Crook County meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Crook County commissioners approve compactor purchase, runway design work; request joint city meeting on housing loan program

Crook County commissioners approved a 2026 Caterpillar compactor purchase and an airport runway design task order as part of a consent agenda at their October 7 regular meeting, and agreed to ask the City of Prineville for a joint public meeting on a proposed state housing loan program. Each vote was 3-0, according to the official minutes. Most other county bodies that met in the past two weeks have not yet published minutes, so their agendas show what was scheduled, not what was decided.

Commissioners: purchases, road district, library closure

At the October 7 regular session, the Board of Commissioners voted 3-0 to approve the consent agenda, which included minutes, the 2026 Caterpillar compactor purchase and the airport runway design task order. The minutes summary provided does not list dollar amounts for either item.

In separate 3-0 votes, commissioners:

• Approved a traffic control plan and road crossings for the King of the Kastle LLC race event.
• Approved Order 2026-42 reappointing Marc Caldwell to Position 1 on the Hahlen Special Road District board.
• Approved closing the Crook County Library on October 12, 2026, for staff training.
• Approved sending a letter requesting formal consultation and a joint public meeting with the City of Prineville regarding the Moderate-Income Revolving Loan Program IGA.
• Approved a motion to adjourn the regular session at 10:53 AM.

Closed session on litigation and exempt records

Commissioners also noticed a special executive session for October 7 at 1:00 PM at the Crook County Annex, 320 NE Court St., Prineville. The notice lists two closed-door items: consulting with counsel on legal rights and duties regarding current or likely litigation under ORS 192.660(2)(h), and considering information or records exempt from public inspection under ORS 192.660(2)(f). The session is closed to the public. No minutes have been published.

Health advisory council: two appointments on the agenda

The Community Health Advisory Council met October 5 at 11:00 AM at BestCare, 1059 NW Madras Hwy, Prineville, with a Zoom option. The agenda scheduled a vote on two member appointment applications: Anthony Carmack (Crook County District Office) and Jackie Sharib (RimRock). It also listed Best Care updates facilitated by Kate, a Rural Health Transformation Program discussion facilitated by Rita, and a workplan review. The agenda notes there is no public comment period and the public may not speak during agenda items. CHAC advises the Board of Commissioners on public health and behavioral health.

Library board reviews gifts and donations policy

The Library Board of Trustees met October 8 at 5:15 PM in the Broughton Room, 175 NW Meadow Lakes Dr, Prineville. New business included a review of the Gifts & Donations Policy. The agenda also listed the July and August financial reports, a director's report with a staff spotlight on Kaila Rhoden, Teen Librarian, a Friends of the Library report, and approval of minutes on the consent agenda. Public comment was scheduled.

Land use: hearings continued, Reif Road rezoning set

The Planning Commission on October 14 held a public hearing continuation on Comprehensive Plan Amendment 217-26-000141-PLNG and Zone Map Amendment 217-26-000142-PLNG, with minutes approval and Community Development updates also listed.

On October 28 at 4:00 PM at 320 NE Court St., the commission will hear request 217-26-000221-PLNG from Pete J. Wisner, Keith B. Leffler and Makayle G. Rich to change Tax Lot No. 1614110000600 at 11600 SW Reif Rd, Powell Butte, from Exclusive Farm Use (EFU-3) to Rural Residential 10 (R-10). The property is about 3 miles south of Highway 126. Public comment has a 5-minute limit per speaker.

Energy Resilience Plan appears on agendas

The October 14 commissioners agenda listed adoption of the Crook County Energy Resilience Plan, an Enterprise Zone Extended Property Tax Abatement discussion, Solid Waste Applications for Disposal Fee Credit, Amendment 10 to Oregon Health Authority 2025-2027 Intergovernmental Agreement 185807, and re-recording of Order 2025-33 regarding a Fair Board appointment. Minutes are not yet published. The Energy Resilience Plan is listed again on the October 21 agenda.

The Natural Resources Advisory Committee met October 14 for agency updates from the Forest Service, BLM, OSP and ODFW, covering wildfire, grazing, recreation and timber harvest, and a reminder that committee terms expire 12/31/2026.

Coming up

• **October 19 — Fair Board:** 2027 fair dates and hours of operation; 2027 fair parking operations management.
• **October 19 — Planning Commission:** "Preserving Our Community Character" process, including Natural Areas inventory and ESEE review for Goal 5 resources, open space regulatory protection versus acquisition, and Scenic Views and Sites standards.
• **October 20 — Joint PAC meeting:** presentation from Greg Jackle of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Separate sessions of the Balancing Working Lands and Energy PAC (groundwater, mineral and aggregate resources, 1,500-foot impact area analysis) and the Protecting Our Natural Heritage PAC (riparian corridors, wetlands, Safe Harbor ordinance, Wild and Scenic Rivers) are also scheduled.
• **October 21 — Board of Commissioners:** Energy Resilience Plan adoption, solid waste disposal fee credits totaling $1,500.00, Amendment 10 to OHA agreement 185807, reassignment of the Outdoor Burn Enforcement Ordinance, and appointment of Larry Blanton as liaison for Grant No. 107-2026-5204-09 regarding horse racing.
• **October 28 — Planning Commission:** public hearing on the 11600 SW Reif Rd rezoning request.

Crook County board agendas: compactor purchase, runway design, closed litigation session

Crook County's Board of Commissioners had two meetings scheduled on Oct. 7 — a 9 a.m. regular session and a 1 p.m. special executive session — with agendas covering a heavy equipment purchase, airport runway design work and a closed-door discussion of litigation.

Minutes for all four recent meetings summarized here have not been published. That means none of the items below can be reported as decided; they are what the published agendas scheduled. No vote tallies were released for any of them.

Board of Commissioners: compactor, runway design, closed session

The morning agenda at the Crook County Annex bundled several routine approvals into a consent agenda, including minutes, the purchase of a 2026 Caterpillar 826 compactor from Peterson Machinery Co., and Task Order No. 3 with Precision Approach Engineering for Runway 11-29 Rehabilitation Phase I — design survey, geotechnical, engineering design and bidding services. The agenda states no dollar amount for either item.

Discussion items included a traffic control plan approval request for existing road crossings, presented by Joseph (Joe) Merrill of King of the Kastle LLC; a road district appointment; the September treasurer's report; a request to close the Crook County Library on Oct. 12, 2026 for staff training; fair and sheriff's office presentations; and a Moderate-Income Revolving Loan (MIRL) Program update and draft County–OHCS intergovernmental agreement presented by County Manager Will Van Vactor. No executive session was scheduled for that meeting.

The 1 p.m. special session was closed to the public, with only two items listed: consulting with counsel on current or likely litigation under ORS 192.660(2)(h), and considering information exempt from public inspection under ORS 192.660(2)(f). No regular open-session business was listed. The notice was published Oct. 1, 2026, and the county notes items may be added or changed without notice.

Health council scheduled vote on two members

The Community Health Advisory Council met Oct. 5 at 11 a.m. at BestCare, 1059 NW Madras Hwy, Prineville, with a Zoom option. The council was scheduled to vote on two member appointment applications: Anthony Carmack (Crook County District Office) and Jackie Sharib (RimRock). It was also to hear Best Care updates facilitated by Kate and a Rural Health Transformation Program discussion facilitated by Rita, and to review its workplan. CHAC advises the Board of Commissioners on public health and behavioral health. The agenda notes there is no public comment period and the public may not speak during agenda items.

Library board reviews gifts policy

The Library Board of Trustees met Oct. 8 at 5:15 p.m. in the Broughton Room at 175 NW Meadow Lakes Dr, Prineville. New business included a review of the Gifts & Donations Policy. The board was also to review the July and August financial reports, hear a Director's report including a staff spotlight on Kaila Rhoden, Teen Librarian, and a Friends of the Library report with September board meeting minutes, and approve minutes on the consent agenda. Public comment was scheduled, and the meeting was open in person or via Zoom.

Coming up

• **Oct. 14 — Planning Commission:** public hearing continuation on Comprehensive Plan Amendment 217-26-000141-PLNG and Zone Map Amendment 217-26-000142-PLNG.
• **Oct. 14 — Board of Commissioners:** adoption of the Crook County Energy Resilience Plan; Enterprise Zone Extended Property Tax Abatement discussion; Solid Waste Applications for Disposal Fee Credit; Amendment 10 to Oregon Health Authority 2025-2027 Intergovernmental Agreement 185807; re-recording of Order 2025-33 regarding a Fair Board appointment.
• **Oct. 14 — Natural Resources Advisory Committee:** agency updates from the Forest Service, BLM, OSP and ODFW on wildfire, grazing, recreation and timber harvest; reminder that committee terms expire 12/31/2026.
• **Oct. 19 — Fair Board:** 2027 fair dates and hours of operation; 2027 fair parking operations management.
• **Oct. 19 — Planning Commission:** Preserving Our Community Character process, covering natural areas inventory, open space protection and scenic views.
• **Oct. 20 — Joint PAC meeting:** the Balancing Working Lands and Energy PAC and the Protecting Our Natural Heritage PAC meet together for a presentation from Greg Jackle of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
• **Oct. 20 — Balancing Working Lands and Energy PAC:** groundwater and mineral and aggregate resource management.
• **Oct. 20 — Protecting Our Natural Heritage PAC:** riparian corridors, wetlands and federal wild and scenic rivers.

County board approves wolf fund distribution; planning commission hears mining request

The Crook County Board of Commissioners approved a consent agenda on Aug. 19 that included an order distributing funds from the Oregon Department of Agriculture Wolf Compensation and Financial Assistance Grant. The board voted 2-0 on the consent agenda, which also covered meeting minutes and Order No. 2026-37. No dollar amount was listed in the public record.

County Board of Commissioners

At the Aug. 19 meeting, the board also discussed placing Vector Control District oversight concerns on the next week's agenda and considered requesting a third-party review of district operations. No decision was made on either item. The board convened an executive session for real property negotiations; no decisions resulted.

Earlier, on Aug. 12, the board held a work session and took no formal action. Commissioners expressed support for selling the county-owned property at 210 NE 3rd St. and for adopting Cascade East Transit's Title VI plan, with both items to be brought forward at future meetings. They also agreed to place the distribution of wolf depredation and mitigation funds on the next meeting's consent agenda. In executive session, the board passed two motions, each 2-0, authorizing legal counsel to decline correspondence and to begin dispute resolution.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission held a public hearing on Aug. 12 for a conditional use application to operate aggregate mining at 2220 NW Remington Ranch Dr., Redmond (taxlot 1414290000203), on land zoned Exclusive Farm Use (EFU-2 and EFU-3). The commission also considered applicants for the Public Advisory Committee and received Community Development updates. No decisions were reported; minutes have not yet been published.

Natural Resources Advisory Committee

The Natural Resources Advisory Committee met Aug. 12 and received an update on the 2026 fire season, including the Rowe Creek Complex and its effects on the Ochoco National Forest. The committee approved revisions to the June 10, 2026 minutes to reflect individual votes (unanimous), approved the July 8, 2026 minutes (unanimous), and adjourned (unanimous). No other decisions were made.

Library Board of Trustees

The Library Board of Trustees met Aug. 13 on an agenda that included final approval of the Fiscal Year 27 library budget, consideration of Niche Academy online training software, and welcoming new trustee Timothy Kirkman. The board also heard reports from the director and Friends of the Library and reviewed financial statistics. Minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions are confirmed.

Coming up

• **Board of Commissioners** – Aug. 26, work session. The board will consider an updated standard parenting time plan, an appointment to Housing Works (Order 2026-38), a FY27 School Based Health Center Agreement, an amendment to the Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program, and an order extending the county's Equal Employment Opportunity Plan (Order 2026-36).
• **Planning Commission** – Aug. 26. Public hearings are scheduled for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment (217-26-000141-PLNG), a Zone Map Amendment (217-26-000142-PLNG), and a Conditional Use Home Occupation (217-26-000151-PLNG).

Crook County Board appoints litigation point person; hearings and budget work ahead

The Crook County Board of Commissioners voted 3-0 on July 28 to designate Will Van Vactor as the primary point person for litigation filed against the county and members of the Crook County Fair Board. Van Vactor is authorized to work with county and outside counsel to protect the county's interests.

Recent decisions

• **July 28 – Board of Commissioners:** Designated Will Van Vactor as primary point person for litigation against Crook County and Fair Board members (3-0).

Other recent meetings

The following meetings were held but minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions are reported.

• **July 29 – General (Hearings Officer):** Public hearing on record number 217-26-000166-PLNG regarding possible revocation or modification of aggregate mining conditional use permits at 4755 NW Stahancyk Ln and 6487 NW Lamonta Rd.
• **August 3 – Community Health Advisory Council:** Agenda included updates on the Rural Health Transformation Program, Best Care (including introduction of Kate in a new role), and the Stronger Together event for Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
• **August 5 – Board of Commissioners:** Agenda included airport hangar land lease termination, Bowman Museum Local Option Tax Levy, appointment of Timothy Kirkman to the Library Board of Trustees, Order 2026-33 regarding ORS 279B.085 Special Procurement, and an amendment to the Declaration of a State of Emergency.

Upcoming meetings

• **August 12 – Board of Commissioners work session:** Discussion of the Treasurer's Report for July 2026 and Investment Summary Report for FY2026, a distribution request for state-funded wolf depredation and mitigation funds, whether to adopt CET's Title VI plan or draft a county-specific plan, and a building discussion for 210 NE 3rd Street. Two executive sessions are scheduled under ORS 192.660(2)(f) and (2)(h).
• **August 12 – Natural Resources Advisory Committee:** Agency updates from the Forest Service, BLM, OSP, and ODFW on wildfire, grazing, administration, recreation, and timber harvest activity. Includes minutes review, public comment (15 min), and committee member updates.
• **August 12 – Planning Commission:** Public hearing on conditional use 217-25-000354-PLNG for aggregate mining at 2220 NW Remington Ranch Dr., Redmond (taxlot 1414290000203), zoned EFU-2/EFU-3. Also considers Public Advisory Committee applicants and Community Development updates.
• **August 13 – Library Board of Trustees:** Final approval of Fiscal Year 27 Library Budget, consideration of Niche Academy online training software, welcome of new trustee Timothy Kirkman, staff spotlight on Renee Parrott, and minutes from July 9, 2026.

Coming up

• Aug 12: Board of Commissioners work session, Natural Resources Advisory Committee, Planning Commission
• Aug 13: Library Board of Trustees

Crook County roundup: Commissioners name litigation point person; museum levy, emergency declaration return Aug. 5

The Crook County Board of Commissioners voted 3-0 on July 28 to designate County Manager Will Van Vactor as the primary point person for litigation filed against Crook County and members of the Crook County Fair Board. Van Vactor is authorized to work with county and outside counsel to protect the county's interests. No further details about the litigation were included in the minutes.

Board of Commissioners

The July 28 designation was the only item with published minutes from the past two weeks. Several other Board of Commissioners meetings remain agenda-only, meaning minutes have not yet been posted.

On July 22, the Board had a regular meeting scheduled to discuss a local option tax levy for the Bowman Museum, evaluate Secure Rural Schools (Title III) allocation elections, and review a contract to purchase asphalt from Tri County Paving, LLC for the Juniper Heights development project. Additional topics included the scope of a commercial solar moratorium, a June 2026 community development update, and direction for the county's public newsletter.

Also on July 22, the Board held an emergency special session to discuss a request from County Manager Will Van Vactor to declare a state of emergency. No minutes have been published for either July 22 meeting.

Fair Board

The Crook County Fair Board met July 20 to approve prior meeting minutes and discuss a memorandum of understanding for use of Crook County Parks and Recreation facilities. The agenda also included board, staff, financial, and manager reports. Minutes are not yet published.

Wolf Committee

The Crook County Wolf Committee met July 24, starting with approval of its November 3, 2025 board minutes. The committee received updates on local wolf activity, depredation and mitigation funding, and ODA funding. The meeting concluded with a review of applications for newly open committee positions. Minutes are not yet published.

Hearings Officer

On July 29, the Crook County Hearings Officer held a public hearing on record number 217-26-000166-PLNG, considering whether to initiate revocation or modification proceedings for conditional use permits related to aggregate mining. The properties involved are located at 4755 NW Stahancyk Ln and 6487 NW Lamonta Rd. Minutes are not yet published.

Coming up

• **Aug. 3 — Community Health Advisory Council:** Updates on the Rural Health Transformation Program and Best Care, plus discussion of a Stronger Together event for Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Staff will introduce Kate in a new role.
• **Aug. 5 — Board of Commissioners:** Agenda includes an airport hangar land lease termination, the Bowman Museum local option tax levy, appointment of Timothy Kirkman to the Library Board of Trustees, Order 2026-33 regarding ORS 279B.085 Special Procurement, and an amendment to the Declaration of a State of Emergency.
• **Aug. 12 — Planning Commission:** Public hearing on conditional use application 217-25-000354-PLNG for aggregate mining at 2220 NW Remington Ranch Dr., Redmond (taxlot 1414290000203), zoned EFU-2/EFU-3. The commission will also consider Public Advisory Committee applicants and receive Community Development Department updates.

Crook County commissioners suspend library code provisions, weigh in on federal grant rules

Crook County commissioners voted unanimously this month to temporarily suspend two provisions of the county library's code of conduct while staff seek legal review, and approved a comment letter on proposed federal grant rule changes that could affect $6.5 million in annual county services.

Board of Commissioners — July 8

The Board of Commissioners voted 3-0 to suspend paragraphs 3 and 8 of the Crook County Library Code of Conduct, which address misconduct and photography. The suspension is temporary while staff seek legal review to ensure library rules comply with constitutional protections during the revision process.

Commissioners also placed an amended public health funding agreement on the July 15 consent agenda for approval. During the meeting, they discussed proposed federal grant rule changes that could affect $6.5 million in annual county services and scheduled a special meeting for July 10 to draft a response letter.

Board of Commissioners — July 10

At a special meeting, the board voted 3-0 to approve a comment letter concerning proposed OMB grant administration rule changes. The letter addresses concerns regarding federal authority over grants and compliance standards for rural counties. Commissioners also voted 3-0 to approve a correction changing "three areas" to "five areas" in the comment letter.

Board of Commissioners — July 15

The board approved the consent agenda, including minutes and the amended public health financing agreement, by a 2-0 vote. Commissioners also approved an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Oregon Water Resources Department for Assistant Watermaster services at the existing $46,250 annual contribution, by a 2-0 vote. The meeting was adjourned by a 2-0 vote. No other actions were taken.

Natural Resources Advisory Committee — July 8

The NRAC unanimously approved the previous meeting's minutes. Agency reports covered Forest Service timber sales, fire rehabilitation funding, BLM hiring, and invasive plant management.

Library Board of Trustees — July 9

The Library Board of Trustees met July 9, but minutes have not yet been published. The agenda listed a board of trustee nomination as continuing business to fill a vacancy, a review of Oregon Government Ethics Law, and discussion of the board of trustee job description. The agenda also included director and Friends of the Library reports, a financials/statistics review, and routine consent items. No significant policy changes or fiscal actions were listed on the agenda.

Coming up

• **July 20 — Fair Board:** The Crook County Fair Board will discuss a memorandum of understanding for use of Crook County Parks and Recreation facilities, along with board, staff, and financial reports.
• **July 22 — Board of Commissioners:** Commissioners will discuss a local option tax levy for the Bowman Museum, evaluate Secure Rural Schools (Title III) allocation elections, and review a contract to purchase asphalt from Tri County Paving, LLC for the Juniper Heights development project. Additional topics include the scope of a commercial solar moratorium, a June 2026 community development update, and direction for the county's public newsletter.
• **July 24 — Wolf Committee:** The committee will review applications for open positions and receive updates on local wolf activity, depredation and mitigation funding, and ODA funding.
• **July 29 — Hearings Officer:** A public hearing will consider initiating revocation or modification proceedings for conditional use permits related to aggregate mining at 4755 NW Stahancyk Ln and 6487 NW Lamonta Rd (record number 217-26-000166-PLNG).