Commissioners approve $650,000 contract amendment for 2026 Comprehensive Plan periodic update

The Wallowa County Board on Jan. 13 approved an amendment to the county’s professional services agreement with Kimley Horn and Associates for the 2026 Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations periodic update. The motion passed unanimously (3-0).

Lauren (last name not specified), a county planning staffer, told commissioners the amendment converts an existing on-call planning contract (not-to-exceed $50,000) into a stand-alone amendment for the periodic update with a not-to-exceed amount of $650,000 and extends the contract through the end of 2026. She said the money comes from two Washington State Department of Commerce grants: one for a mandatory climate element and another for the overall periodic update.

Commissioner Clayton asked why the jump from $50,000 to $650,000; Lauren explained the smaller on-call limit covered routine annual workload, while the periodic update is out-of-cycle, larger work requiring a separate contract amendment. Commissioner Kimball noted the firm is already familiar with countywide planning policies and the county’s direction.

Commissioners approved the amendment after a brief discussion and a motion to amend the agreement with Kimley Horn and Associates, passed 3-0.