County commissioners vote to put property tax levy increase on Nov. 3 ballot
Okanogan County commissioners voted unanimously on July 7, 2026 to place a property tax levy increase before voters in the November 3, 2026 General Election. The decision, made under Resolution 84-2026, is the most consequential action taken by the Board of County Commissioners in the past two weeks and will determine whether residents see a change in their county property tax bills.
Board of County Commissioners — July 7
The commissioners approved a full slate of contracts, grants, and agreements, all by unanimous vote:
- **Resolution 84-2026** — placing the property tax levy proposition on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot.
- **Professional Services Re-Entry Agreement with Melodie White** — approved unanimously.
- **Interagency agreement with the Washington State Office of Public Defense** — $85,257.51.
- **Stonegarden grant contract** — $97,500.
- **Aero Methow Rescue Service contract** — $103,348.75.
- **DIVCO HVAC service contract renewal** — $49,628 annually.
- **OCCAC grant CHG-DRF** — $325,773.34.
- **Consent agenda and June 30, 2026 minutes** — adopted unanimously.
The board also set the agenda for its next Wednesday meeting before adjourning. All actions are recorded in the official minutes.
Fair Advisory Committee — July 7
The Fair Advisory Committee met the same day to review operational reports and unfinished business. Items on the agenda included veterinarian contracts, the purchase of approximately 20 panels for horse stalls in the back area, selling fair merchandise at the fair, a request from Oroville PD for National Night Out ticket donations, and volunteer guidelines for wristbands. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published, so no decisions are confirmed in the record.
Board of Health — July 14
The Board of Health met July 14 to review financial reports and take up administrative actions. The agenda listed approval of draft minutes for June 9, 2026, financial reports for June 2026, Consolidated Contract Amendment #12, Resolution #2026-02 on employee handbook revisions, and Resolution #2026-03 on a Fiscal Coordinator/HR reclassification. Department directors were scheduled to give updates. Minutes are not yet available, so outcomes are not confirmed.
Coming up
- **Planning Commission — July 27, 2026:** SCJ Alliance is scheduled to present a County Administrative Officer (CAO) update, and commissioners will discuss data center issues. No decisions are indicated on the agenda.
Residents seeking the authoritative record should consult the official agendas and minutes linked to each meeting.