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 Authority to fund training related to the REALD/SOGI data effort (described in staff remarks as training and curriculum development to implement new data collection questions). Dr. Gleason (public health staff) said the REALD/SOGI effort aims to produce more accurate demographic data for consumers of Coos Health & Wellness services and that the state expects the database and reporting requirements to become required around 2027. One commissioner asked whether the program would be advocacy; a commissioner clarified, “this is purely data collection.” The board authorized department head Mike Crowley to sign the IGA.

Security assessment contract

The board approved a contract with LMG Security for an internal and external penetration test and a HIPAA risk assessment. Mike Riley (department head) explained the county previously contracted a HIPAA risk assessment and added penetration testing this year; the board noted no general fund dollars would be used for the contract. The motion passed by voice vote.

Timber sale awards

Coos County Forester Lance Worgan reported bids were received for three advertised timber sales (advertised March 2025) and recommended awarding contracts to the high bidder in each case. The board approved awarding and signing the attached timber sale contracts; staff noted the high bidder for all three sales was Roseburg Forest Products (through Scott Timber) and that bids came in roughly 15% above appraised value, with total sales value described by staff as “somewhere around $2,600,000.” The motion passed by voice vote.

Justice Reinvestment Program grant application

The board approved applying for a 2025–2027 Justice Reinvestment Program (JRI) grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. Staff described the grant as funding a full‑time parole and probation officer, 75% of a district attorney position, treatment services, housing support at Bay Area First Step, training, administrative costs and a small victims’ set‑aside to local victim agencies. Staff provided a preliminary projected two‑year budget of about $826,000 but said final amounts are not yet confirmed; the board authorized submission of the application.

Victim services contracts

Using existing 2024–25 JRI funds, the board approved two victim services contracts: one with Kids Hope Center for a 0.5 FTE victim support specialist in the amount of $22,436.75, and one with SAFE Project for a campus outreach advocate/executive director services in the same amount ($22,436.75). Staff explained Kids Hope Center serves children and families in abuse cases and said the center serves “about 400-plus kids a year” (staff estimate). The motions passed by voice vote.

Vehicle purchases and surplus declarations

Community Corrections requested purchase of two 2025 Ford Explorers through state price agreement 1660 (Landmark Ford) to replace older vehicles; staff asked for authorization not to exceed $82,000 to cover the purchase plus DMV and related fees. The board approved the purchase, noting the replacements are funded by state Department of Corrections funds rather than general fund dollars.

The board also declared a 2007 Chevy Tahoe and a 2011 Chevy Tahoe surplus and approved adding them to the county auction listing.

OTET subscription and Teamsters coverage

The board authorized the chair to sign an OTET (Teamsters Trust) subscription agreement to maintain health insurance coverage for Solid Waste employees who are Teamsters Local 206 members.

Pipeline sale and PUC representation

A lengthy discussion addressed the county‑owned gas pipeline and repeated slide and riverbank issues that have threatened the line. Commissioners described the pipeline as important to several local employers (including Roseburg Forest Products and Southport Lumber Company) and to homes and businesses that use natural gas. County staff reported Northwest Natural Gas operates normal service but that major recovery or sale matters would be before the Oregon Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The board voted to direct county counsel to retain outside counsel experienced in utility and energy matters to represent Coos County in PUC deliberations regarding a potential sale of the pipeline. The board also approved an amendment clarifying that initial payment for outside counsel will come from county counsel’s contracted services budget and may be backfilled from the pipeline fund as needed.

Late agenda item: fair funding letter (SB 771)

The board approved adding a late agenda item and agreed to sign a letter supporting Senate Bill 771, a state bill seeking $5 million for small communities with rodeos and fairs. Fair representatives planned testimony before the Ways and Means Committee and the board approved the commissioners’ signatures on the letter of support.

Votes at a glance

- Adopt ordinance amending Coos County Code Article 13 (on‑site septic/permitting): approved (voice vote) - Adopt Board Order 25‑03‑019L (Fairview Rural Fire District annexation ballot title): approved (voice vote) - Approve IGA with Oregon Health Authority re: REALD/SOGI training and implementation; authorize Mike Crowley to sign: approved (voice vote) - Approve agreement with LMG Security for penetration testing and HIPAA risk assessment; authorize Mike Riley to sign: approved (voice vote) - Award timber sales to high bidders (Roseburg Forest Products/Scott Timber): approved (voice vote) - Approve 2025–27 Justice Reinvestment Program grant application: approved (voice vote) - Approve Kids Hope Center contract for victim support specialist ($22,436.75): approved (voice vote) - Approve SAFE Project contract for victim services ($22,436.75): approved (voice vote) - Approve purchase of two 2025 Ford Explorers (not to exceed $82,000): approved (voice vote) - Declare 2007 and 2011 Chevy Tahoes surplus and add to auction: approved (voice vote) - Authorize chair to sign OTET subscription agreement (Teamsters Local 206): approved (voice vote) - Direct county counsel to retain outside counsel for PUC pipeline sale deliberations; funding from contracted services to be backfilled by pipeline fund if necessary: approved (voice vote) - Approve letter of support for SB 771 (fair funding): approved (voice vote)

Ending

The board concluded with commissioner updates on local projects, budget preparations and community outreach; public comment included residents urging more mental‑health resources and support for reallocating urban renewal funds. The meeting adjourned after a brief comment period with no further testimony recorded.