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Deschutes County approves $50,000 health-department funding boost for guardian services
Summary
The Board approved an amendment to extend and add $50,000 in fiscal-year-2026 funding to Central Oregon Guardian Assistance Program to sustain pro bono and low-cost guardianship services for medically vulnerable residents.
The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 1 approved an amendment to an agreement with Central Oregon Guardian Assistance Program to extend the term and add $50,000 in fiscal‑year 2026 funding to support pro bono and low‑cost guardian services.
County commissioners approved the item during the meeting’s consent business after a request to pull it for public acknowledgement. The board’s packet identifies the action as document number 2025 942, amending document 24 247 72 (as stated at the meeting).
Janet Basney, executive director of Central Oregon Guardian Assistance Program, was named during the discussion; county staff said the program has helped 42 people to date and that 75 percent of those served were homeless or at high risk. A health‑department representative, identified in the meeting as Shannon, told the board the department is providing $50,000 from recurring funds already aligned in this year’s budget to support the program’s sustainability.
Commissioners voted to approve the amendment. Commissioner Dyer and Commissioner Chang both recorded “yes” votes on the record and the chair also voted yes.
County staff clarified during discussion that the $50,000 is state‑origin funding routed through Central Oregon Health Council quality improvement (QIM) dollars, which the board noted are effectively Medicaid‑sourced funding used for quality improvement purposes.
No additional public comment or formal amendments were recorded during the vote. The board’s action extends county support for guardian services that staff described as serving veterans, elderly, indigent clients and people involved in civil commitment processes.
The board did not identify additional reporting requirements at the meeting; staff said they would provide the specific county line item for the funding upon request.
