Coos County commissioners approve on‑site septic rules, grant contracts and timber sales; direct counsel on pipeline sale

The Coos County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 18 adopted an ordinance adding on‑site septic permitting to County Code, approved several contracts and grant applications, awarded three timber sales and directed county counsel to retain outside counsel to represent the county before the Oregon Public Utilities Commission on a proposed sale of the county’s gas pipeline.

The actions affect permitting and building services for county residents, grant funding for reentry and victim services, county forest revenue and legal steps related to the county-owned pipeline. Commissioners approved each measure by voice vote during the regularly scheduled board meeting after brief staff presentations and limited public comment.

County code amendment for on‑site permitting

The board adopted an amendment to Coos County Code Article 13 to incorporate on‑site permitting (ordinance cited in the packet as an amendment to Article 13). Jill (staff member) summarized the measure as incorporating the on‑site program into county code so the county can begin regulating on‑site septic and related permitting. Hank (building department staff) said staff are transferring records, setting up the website and training; he told the board, “we actually don't start taking the permits until the seventh, so it gives us a week to train and put everything together.” The motion to adopt the ordinance passed by voice vote.

Annexation ballot title for Fairview Rural Fire District

The board adopted Board Order 25‑03‑019L to refer a proposed annexation of territory into the Fairview Rural Fire Protection District to voters in November. County counsel said the proceeding was held under ORS chapter 198 and that the district previously adopted a resolution; the board had tentatively approved the boundary change pending a final hearing and an election. The order adopts a ballot title and directs the district to hold its own election concurrent with the county process. The board opened the hearing for testimony and received none before approving the order.

Intergovernmental agreement for REALD/SOGI data training

The board approved an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the Oregon Health…