Klamath County commissioners approve shelter tax grant, labor contracts, and fire district annexation
Shelter tax grant approved in split vote
The Klamath County Board of Commissioners approved a one-time grant of $33,267.77 and $1,021.58 to Cove Community Partnership to cover overdue taxes for a domestic-violence shelter. The approval was contingent on the shelter regaining its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. The vote was 2-1, with Minty and Nichols voting yes and DeGroot voting no.
The same July 14 meeting included a unanimous approval of a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for non-union employees for fiscal years 2026 through 2028, and adoption of the county's Secure Rural Schools fund allocation: 85% Title I, 8% Title II, and 7% Title III.
A letter of support for Project Landing Pad passed with Minty and DeGroot voting yes and Nichols abstaining.
Labor contracts and land use actions
At the July 7 meeting, the board approved three collective bargaining agreements covering 2026 through 2029: the Oregon Nurses Association, Laborers' Union Local 737, and the Federation of Parole and Probation Officers.
The board also approved Ordinance 44.184, rezoning 4809 Altamont to General Commercial, and approved a denial of planning application CLUP/ZC 4-25. A notice of hearing was approved regarding the legalization of Drazil Road.
Martin Heim was appointed to the Predatory Animal Control District Board.
Fire district annexation and infrastructure contracts
On July 14, commissioners unanimously approved the annexation of property into Klamath County Fire District 4.
Several infrastructure contracts passed unanimously, including:
- Kittleson & Associates contract for traffic signal and roundabout plans
- Purchase of a Freightliner M2 106 Plus with Carco crane from Premier Truck Group
- J&K Deese Excavation bid to replace the septic system at Project Homefront, 5225 N Highway 97
- Franchise agreement with Spectrum Pacific West, LLC
- Agreement 14441 with Oregon Parks & Recreation for noxious-weed control
- Domestic Well Assistance Grant agreements
Meghan Miller was appointed to the Predatory Animal Control District Board, also by unanimous vote.
Federal rules comment and O&C dues
The board unanimously approved a comment letter to the Office of Management and Budget on proposed federal grant rules. It also unanimously approved an Association of O&C Counties invoice for $4,177.58.
Discussions — without recorded votes — covered Ragland Theater funding, code enforcement updates, and a property tax payment platform.
Other approved items
Additional July 7 approvals included a Pape Machinery quote for a 2026 Gradall excavator, a Crater Lake Hospitality LLC service agreement, an amended agreement with Tyler Technologies, amendment 2 to the Wynne Broadcasting agreement, amendment 2 between Klamath and Lake Community Action Services, and an OEM Homeland Security Grant agreement.
A Marine Corp League roof repair donation agreement passed 2-0 with one recusal.
Cancelled and closed sessions
A quarterly meeting with the Tribal Council scheduled for July 15 was cancelled. No business was conducted.
County Counsel scheduled an emergency executive session for the Board of Commissioners to discuss real property transaction negotiations, labor negotiations, consultation with counsel regarding current or likely litigation, and review of lawyer-client communications exempt from public inspection. The session was closed to the public pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes. Minutes were not yet published.
Coming up
No upcoming meetings are listed for the next 14 days.