Morrow County meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Morrow County roundup: Well Springs Solar hearing set for Oct. 21; budget, courthouse and fair items also on agendas

Morrow County commissioners will hold a public hearing Oct. 21 on a proposed 6,352-acre solar project north and east of the City of Ione, one of several items on a two-week county calendar that also includes a supplemental budget hearing, a courthouse construction change order and a fairground rental discount request.

Agendas for the past two weeks have been posted, but minutes have not. No votes, outcomes or final decisions from the meetings below are confirmed in the records provided.

Well Springs Solar: hearing and two land-use decisions

The Board of Commissioners meets Oct. 21 for a public hearing on a Comprehensive Plan Amendment (AC-167-26) and Conditional Use Permit application CUP-N-397-26 for Well Springs Solar Project, LLC. The project is described as 6,352 acres north and east of the City of Ione. The agenda lists both the amendment and the permit for a board decision.

Supplemental budget hearing, Kilkenny amendment, courthouse change order

The board's Oct. 7 meeting at 9:00 A.M. at the Bartholomew Building in Heppner included a public hearing on the FY2026-27 Supplemental Budget (Kevin Ince). Also listed: a 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; and a Notice of Policy Violation and FY2026 Budget Violation (Matthew Jensen).

The consent agenda listed 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. Two executive sessions on labor negotiations and real property transactions were also scheduled.

ATV ordinance work session

A 1:30 PM work session the same day, Oct. 7, at the Bartholomew Building Upper Conference Room, 110 N. Court Street, Heppner, covered an ordinance permitting use of ATVs on selected county roads. No votes or final decisions were listed. The public could attend in person or by Zoom, Meeting ID 821 6670 2024. The notice states the board may consider subjects beyond those listed, under ORS 192.640.

Passage Solar PILOT agreement

An Oct. 9 entry on the county meeting list, labeled "General," names a PILOT agreement with Passage Solar as its primary item for consideration. The summary provided does not include the agreement's terms.

Fair Board: 2027 planning and a rental discount request

The Fair Board on Oct. 14 was scheduled to review the 2026 fair and discuss 2027 preparations, including selection of the 2027 Grand Marshal and 2027 Theme. Members were also to consider a rental discount request from Paige Counsell (Element Dance Company) for Dance Hall use: $900 plus $200 deposit (50% off $1,800). Other items included a Fair Manager position update and a Premium Book Contract.

Wolf Depredation Advisory Committee

The committee met Oct. 13 to review minutes from Feb. 10, 2026, and receive agency updates. The agenda consisted primarily of procedural items.

Coming up

Oct. 20 — Clean Water Consortium. The consortium is scheduled to select an engineering firm for Boardman Phase 1, consider Air2O atmospheric water generation units, and take up a Boardman Municipal Water Request update, a Clean Drinking Water Solutions recommendation form and evaluation matrix, and invoice approval for Managing Director Services.

Oct. 21 — Board of Commissioners. Public hearing on the Well Springs Solar Project Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Conditional Use Permit. Residents north and east of Ione who want to comment on the project's land-use approvals have a scheduled opportunity to do so.

Agendas and any subsequently published minutes are available from Morrow County; readers should consult those documents for confirmed actions.

Morrow County solar project, budget hearing and ATV rules top meeting agendas

Morrow County commissioners are scheduled to take up the largest item on the county's fall agenda on Oct. 21: a public hearing on a comprehensive plan amendment (AC-167-26) and a conditional use permit (CUP-N-397-26) for the 6,352-acre Well Springs Solar Project, proposed north and east of Ione, east of Highway 74 and south of Interstate 84.

The same applications were on the Planning Commission's Sept. 29 agenda, which included a request for an exception to Statewide Planning Goal 3, the state's farmland protection rule. The listed approval criteria cited county zoning code sections and ORS 197.732(2)(c)(A)-(D).

A note on this roundup: minutes for the recent meetings below have not been published. The available records are agendas, so this article describes what was scheduled or proposed, not what was decided. No vote tallies or outcomes appear in the records provided.

County budget and courthouse items on the Oct. 7 agenda

The Board of Commissioners' Oct. 7 agenda, for a 9 a.m. meeting at the Bartholomew Building in Heppner, listed a public hearing on the FY2026-27 supplemental budget first, with Kevin Ince named on the agenda. Other business items included a second reading of Ordinance 2026-10, which would adopt a comprehensive plan amendment adding the Kilkenny Goal 5 Significant Aggregate Resource (George Cress); a Bouten Construction contract change order, #001, for the Circuit Courthouse Project; and a notice of policy violation and FY2026 budget violation (Matthew Jensen).

The consent agenda listed 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. Two executive sessions were scheduled, on labor negotiations and real property transactions.

The agenda does not state dollar amounts for the supplemental budget, the change order or the invoice.

ATV ordinance gets a work session

Also on Oct. 7, at 1:30 p.m., the board scheduled a work session with a single substantive item: an ordinance permitting use of ATVs on selected county roads. The notice states the board may consider subjects beyond those listed, under ORS 192.640.

Passage Solar PILOT agreement

On Oct. 9, the board's agenda listed one business item: a PILOT agreement with Passage Solar. The agenda does not include the agreement's terms or dollar value.

Planning Commission: solar exception and a Christmas tree lot

The Sept. 29 Planning Commission agenda included two conditional use permits: CUP-N-400-26, a home occupation permit for a retail Christmas tree lot on Tax Lot 1300, Map 5N26E23A, zoned Rural Residential, off Washington Lane west of West Fourth Road, outside the Irrigon urban growth boundary; and the Well Springs permit. The commission also planned to consider draft minutes from Aug. 25, 2026, and to discuss a joint management agreement.

Capital projects, without figures

An Oct. 1 work session listed review of prioritization of capital improvement project (CIP) projects and assignments for department projects. The agenda text lists no specific projects or dollar amounts.

Coming up

• **Oct. 13:** Wolf Depredation Advisory Committee — review of Feb. 10, 2026 minutes and agency updates.
• **Oct. 14:** Fair Board — review of the 2026 fair, selection of the 2027 Grand Marshal and theme, a Fair Manager position update, a Premium Book Contract, and a rental discount request from Paige Counsell (Element Dance Company) for Dance Hall use at $900 plus a $200 deposit, described as 50% off $1,800.
• **Oct. 21:** Board of Commissioners public hearing on the Well Springs Solar Project comprehensive plan amendment and conditional use permit.

Morrow County boards weigh equipment purchases, land-use changes

Morrow County boards met over the past two weeks to consider equipment purchases, land-use amendments, and fairground improvements. No decisions have been published yet; the following items were on the agendas.

Board of Commissioners (Aug. 5)

The board held a public hearing on a Planning Department fee schedule surcharge. It also considered purchasing a 2026 Caterpillar 938 Small Wheel Loader, a CS10 GC Single-Drum Compactor, and a 309 Mini Excavator. Other items included Law Enforcement Service Agreements with Ione School District and Morrow County School District, an Intergovernmental Agreement with Port of Morrow for the Rural Strategic Investment Program (SIP) Joint Coordination Framework, and an Intergovernmental Agreement with Morrow Soil and Water Conservation District.

In a separate session the same day, the board held a land use hearing on TSP-164-26, a Transportation System Plan Amendment regarding the Tower Road Interchange Area Management Plan.

Planning Commission (July 28)

The commission continued a hearing on AC-168-26, a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to add a Goal 5 Significant Resource (aggregate site) on Tax Lot 1300, Map 2S28E Section 21. The site is described as 43 acres. The commission also held a work session on commercial trucks in Residential Zones.

Fair Board (July 27 and Aug. 8)

On July 27, the Fair Board met via Zoom to discuss new business, including a proposed donation from the Morrow County Livestock Growers, sheep/goat barn ventilation fans, a sheep show ring shelter addition, and a beef wash rack.

On Aug. 8, the board considered proposed RFPs for flood mitigation, a master plan, and an annex/dorm remodel. It also reviewed the fairgrounds master plan, the fair schedule, and board member obligations. Reports were given from 4-H, maintenance, and the administrator.

Coming up

Clean Water Consortium (Aug. 11) – The board will discuss an RFQ for Boardman Phase 1 - West Glen Area, Resolution 2026-05 amending bylaws regarding the advisory board, updates on contaminated wells within city limits, the Drinking Water Roadmap Project, and a whole-home reverse osmosis system option.

Morrow County agendas outline data-center workshop, fairgrounds donations, and upcoming fee hearing

Morrow County residents have several government meetings on the calendar, but most recent sessions remain in agenda-only status with minutes not yet published. That means the items below describe what was scheduled for discussion or action — not confirmed outcomes. The Board of Commissioners, Fair Board, and Planning Commission all met in the past two weeks, and the Board of Commissioners has two sessions set for August 5.

Board of Commissioners — July 22

The Board of Commissioners' agenda included a consent item to approve Amendment No. 3 to the Rock Crushing Services Agreement at the Dougherty Pit. Business items listed were a resident workshop on an industrial and data-center development, the election and allocation of Secure Rural Schools payments, and a request to donate capital improvements to the fairgrounds. An executive session was scheduled to negotiate a real-property transaction, followed by signing of documents. Minutes have not been published, so no vote tallies or final actions are available.

Fair Board — July 27

The Fair Board met via Zoom to discuss new business on facility upgrades and donations, focused on livestock areas at the fairgrounds. Agenda items listed the Morrow County Livestock Growers Proposed Project Donation, sheep/goat barn ventilation fans, a sheep show ring shelter addition, and a beef wash rack. Minutes are not yet published.

Planning Commission — July 28

The Planning Commission agenda included a continued hearing on AC-168-26, a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to add a Goal 5 Significant Resource (aggregate site) on Tax Lot 1300, Map 2S28E Section 21. A work session on commercial trucks in residential zones was also scheduled. No outcomes are confirmed because minutes have not been published.

Coming up

Board of Commissioners — August 5 (regular session): A public hearing is set on a Planning Department fee schedule surcharge. The agenda also lists purchase of a 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; an intergovernmental agreement with the Port of Morrow for a Rural Strategic Investment Program (SIP) Joint Coordination Framework; and an intergovernmental agreement with Morrow Soil and Water Conservation District.

Board of Commissioners — August 5 (land use hearing): A land use hearing is scheduled on TSP-164-26, the Tower Road Interchange Area Management Plan Transportation System Plan Amendment.

Note: All recent meetings listed here are agenda-only. When minutes are published, confirmed votes and actions will be reported.

Morrow County Fair Board expands auxiliary membership; commissioners weigh transportation plan, data-center workshop

The Morrow County Fair Board approved expanding its auxiliary board to six members — four adults and two students — at its July 15 meeting, the only formal decision recorded across recent county meetings. Most other county business this month remains unconfirmed because minutes have not yet been published.

Fair Board

At its July 15 meeting, the Fair Board voted to extend the auxiliary board to six members, consisting of four adults and two students. The meeting also included reports on 4‑H activities, maintenance, grants, and various fair‑related discussions, but no other formal decisions were recorded in the minutes.

Board of Commissioners — July 15

The Board of Commissioners met July 15 to consider several items, though outcomes are not yet confirmed because minutes have not been published. The agenda included an intergovernmental agreement with ODOT for Transportation Growth Management program funding to update the Morrow County Transportation System Plan. Also on the agenda: purchase of one 2027 Western Star 47X dump truck for the Road Department, a right‑of‑way dedication on Kunze Lane, consideration of a process for interim fair manager coverage, and an amended restated 2025–2027 IGA for financing public health services. Quarterly and monthly department reports were also scheduled.

Board of Commissioners — July 22

On July 22, the Board reviewed a consent agenda that included Amendment No. 3 to the Rock Crushing Services Agreement at the Dougherty Pit. Business items on the agenda included a resident workshop on industrial and data‑center development, the election and allocation of Secure Rural Schools payments, and a request to donate capital improvements to the fairgrounds. An executive session was scheduled to negotiate a real‑property transaction, followed by signing of documents. Outcomes are not yet available.

Clean Water Consortium

The Morrow County Clean Water Consortium met July 14 in a mostly procedural session. The agenda called for approving prior meeting minutes, an invoice of unspecified amount, and a managing director report. The main business item was a vote on authorizing a transfer of SEP funds; no dollar amount was specified. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

• **Fair Board** — July 27, via Zoom. Discussion of livestock facility improvements at the fairgrounds, including a proposed project donation from Morrow County Livestock Growers, sheep/goat barn ventilation fans, a sheep show ring shelter addition, and a beef wash rack.
• **Planning Commission** — July 28. A continued hearing on AC‑168‑26, a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to add a Goal 5 Significant Resource (aggregate site) on Tax Lot 1300, Map 2S28E Section 21, covering 43 acres. A work session on commercial trucks in residential zones is also scheduled.
• **Board of Commissioners** — August 5. A land use hearing on TSP‑164‑26, a Transportation System Plan Amendment regarding the Tower Road Interchange Area Management Plan.

Morrow County roundup: Fair Board expands auxiliary membership; commissioners weighed ODOT agreement, dump truck purchase

Fair Board approves expanded auxiliary board

The Morrow County Fair Board voted July 15 to extend the auxiliary board to six members, made up of four adults and two students. That was the only formal decision recorded in the meeting minutes. The board also heard reports on 4-H activities, maintenance, and grants, and held various fair-related discussions, but no other actions were taken.

Board of Commissioners agenda included ODOT agreement, dump truck purchase

The Board of Commissioners met July 15 with a full agenda, but official minutes have not yet been published, so it is not yet possible to confirm which items were decided. Items listed for consideration included:

• An intergovernmental agreement with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) for Transportation Growth Management program funding to update the Morrow County Transportation System Plan.
• Purchase of one 2027 Western Star 47X dump truck for the Road Department.
• A right-of-way dedication on Kunze Lane.
• A process for interim Fair Manager coverage.
• An amended and restated 2025-2027 intergovernmental agreement for financing public health services.

The meeting also included quarterly and monthly department reports. Until minutes are published, these items should be treated as proposed or scheduled for consideration, not confirmed decisions.

Clean Water Consortium met on procedural items

The Morrow County Clean Water Consortium held a routine meeting July 14. The agenda listed approval of prior meeting minutes, approval of an invoice, a managing director report, and a vote on authorizing a transfer of SEP funds. No dollar amounts were specified in the agenda. Minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes are not yet confirmed.

Coming up

Board of Commissioners — July 22: The board will review a consent agenda that includes Amendment No. 3 to the Rock Crushing Services Agreement at the Dougherty Pit. Business items include a resident workshop on an industrial and data-center development, the election and allocation of Secure Rural Schools payments, and a request to donate capital improvements to the fairgrounds. An executive session is scheduled to discuss a real-property transaction, followed by signing of documents.

Residents interested in the industrial and data-center development discussion may want to attend the July 22 meeting, which includes a resident workshop on that topic.