Crook County commissioners approve rodeo funding, janitorial contract and appointments; back state groundwater testing request

Crook County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday approved funding to cover facility rentals at the Crook County Fairgrounds for the Tri County and Oregon High School Rodeo events, awarded a countywide janitorial services contract, reappointed members to two advisory boards and unanimously approved a county letter seeking $250,000 from the state for a second round of private-well testing tied to local groundwater contamination concerns.

The actions, taken during a regularly scheduled meeting in Prineville, came alongside updates on an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) the county formed to receive federal secure-rural-schools funding and on a planned appeal of the state's wildfire-hazard map.

The rodeo funding drew brief remarks from local participants. "We appreciate Crook County and everything that you've done for us," said a rodeo representative, noting the Tri County club is one of the largest in the state and that a scholarship auction last year raised more than $50,000 to support competitors' education. Commissioners moved quickly to approve rental funding for the state finals; the motion passed with recorded "aye" votes from Commissioner Hermerich and Commissioner Barney.

The board awarded the county's janitorial contract to Central Oregon Janitorial Services LLC after staff said the firm provided the lowest bid among four proposers and has been providing janitorial work at the Justice Center. "They are providing currently providing janitorial services for us at the Justice Center, and James has been very impressed with their service and their responsiveness, and their adaptability," a procurement staff member said on the record. The contract start date was described as near-term; commissioners approved the award by voice vote.

Appointments: The board approved Order 2025-06, reappointing Cliff Kaiser to the Natural Resource Advisory Committee for a four-year term expiring 12/31/2028. The motion passed with recorded "aye" votes from Commissioner Permurek and Commissioner Barney. The board also approved Order 2025-07 to reappoint John Daylor (position 5) and Janice Flagle (position 7) to the Ag Extension Service District Advisory Board for three-year terms expiring 12/31/2027; that motion also passed with recorded "aye" votes from Commissioner Permurek and Commissioner Barney.

Groundwater testing request: Commissioners approved a motion to sign a letter to the Oregon Legislature's Joint Committee on Ways and Means asking for $250,000 to fund a second round of private-well sampling and related analysis by the state (DEQ). The approved letter asks the committee to fund a second round of sampling to account for seasonal variation and to help resolve residents' long-standing concerns about elevated manganese, arsenic and other contaminants. A county representative read the letter aloud before the vote; the motion passed with recorded "aye" votes from Commissioner Henrique and Commissioner Barney.

Other business: County counsel and staff updated the board on a possible amendment to the intergovernmental agreement that formed the Cook (Crook) County Road Agency to preserve eligibility for federal secure-rural-schools allocations. County counsel explained the agency was formed under state law in 2021 to allow alternative recipients for federal funds and said the Department of the Interior has questioned whether the agency is sufficiently independent of the county. Counsel recommended drafting an amendment to change board composition and other formation details and said staff would send a draft to the City of Prineville's attorney for review; commissioners agreed to pursue those discussions without a formal motion on the floor.

Separately, staff reported a draft appeal of the state's wildfire-hazard map is nearly complete and will be filed on behalf of the county and of specific county properties; staff said the county plans to submit the appeal before the Friday deadline. Commissioners earlier had given staff authority to prepare and file the appeal.

Public comment: Several residents urged the county to support more testing and to consider funding a geologist's report many residents estimate will cost about $50,000. One resident said private testing has been expensive for homeowners and that statewide sampling by DEQ would carry more weight. County staff and commissioners responded that the county's best avenue was to work with DEQ and pursue state funding; staff said that, if DEQ receives the money, the agency will be required to spend it and to complete the sampling quickly (the county indicated any second round of tests would need to be done by May if funding is approved).

Executive session and follow-up: The board met in executive session under ORS 192.660(2)(h) to consult with counsel concerning litigation. After returning to open session, commissioners moved and seconded a motion to "direct staff to proceed as directed in executive session." The motion passed by recorded voice votes (Commissioner Eric and Commissioner Arnie registered "aye" on the record). No further details of the executive-session deliberations were disclosed, consistent with the statute.

Next steps: Staff said it will draft the proposed amendment to the Cook County Road Agency formation documents and contact the city's attorney for a review; staff also said it will file the wildfire map appeal this week and forward the DEQ letter to the Ways and Means subcommittee immediately.