Klamath County declares emergency as wildfires rage on

During a recent meeting of the Klamath County Board of Commissioners, several key budgetary and operational decisions were made, reflecting the county's ongoing efforts to address community needs and challenges.

The meeting began with a motion to approve a supplemental budget resolution for the Sheriff Corrections department, which included a reclassification of the medical director position. This adjustment will increase personnel services by $36,000 while decreasing material and service line items by the same amount. The motion passed unanimously with no discussion.

Next, Dan Golden, director of the Klamath County Juvenile Department, presented a proposal to purchase a 2024 Dodge Durango from Tonkin Chrysler for $41,027.15, which was also approved without opposition. Golden further discussed an MOU with Klamath Basin Behavioral Health to provide mental health services to youth at the juvenile facility, emphasizing the partnership's importance in developing rehabilitation programs. This agreement, which incurs no fiscal impact to the county, was also unanimously approved.

The meeting then shifted to a public hearing regarding a proposed supplemental budget resolution for the fiscal year 2024-2025. The resolution included a $50,000 appropriation from the capital reserve fund to purchase a juvenile transport vehicle, which is currently unsafe for use. After a brief public comment period with no responses, the motion to approve the budget was passed.

Commissioners also approved an amendment to a grant agreement with the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission, securing $227,490 for the Behavioral Health Deflection Program. This funding is part of a broader initiative to address behavioral health issues within the community.

In response to the ongoing drought conditions affecting local residents, the board approved domestic well assistance grant agreements, providing $4,462.50 to a local recipient for well-related challenges stemming from the 2021 drought.

The meeting concluded with a declaration of a local emergency due to the Copperfield fire, which has severely impacted the community. The commissioners expressed their concern over the increasing frequency of such emergencies and the devastating effects on residents' lives. The motion to declare the emergency was passed unanimously, highlighting the urgent need for improved wildfire management and support for affected families.

Overall, the meeting underscored Klamath County's commitment to addressing pressing community issues through strategic budgetary decisions and partnerships with local organizations.