The Wallowa County Board of Commissioners voted Aug. 4 to authorize the sheriff's office to fund removal of abandoned or nuisance recreational vehicles and motorhomes from county rights of way when owners do not comply, as allowed by Ordinance No. 503. The measure passed 3-0.

Why it matters: Residents and business owners had raised concerns about abandoned motorhomes and encampments along county roads and in parks. Commissioners, prosecutors and sheriff's staff discussed enforcement steps and costs, including towing and storage, and stressed the need to avoid merely relocating encampments onto private property.

What was said: Sheriff's Office staff reported multiple motorhomes at Rooks Park Road and other sites. Chief Deputy Schramm said deputies have sought voluntary compliance and that the office does not intend routine ticketing or towing when voluntary solutions exist. "We want to do everything we can to work with the resources, that are available for these folks to get them to leave voluntarily and be somewhere that they can be safely and and with good health," Schramm said. Commissioners noted towing estimates can be large — tow and disposal fees can run into the thousands per vehicle, depending on size and storage needs.

Funding and process: Commissioner Kimball urged that removal costs remain under the sheriff's office budget rather than a separate county central account, saying the board should not manage day-to-day enforcement decisions. Commissioner Clayton and others said a budget amendment may be needed this fiscal year if multiple removals are required. Staff said ticketing language has been sent to district court and the county is awaiting integration into the county ticketing system.

Ending: The board approved a direction that removals be funded from the sheriff's office budget for now and requested the sheriff return with cost estimates and a budget amendment if needed. Commissioners and staff emphasized a preference for voluntary resolution, support services coordination, and careful placement when vehicles are removed so owners are not simply displaced.