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).