THE DALLES — The Wasco County Board of Commissioners heard two ordinances at their Wednesday, Feb. 21 meeting, one amending the Wasco County Code Compliance and Nuisance Abatement Ordinance, and one adding a Penalty Ordinance. After discussion from commissioners and staff, the board decided to postpone the hearings to March 20, due to concerns with the ordinances.
In other business, the board voted to approve an intergovernmental funding agreement between the City of The Dalles and Wasco County, in support of Wasco County’s YouthThink program. Under the agreement, YouthThink will request $35,000 to help pay for some of the program, which directly affects youth in the City of The Dalles, YouthThink Prevention Specialist Debby Jones said.
Another matter discussed was the appointment of a zone manager of a Rural Renewable Energy Development (RRED) Zone for all areas of the county. The RRED Zone was approved in May 2020, and will provide the same property tax abatements for renewable energy projects that an enterprise zone would provide for eligible companies.
At the time of the designation of the RRED Zone, then-Administrative Service Director Matthew Klebes was appointed to serve as the zone manager. However, since Klebes has departed from the county to serve as The Dalles City Manager, the role has been vacant.
Following their discussion, commissioners voted to appoint Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) in its capacity as staff for the Wasco County Economic Development Commission to serve as zone manager for the RRED Zone. Per the agreement, MCEDD will internally delegate roles and responsibilities for staff serving the program.
The board also appointed Dr. Sheila Murphy to the White River Health District Board of Directors. Additionally, they nominated County Commissioner Phil Brady to serve as a county representative on the Wasco County Historical Museum Board. They also moved to recommend that the governor appoint Kristyn Fix one of the Wasco County seats for the Oregon Investment Board.
Commissioners also approved a request from MCEDD to allow them to apply for the 5310 transportation grant under Wasco County’s name. Wasco County would then contract the services to MCEDD, increasing the match rate of the grant. This is a biannual grant that comes before the board every two years, which they have assisted with in the past.
The next county meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 6, at 9 a.m. at the Wasco County Courthouse or online via Zoom.
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