HOOD RIVER — Commissioners at the May 18 Hood River County meeting directed staff to create a wolf predation committee following a presentation by Andrew Meyers, an Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife representative from The Dalles, during the work session.
This committee will set up a process for people who lose livestock or suffer other damage caused by wolves to receive remuneration for their losses. Formalizing it now will allow the county to apply for a grant available next March that can be used to cover those damages or take proactive measures. Commissioners also asked that staff look into collaborating with Wasco County on a joint committee if they struggled finding members.
Other business
After orchardists requested an emergency declaration — due to pest-induced losses on the 2025 crop — at the April meeting, county staff is continuing to work through the best solution legally and for the growers.
“We’re trying to fund the nexus to what we can do as a county and connect it to the right resource that we’re trying to get to for the loss,” said County Administrator, Allison Williams.
Commissioners also discussed the initial efficiency and financial analysis report done by Baker Tilly and the firm’s request for more money, which was in the consent agenda. Commissioner Arthur Babitz expressed his disappointment in the presentation to the budget committee, “given the lack of expertise in Oregon finance, they should be bending over backward to make us happy, not ask for more money,” he said.
Williams agreed with his assessment but also noted that she believed the report would still give them valuable insights for the county to work with. In light of these comments, Commissioner Leticia Moretti made a motion to remove the agreement for further funding from the consent agenda and instead instructed staff to go negotiate further, which was unanimously agreed upon by commissioners.
District 26 Senate Candidate Nicole Bassett of Hood River also came to the meeting to introduce herself to commissioners. She led democratic votes in the May 19 primary, with Republican Jeff Helfrich running unopposed for the GOP candidacy. The seat is currently held by Christine Drazan, who is running for governor.
•••
Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe and read more at columbiagorgenews.com.
Commented