Parking Only' signs on 4th Street (3-0)
- Authorized payment of AOC 2025 dues of $11,826.03 (3-0)
- Appointed Deanna Christiansen to NORCOR Budget Committee for two fiscal years (3-0)
- Appointed Wendy Boyer and Dan Funkhouser to Rufus City Council until 12/2026 (3-0)
- Approved January 2025 claims as presented (3-0)
County Court
The Sherman County Court meeting on February 5, 2025, was dedicated to public comments on the proposed solar setback ordinance (Ordinance No. 2025-02). No formal decisions were made; the court heard from residents and officials expressing varied opinions on the proposed 1/4-mile setback, with some advocating for larger setbacks and others raising concerns about the ordinance's clarity and process. The meeting adjourned without any substantive action.
- No formal decisions were made during this meeting; it was dedicated to public comments on the solar setback ordinance.
County Court
The Sherman County Court adopted Ordinance #01-2025, a new Flood Hazard Ordinance replacing the 2020 version, in a 3-0 vote after a public hearing with no testimony. The court also approved a $10,000 New Housing Construction Grant and a 6-month project extension. A public hearing on a proposed solar setback ordinance was held with extensive comment but no decision was made; the court stated it will hold a future work session.
- Adopted Flood Hazard Ordinance #01-2025, repealing 1-2020 (3-0)
- Approved $10,000 New Housing Construction Grant for Charlie and Susan Hogue (3-0)
- Approved 6-month extension for Alex and Julie Devlaeminck housing project (2-0, 1 abstention)
- Approved Agreement No. 35702 with State of Oregon for Sherman County Transit (3-0)
- Tabled DEQ Materials Management Program Authorization Form
- Approved minutes of December 18, 2024, as corrected (3-0)
- Moved agenda item deadline to Thursday noon before County Court meetings
Special Transportation Funds / Statewide Transportation Improvement Funds
The STIF Advisory Board will meet to review the Quarter 2 financial report and discuss several grant opportunities. The meeting will take place at the Sherman County Courthouse.
- Quarter 2 Financial Report
- Mid-Cycle Discretionary Solicitation grant
- STIF Formula Fund grant
- 5310- Vehicle Replacement grant
- Bus Barn grant
County Court
The Sherman County Court approved several action items, including an intergovernmental agreement for regional energy resilience planning, the 2026-27 transit STIF plan application, and various administrative appointments and purchases. The court also received extensive public comment on proposed solar farm setbacks, deferring discussion to a future public hearing.
- Approved IGA with MCEDD for Regional Energy Resilience Planning (3-0)
- Approved 2026-27 Transit STIF Plan Application for $432,552 (3-0)
- Appointed Debbie Hayden as Budget Officer for 2025 (3-0)
- Approved Joe Belshe and Jennifer Smith to Ambulance Service Board (3-0)
- Approved Tarzan Tree Works quote up to $5,500 for Moro RV Park tree work (3-0)
- Approved corrective action plan for annual audit findings (3-0)
- Approved ATS encrypted email proposal for $4,000 annually (3-0)
- Approved Oregon Frontier Chamber of Commerce membership dues of $100 (3-0)